Week 12 One Touch Passing & SAQ

Instructions/Setup:

This pre-season practice takes place in a 20 by 30-yard area and focuses on developing players' one-touch passing, agility, and speed. The area is divided into zones with players set up in pairs or small groups.

The players will move through a series of stations, each focusing on different elements of one-touch passing and agility exercises. The first station involves passing and moving with one touch, where players receive the ball and quickly pass it with their first touch to a teammate. They will then move to the next position and repeat the process.

In the second part of the practice, players will perform a series of agility and speed exercises such as ladder drills, cone slaloms, and short sprints. These drills should focus on quick footwork, fast reactions, and changing directions under pressure. Players rotate through the stations, working on both their passing accuracy and their agility and speed.

Coaching Notes:

• One-touch passing – Emphasize the importance of quick and accurate one-touch passing. Players should focus on the weight and accuracy of their passes, ensuring they are played to the correct spot for their teammate to receive with ease.

• Movement off the ball – Encourage players to always be moving to support the player with the ball. Players should look to make intelligent runs to create space for themselves and their teammates to receive passes.

• Agility and speed – During the agility drills, encourage players to keep low and move quickly through the cones and ladders. Focus on rapid changes of direction and quick foot movements to enhance players' agility and ability to accelerate under pressure.

• Quick decision-making – Players should be encouraged to make quick decisions when passing, aiming to keep the ball moving and avoid holding possession for too long. This will help improve their decision-making speed in match situations.

Progression 1: Increase Passing Speed

Increase the pace at which players are expected to complete their one-touch passes, pushing them to work under more time pressure.

Focus: Improve players’ ability to make faster decisions and execute quicker passes under pressure.

Progression 2: Add Defensive Pressure

Introduce defenders into the drills, forcing the players to complete their one-touch passes while under pressure. This will simulate match conditions where players need to make decisions while being challenged by an opponent.

Focus: Develop players’ ability to maintain passing accuracy and speed while under defensive pressure, improving their confidence in tight situations.