First-Time Flanks

Objective

• -Play and cross with one touch
• -Arrive at the right time in the box
• -Finish quickly from service

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 25 yard area with two wide crossing lanes.
2. 2Place two mini goals in the central scoring zone.
3. 3Set up pairs on each side with one server and one runner.
4. 4Keep balls with the coach at the side.

How to play

1. 1A server plays into the wide runner moving forward.
2. 2The runner must cross first time if the ball allows it.
3. 3A second player attacks the cross and finishes into a mini goal.
4. 4If the first ball is poor, the pair can take one extra touch and still continue.
5. 5Swap sides after each sequence.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Forcing one-touch when not possible
• -Flat feet before the delivery
• -Arriving too close to the server