First Move Hunt

Objective

• -Read the first touch
• -Get close under control
• -Win the ball cleanly

Setup

1. 1Set up a narrow rectangle with a cone start line at one end.
2. 2Work in pairs, with one attacker and one presser.
3. 3Place a cone gate at the far end as the target.
4. 4Keep one ball per pair and swap roles often.

How to play

1. 1The attacker starts with the ball and takes the first touch into the area.
2. 2The presser starts a few yards away and moves on the coach's signal.
3. 3If the attacker has a heavy touch, the presser accelerates and tries to win it.
4. 4If the ball is won, the presser dribbles through the target gate.
5. 5Reset quickly and change the starting roles.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Reacting late to a poor touch
• -Over-sliding and missing the ball
• -Standing too close before moving