Touch and Go

Objective

• -Improve receiving on the move
• -Link first touch with action
• -Build awareness of space

Setup

1. 1Set up three small lanes side by side, each about 18 x 12 yards.
2. 2Place two players in each lane with one ball.
3. 3Players start at opposite ends so they face each other.

How to play

1. 1One player passes down the lane and the other meets the ball with a controlled first touch.
2. 2The receiver then passes straight back and both players move a few steps to reset.
3. 3After a minute, ask players to receive with the back foot or front foot as needed.
4. 4Change roles frequently so both players get equal turns.
5. 5Keep each lane active at the same time.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Stopping dead to receive
• -Passing before the partner is ready
• -Touching the ball too far away