Diamond First Touch

Objective

• -Practise controlling different types of pass
• -Receive and set up the next action
• -Use a simple passing pattern under light pressure

Setup

1. 1Mark a diamond with cones about 18 x 18 yards in size.
2. 2Place one player on each cone and a spare player on one side with balls.
3. 3Use bibs if you want two teams working in the same space.

How to play

1. 1The starter passes into the next player in the diamond.
2. 2That player receives with the first touch and passes to the next cone.
3. 3After each pass, follow your pass and join the next line or cone.
4. 4Keep the ball travelling around the diamond in the same direction for one minute, then change direction.
5. 5Encourage players to use inside, outside and sole touches depending on the pass.

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

• -Waiting flat-footed
• -Touching the ball too far
• -Rushing the pass after control