Pocket Turn Game

Objective

• -Receive in tight areas
• -Use first touch to turn away from pressure
• -Attack quickly after control

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle 30 x 25 yards with a goal at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Place one mini goal in each corner as a scoring bonus option.

How to play

1. 1Teams play normal small-sided football toward the end goals.
2. 2A goal counts double if the scorer first controls a pass and turns away from pressure.
3. 3Encourage players to receive with a clear space in mind.
4. 4Restart quickly from the coach or the team that conceded.
5. 5Keep the game flowing with plenty of balls ready.

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

• -Turning into pressure
• -Taking a poor first touch before the shot
• -Hiding behind opponents instead of moving for space