Two-Touch Build-Up Shape

Objective

• -Build from the keeper through the thirds
• -Create angles that beat the first line of press
• -Recognise when to go long instead

Setup

1. 1A defensive third with a goal, a back line and midfield support in a 44 x 36 yards area.
2. 2Place a marker at every receiving position so players know where to set the ball before it arrives.
3. 3Balls in the goal, two sets of bibs, target gates on halfway.

How to play

1. 1The keeper starts every rep and the back line splits wide.
2. 2The team plays through the press and dribbles through a halfway gate to score.
3. 3If the press wins it, they attack the goal immediately.
4. 4Ball enters from the coach and the first receiver is on two touches from that moment.
5. 5Count completed sequences under the touch limit — best of three 3-minute rounds.

Progressions

• +Drop the central players to one touch
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Allow three touches while the picture is being learned
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two touches in your own half, free touches in the final third
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Playing out for the sake of it
• -Full backs too narrow and deep
• -Taking a settling touch that kills the tempo