TOUCHTIGHT’S

21 PRACTICE EBOOK
PRACTICES 2018-19
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 Copyright

TOUCHTIGHT
20 PRE-SEASON PRACTICES

© 2018, TOUCHTIGHT
Self publishing

coaching@touchtight.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal
Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No
part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or by any other information storage and retrieval system
without express written permission from the author / publisher.

Touchtight Coaching Limited 2018 ©

PREFACE
Football, or soccer as many choose to call this indulgence, is a well loved hobby, sport and way of life for passionate individuals on a
global scale. As one of those many, I have chosen to support the development of both coaches and players through the creation
and distribution of simple, effective and adaptable practices for all ages and ability levels.

As a former semi-professional player, who like many, have had their career cut short through injury, I have embarked on the coach
development journey myself with many positive and negative experiences on the way. From Level 1 to A Licence coach in 3 years,
has been an adventurous journey. Combined with Youth modules 1,2 and 3 during this time, a chameleon style approach to coaching hs
been required, as many of you know there has been a disparity between senior and youth level coaching in recent years.

To develop these sought after skills requires diligent application, reflection and adaptation to make the desired improvements. It is
from this mindset that ‘TouchTights 20 Pre Season Practices’ was formed as what we hope will be the first of many resources that provides
the support and guidance for both novice and experienced coaches alike.

My experiences as an ex-player, current teacher and academy coach has been a challenging process that has given me the op-
portunity to learn and continue to improve in this field. From grassroots coaches who are setting out on their own journey of developing
sons, daughters and their friends through to academy and senior experienced coaches in the professional game, we hope this
will be the start of a journey that we can support you with in your own coaching.

This first book will provide predmoniantly football practices that can be used during pre-season with the ball, together with
additional fitness practices without the ball. With the time we have had to develop this material, we recogise the importance of
providing this material during what is important preparation time, and so have made each practice as easy to follow as possible.

In what has been an exciting beginning in creating our first ebook, we hope you find it useful and engage with ths passion fuelled
literature as you move forward with your own groups.

Touchtight Coaching Limited 2018 ©

 INTRODUCTION
Do you find it difficult to impact on your players? Do you need help overcoming your fear of coaching during courses? Are you
unsure of what technical points to make? Don’t know when to stop the practice? Not sure how often to stop the practice during
assesment? These are all questions that we aim to answer, through providing our latest practices in this, our first ebook, ‘Touchtight’s 20 Pre-Season
Practices’.

Within this material, we provide practices that will guide you through the coaching process, with clearly illustated diagrams for practices starting
points together with structured, easy to follow progressions.

We allow coaches to be creative through using some of our TouchTight tips to engage players and ensure they are able to maiximise their
learning opportunities.

In addition, each practice contains individual and team objectives that allow concentrated focus that players and coaches can measure, reflect
and adapt for future sessions to retain learning.

After researching the coaching field and speaking to a vast number of coaches, we feel there is a need for more simplified, step by step solu-
tions for technical and opposed situations. With this in mind and the inclinaiton that you aspire to be a more effective, engaging and ultimately
better coach, this is what we have created.

With your passion, intention, attention, and patience, you will improve your coaching and your players perfomance on the field better
than you would with other material, because we.. break .. it .. down! You’ll develop a confidence in your own knowledge that will earn
respect as a coach based on your expertise from your players. You will be equipped with practices for level 1 and 2 coaching courses, but
most importantly you will impact positively on your players during this period and enjoy the adventure. So turn the page and begin now!

Touchtight Coaching Limited 2018 ©

 PRACTICES
WITH THE BALL
Player endurance and speed can be developed as much with
the ball, as it can without - the modern approach

Touchtight Coaching Limited 2018 ©

TRANSITION OUTNUMBERED

Practice Set Up
Outside area is a 30 x 30 Yard square, with a smaller 20 x 20 square central. Practice
starts with a 5 v 3 possession practice, with 4 players on the outside.

If 3 inside players win possession, it becomes a 7 v 5 using the whole area. Players in
Yellow are floaters for later progressions not for the starting point.

Individual Player Focus

Transition Reaction - Passing - Movement - Decision Making - Space Creation

1
Key Points Focus
1. Passing quality and ability to maintain possession and defensive
pressure

2. Decisions when possession regained, how quickly can team

expand.

3. Team recognize when to play short to draw in opposition to then

switch

Objective

React quickly on gaining possession - Use space effectively to maintain

possession

"Players enjoy this continuous flow of practice with

variations in being outnumbered"
#transitionwork"
TRANSITION OUTNUMBERED

P1: 10 PASS CHANGEOVER P3: DRIBBLE TO FINISH

If possession team make 10 passes they can use Players can now run out of square to score when 5 passes made.
floaters to create 7 v 5 of their own using whole area Same rules apply on transition

TouchTight Tips

Players enjoy this continuous flow of practice with variations in being outnumbered and
having the advantage in numbers. If you want to work defenders more and numbers
available, may set up as 4 v 2 central, with 4 on outside; work it with your numbers.

SPACE: Alter the outside space to make larger or smaller depending on numbers. Could
condition possession with 2 halves centrally to encourage spreading play

1
TIME: Could work 4-5 minutes for each team in overload centrally and keep scores of
how many times possession gained and regained

EQUIP: With the introduction of goals, we can condition this in many ways; 1 or 2 touch
finish, or must go out to come back in to middle area to finish.
P2: 5 PASS TO FINISH PLAYER:Work out your numbers and always work the advantage in the middle and
If possession team makes 5 passes they can use
outside equally, we can always add players to work in different areas if needed.
floaters to combine to finish on goals shown

9 "Remember to monitor the time players

are working, no longer than 2-3 minutes"
#fitness_v_quality
2 v 2 POSSESSION

Practice Set Up

Here players are set up in 2 separate grids 15 x 15 yards, in a 2 v 2 possession with 4

floaters on the outside.

Players must simply keep possession through combining with outside players who being
on 1 touch

Individual Player Focus

Creating Space - Touch - Body Shape - Awareness - Double Movement

Key Points Focus

2
1. Establish rules of 1 touch outside, and focus on players angles to create
space

2. Rotation of 2 players, as one player moves out of space other must

replace

3. Recognise when to speed up play and when to slow it down (time & space)

Team Objectives

Combine effectively through intelligent movement - Recognise when to exploit

space

"2 v 2s can be demanding, especially when

players are limited with outside options"
#nowcompete
 2 v 2 POSSESSION

P1: FLOATERS ROTATION P3: BALL TRANSFER

Outside players can now rotate with teammate on If pass played to outside player, can switch play with
inside after every 3 passes centrally becomes 4 v 4 opposite group who must be aware (checking shoulders)
directional
TouchTight Tips
For pre-season this practice can be extended to ensure central players are working
hard in the initial phases. 2 v 2’s can be demanding, especially when players are
limited with options outside.

SPACE: Players must check shoulders consistently to recognise space in which to

play

2
TIME: Players to communicate time players have available and coach can set time
limitis for each practice, with elements of competition between pairs

EQUIP: 2 areas, allows numbers to be catered for and progressions can be

creative as shown, if more players could add another square with less floaters

PLAYER:Possible use of a floater in central area to maintain flow of possession, possibly

P2: GRID CHANGEOVER
On rotaiton player who moves to outside can switch with
outside player in opposite grid. (Communication & awareness)

"2 v 2s can be demanding, especially when

1 players are limited with outside options"
#nowcompete
4 v 4 PLUS FLOATERS

Practice Set Up

30 x 30 playing area, with a 4 v 4 in central area and 4 floaters on the outside used to
combine for team in possession.

Simple possession practice, whereby team in possession must make 10 consecutive

pass-es to score a goal, creating challenge.

Individual Player Focus

Creating Space - Touch - Body Shape - Awareness - Rotation - 10/10 passing

3
Key Points Focus

1. Develop tempo, with focus on pressing to force possession team to be tidy

2. Using the space wisely, recognise when to play on different lines (long/
short)

3. Angle creation especially for outside, always available on ball movement

Team Objectives

Combine effectively to maintain possession - Recognise when to press out of possession

"Challenges can be set for groups, with

targets set for in and out of possession.
Be creative."
#workbothways
 4 v 4 PLUS FLOATERS

P1: MOVE ON P3: USE WHOLE AREA

Floaters have 2 touches and cannot play back into area Possession team must now attempt to pass the ball through
they recieved pass from, must play into different area each of the four areas to get a goal

TouchTight Tips

This is often a free flowing practice where players enjoy keeping the ball moving, with
the objective of using the whole area. Be aware that defenders need to be pushed

SPACE: Focus on players using the whole area and playing off each other’s movement

3
TIME: Challenges to be set for groups, with targets set for in and out of possesison. Be
creative e.g. Could play without floaters for 30 seconds, challenging possession

EQUIP: With area broken down into 4 quaters makes players consider ball transfer,
could alter this to rows or columns to work defensive side

PLAYER: More or less floaters depending on quality of the group, could also go

P2: CENTRAL ROTATION
Floater can now play back into area for a different
player, providing they have rotated with the passing
teammate
"Challenges can be set for groups, with
targets set for in and out of possession.
13 Be creative."
#workbothways
4 V 4 DEFENSIVE SHAPE

Practice Set Up

Area is set up in a simple 30 x 20 for younger age groups, with it possibly being
extended to a 40 x 30 for adult players.

2 groups of 4 players set up as shown, with 1 team attacking and the other
defending. Objective is for defensive unit to stop opposition from running or passing
into the end zone through being compact.

Individual Player Focus

Defensive technique - Press Decisions - Covering Teammate - Force Direction

4
Key Points Focus

1. Challenge attacking team to be creative, touch on defensive shape

2. When to press (slow, misplaced pass) and when to remain compact (over
load, or geneal possession)

3. Forcing direction and decisions to isolate individuals (identify team strengths)

Team Objectives

Defensive technique - Dribbling - Reading player - Feints - Speed of

Movement

"During this period of the season,

encourage high pressing tempo to
replicate match situations"
#compactness
4 V 4 DEFENSIVE SHAPE

P1: 1 Touch Finish P3: 3 Areas - Compact

Attacking team can now finish in goals with a 1 touch finish, Split pitch into 4 zones, defenders must always be within
forcing defenders to press high or sit deep and lose shape 3 joined zones to ensure they remain compact and circulate the ball

TouchTight Tips

A focused practice that can be used during Pre-Season to develop both defensive
understanding,as well as attacking knowledge acquisition. During this period of the
season, encourage high pressing tempo to replicate match situations

SPACE: Focus on defensive principles of compactness and pressing high as a unit,

with additional information regarding sliding across quickly to prevent switch

4
TIME: Set time challenges for both defensive and attacking units, to hit session

objectives. i.e. defenders 10 secs to regain to encourage pressing

EQUIP: Could add goals for defending team to score in on regaining possession, if you
want to develop the transition element to the practice
P2: Strikers Added PLAYER: Can expand into a phase dependent on numbers to make mor game realistic
Additional 2 STs up against what is now a back 4, with
defending team provided with a CM player to add cover

"During this period of the season,

encourage high pressing tempo to
15 replicate match situations"
#compactness
1 V 1 DEFENDING

Practice Set Up

The simplest of practices for defending and/or dribbling technique.

Here we start in a 15 x 15 yard area, with 1 player passing to a player at the
opposite end and objective is to defend against player dribbling over end line.

Coach can work on individual attacking and defensive technique or combine both
with each intervention.

Individual Player Focus

Defensive technique - Dribbling - Reading player - Feints - Speed of Movement

5
Key Points Focus

1. Press quickly on defender’s first touch, before slowing down within a

yard

2. Bend knees and force onto weaker foot with body shape

3. Attempt to win possession, if not - spoil possession or force backwards

Team Objectives

Individual Defending technique that can be transferred into a team

practice

"We can add scores and make it

competitive with first to 5 before rotating"
#funisimportant
1 V 1 DEFENDING

P1: Cone Targets P3: Floater Combination

Add 2 areas in each corner of opposite end, Add a floater either side, whereby attacker must combine
to focus attacker on being direct, eases defending slightly. in front or behind to attack coned area, defender will drop

TouchTight Tips

For younger age groups such as our 5-8 range, we must add elements of fun to this prac-
tice. We can add scores and make it competitive with first to 5 before rotating. We could
also have different grids of 1 v 1, where players move depending on achievements

SPACE: Could play in a smaller area to make it more difficult to attack or vice versa to

5
test defenders. Different shape with a funnel testing 1 player more than the other

TIME: Players must get over the line in 6 seconds or regain in this time, otherwise

possession transferred

EQUIP: As with the addition of cones, could split zone into 4 with a flat disc
centrally and work different areas
P2: Targets both ends
Defender also has target to attack on winning possession, work PLAYER:1 v 1 is 1 v 1 so do what you will, we’ve pushed it here adding floaters!
speed of transition attacking and defending

"We can add scores and make it

competitive with first to 5 before rotating"
#funisimportant
 3RD MAN RUNS

Practice Set Up

This practice is set up in an area 30 Yards long x 20 wide, with at least 2 players po-
sitioned on each corner and 2 players in an 8 x 8 square, each facing the opposite
direction as shown.

One player begins with the ball in a corner and plays directly across to width who then
plays into central player. These 2 players will then crossover, with the first passer
receiv-ing the ball off the setter to play through to the opposite corner.

Both players will follow through to the opposite corner. This same pattern will take
place on the opposite side once players are comfortable with the pattern.

Individual Player Focus

Passing Quality - Movement - Touch - Understanding - Focus - Communication

6
Key Points Focus

1. Patience in identifying players understand, then passing quality

2. Timing of runs to recieve passes to keep practice flowing, 1 or 2 touch?

3. Communication is crucial, especially with progressions (set, left,right,

1-2)

Team Objectives

Understand each other’s movement - Recognise when to slow & speed up practice

"Set time challenges for players to keep

practice flowing without a misplaced pass"
#nopressure
 3RD MAN RUNS

P1: WORK BOTH WAYS P3: SET AND SPIN

Now we can use 2 balls to keep the rotation flowing and Central player now combines twice, with basic set
central players can switch each passing move and then spinning to play 1-2 in opposite corner

TouchTight Tips

We can apply a pre-season focus to this practice with player’s developing an

understanding of each other’s movement together with tempo runs between each
station

SPACE: Depending on skill level and age of players, extend or shorten passing range

6
and central area to combine

TIME: Set time challenges for players to keep practice flowing without a misplaced
pass

EQUIP: Add an extra ball to the play if confident that players have mastered progression

P2: 1-2 AROUND THE CORNER PLAYER:Could introduce passive defenders into central area if numbers uneven or to
Player passing through to opposite corner, also receives ball
again to play ball around the corner to next station encourage players to combine in different ways to maintain practice flow.

"Set time challenges for players to keep

19 practice flowing without a misplaced pass"
#nopressure
BIG SQUARE-SMALL SQUARE

Practice Set Up

Depending on numbers this practice should be at least a 20 x 20 big box and 8x8
small box. With older age groups and more numbers could extend to 25 x 25.

Split groups in half, with players on the outside on the ball and other half of players on
the inside.

First practice is a simple pass into middle man who must turn, do any trick in smaller
square, pass to another player and find another ball to repeat.

Individual Player Focus

Touch - Body Shape - Tricks - Awareness of players - Communication

7
Key Points Focus

1. Quality and speed of trick in central area, ensure players avoiding others

2. Body shape to recieve on the half turn and quality of first touch in
direction

3. Communication on and off the ball (Turn, Play, Left, Right etc.)

Team Objectives

Group to be aware of each other’s movement and progress into competition, with
focus on quality of passes for teammate, reference 10/10 passing

"Creativity is crucial, combine this with

short sharp turns."
#5yardsprints
BIG SQUARE-SMALL SQUARE

P1: ROTATE IN AND OUT P3: 1-2 THEN 3RD MAN

All players now involved in rotation, when ball passed out After 1-2, pass to player on the right or left of receiver for them to repeat
or takeover then repeat action Game Understanding (Awareness)

TouchTight Tips
There are many variations to this practice, including type of service, working headers
and volleys together with different movements off the ball.

The coach has free licence to implement as many changes they feel would benefit the
players. Remember to monitor the time players are working, no longer than 2-3 minutes

SPACE: We could add 2 or 3 separate areas rather than 1 central areas, whereby
players must perform a trick before laying off to teammate

7
TIME: Limit to 1-2 minutes. Could challenge players to see how many tricks they can
use before cut off; be mindful of drop in level of technique

EQUIP: Outside players may have to cross over to other side of square after playing pass

P2: 1-2 COMBO PLAYER:Could introduce defenders to add pressure in central area passively so players
Player dribbling through centre, must now play a 1-2 have decisions to make in terms of attacking spaces.
with
outside player before rotation; check body shape

"Creativity is crucial, combine this with

21 short sharp turns."
#5yardsprints
POSSESSION SWITCH

Practice Set Up

40 x 30 Yard area, with 6 v 5 overload (depending on numbers) in one half of the grid,
with a single player remining in the oppositie half. Team must make 10 consecutive
passes to get a goal.

If defenders regain possession, they must transfer the ball across to their teammate to
join in to combine and defenders must press now in this area, leaving 1 player in other
half

Individual Player Focus

Movement - Decision Making - Transition Principles - Support Play

8
Key Points Focus

1. Create space to make pitch larger and force defenders to press as a

group

2. On gaining possession, speed of transfer and support for teammate

3. Reaction to losing possession before transfer made, quick and together

Team Objectives

Support transfer of possession on regain - Press and force direction during transition

"Support transfer of the ball quickly and

effectively is the name of the game here."
#quicksupport
POSSESSION SWITCH

P1: 2 v 1 ON REGAIN P3: SUPPORT RUNS TO FINISH

Leave extra player to support transfer, against 1 DF who Goals added to provide direction and challenge,
must remain in this area once transferred support runners can combine to finish

TouchTight Tips
Support transfer of the ball quickly and effctively is the name of the game here.
Coaches must be aware that possession may be gained and regained in quick
succession.

SPACE: On transfer players must recognise space to support quickly in order to maintain
possession

8
TIME: Challenge possession team to keep the ball for a certain amount of time before
being able to drop player out and transfer ball back into other half

EQUIP: 4 goals and halfway line adds focus and provides targets to encourage quick
support

PLAYER: Could leave 2 or 3 out of half to develop more possession with number advantage
P2: 5 PASS TRANSFER
Possession team can now tranfer the ball after 5 pases in a 1v1,
player must create space as an option - quick support

"Support transfer of the ball quickly and

23 effectively is the name of the game here."
#quicksupport
3 TEAM CHASE - TEMPO

Practice Set Up

30 x 15 yard area split into 2 10 x 15 yard areas and a central area 5 x 15 as shown.
3 teams of 5 (depending on numbers) in each area, with one team to keep possession
and 2 members of central group to press to win possession.

Passing team to make 5 passes before transferring to opposite end for another 2 central
players to chase. If regained, transfer to opposite end and team who loses ball moves
into central areas and 2 players chase.

Individual Player Focus

1 v 1 - Recognition of Space - Decision Making - Switch (player quality)

9
Key Points Focus

1. Maintaining possession, angles & body shape to keep the ball in tight
places

2. Focus on paired pressure to ensure attacking quality is at a high level

3. Use of space effectively, 2 high and 3 short to create space for each other

Team Objectives

Recognise when to play short to go long - Press as a pair and force

direction

"Great practice to start sessions off after initial

warm up, combining competition elements."
#startbright
3 TEAM CHASE - TEMPO

P1: DROP IN TO RECEIVE

One player from opposite end can drop in unopposed to P1: SET PLAY THROUGH
switch play after 5 passes Central floter must bounce it back to possession team
to play through to opposite end

TouchTight Tips
Great practice to start sessions off after warm up, as elements of competition and quick
passing and transfer of the ball, encourages player to work at a high tempo.

SPACE: Compact area encourages players to play quickly and challenges individuals

TIME: Not much time available here. Get players to focus on giving themselves more

9
time through being ready before transfer; organized

EQUIP: Balls must be prepared at the coaches feet or stationed around the practice, as
there will be a lot of transfer of possession

PLAYER:Be creative with numbers, decide what you want out of the session, easier
defending or attacking and work to those ends. e.g. 4 v 2, 5 v 3, 6 v 4 etc.
P1: 50 PASS COMPETITION
Each team must keep their score of passes, limited to 5 in
each passing phase; no cheating

"Great practice to start sessions off after initial

25 warm up, combining competition elements."
#startbright
MIDFIELD COMBINATIONS

Practice Set Up

In a 30 x 30 Square area, split into 4 quarters as shown (15 x 15s). 4 v 4 with 2

floaters, each team must have 1 player in each box at all times to start in a 1 v 1 and
floaters can combine anywhere in the area.

Idea is for CMs to be able to combine effectively to maintain possession around the grid
with fluid movement.

Individual Player Focus

Teammate Understanding - Passing Quality - Fluid Movement - Space Recognition

10
Key Points Focus

1. Setting of tempo for defenders in 1 v 1 to make it difficult in possession

2. Initial quality of passing and movement in possession to lose defenders

3. Focus on CM angles to play off each other and reactions to ball movement

Team Objectives

Effective movement to combine - Create space for self and others - Fluid Possession

"To work CMs understanding, we must

concentrate on movement patterns and their
recognition of each other's space."
#teammates
MIDFIELD COMBINATIONS

P1: Rotate After Pass P3: Combine To Finish

Passer can switch with a teammate in another CMs must combine for possession team to finish,
square to encourage movement off the ball constant ball rotation to maintain practice tempo
TouchTight Tips
This is a fantastic practice that allows coaches to develop many aspects of individuals.

Primarily as an exercise to work CM understanding, we must concentrate on movement

patterns and their recognition of each other’s space to maintain possession through fluid
transfer of the ball using the whole area.

SPACE: Can be restricted in many ways. Additional constraints could be Floaters must
be in different areas or must move into a different space once ball is passed

TIME: Encourage every possession player to touch the ball at least once every
possession phase, within 12 seconds for example.

10
EQUIP: Addition of drop out zones for possession players to take a touch into. With goals
added could go 4 mini goals in each corner

P2: CM Combination 1 Touch PLAYER: With more numbers consider floaters on outside, but no more than 2 as practice
Floating CM players must combine in 1 touch to
develop awareness of each other’s positioning becomes too simple, unless you are creative to introduce other constraints!

"To work CMs understanding, we must

27 concentrate on movement patterns and their
recognition of each other's space."
#teammates
DRIBBLE AND STOP

Practice Set Up

Area is set up with a 30 Yard width and length can vary depending number of players
(e.g. 15 players requires 5 x 10 yard areas so 50 yds).

Central player will run with the ball to end player, lay off, run around player and
receive the other side, before performing a dribble and repeating the action; 1 - 2
minutes rotate

Individual Player Focus

Speed - Dribbling skills - Running with the ball - Endurance

11
Key Points Focus

1. Develop speed and endurance as well as technique in dribbling and RWTB

2. Ensure all players communictaing on and off the ball to aid each other

3. Identify differences in touchs as players tire, can players maintain out their feet

Team Objectives

Recognise when to dribble and when to RWTB - Develop to combine and uilize space

"Make 3-4 players your main focus during session

and identify differences that you can develop."
#differentiate
DRIBBLE AND STOP

P1: 1-2 COMBINATION

At end of run, player must play a 1-2 before rounding P3: SWITCH AFTER DRIBBLE
player to receive again to repeat opposite end Blue 3 moves to outside after passing to Red 10, who sets Blue 2
then

TouchTight Tips

This develops endurance, whilst also allowing players to improve RWTB and
experiement dribbling skills. Coach must be focused on capacity of players and alter
time that players are working; be aware.

SPACE: Players to perform dribble after few touches with tight control and then
explode to get out of their feet when RWTB

TIME: As mentioned be aware of fitness of players and alter time accordingly

11
EQUIP: May add a 5 yard gap between each area to ensure groups have room

PLAYER: Make 3-4 players your main focus during session and idenfity differences that
P2: TAKEOVER you can develop, whether technical or fitness variances
All players now involved in dribbling, RWTB with takeover
after each run, introduce competition

"Make 3-4 players your main focus during session

and identify differences that you can develop."
#differentiate
CIRCLE COMBINATION

Practice Set Up

Circle area laid out with a 20 - 30 yard diameter depending on player numbers, with
2 players combining centrally and outside players as passers and recievers

Ball on the outside, passed into player 1 who sets player 2 who passes out to different
player on outside, immediately ready for next pass, could start with 2 or more balls

Individual Player Focus

Touch - Movement To Recieve- Communication - Passing Quality - Awareness

12
Key Points Focus

1. Angles created by 2 central players, reciever long, 2nd player off him

2. Quality of pass (10/10) and touchof all players

3. Reaction to next pass must be quick, better communication on and off the ball

Team Objectives

Create angles and space for teammates to play - Create team cohesion in rotation

"Angles and distance of players are vital for

central pair in receiving and playing out."
#anglesanddistances
CIRCLE COMBINATION

P1: IN TO OUT ROTATION P3: SIMPLE CIRCLE SWITCH

Blue 3 moves to outside after passing to Red 7, who sets BLue 2 then 2 Groups communicate between themselves when players can switch
lays off for Blue 3 to restart. Red 7 and Blue 2 now central - Restart around outside; encourages checking shoulders

TouchTight Tips

Start off simple, but coach must be in control as progressions take place, as younger
players may find difficult to understand. 2-4 balls depending on quality/age of players

SPACE: Angles and distance of players are vital for central pair in receiving and
playing out

TIME: Set each pairing 2 minutes to provide enough endurance work for movement in
central area; rotations can flow once players undertsand

EQUIP: 2 Circles an option depending on player numbers and ball numbers are the

12
coaches decision - Use flat discs

P2: PASSER STEPS IN PLAYER:Possible addition of passive defender in central area, to force players to think
Blue 2 drops out after set and Red 5 steps in to become central about better distance and angles
player recieving set to pass out to Red 6 - Restart

"Angles and distance of players are vital for

central pair in receiving and playing out."
#anglesanddistances
QUICK FINISHING

Practice Set Up

40 x 30 Yard area with cones set up as shown with a ball on each cone. Each area
will have a goal and GK for players to shoot and players will be split into 2 groups to
start.

Idea os for one player from each group to run to each cone take their shot and sprint
back around base cone / manequin before shooting next ball and so on.

Individual Player Focus

Finishing Technique - Speed On the Turn - Endurance- Maintain Control

13
Key Points Focus

1. Speed of runs in between stations must be maximal especially pre-season

2. Player finishing technique in shooting hitting it low, hard and in the

corners

3. Differences in finishing technique dependant on position of the ball station

Team Objectives

Be clinical in this area of the field - Develop to back up teammates for rebounds
etc.

"Maintain speed here as well as finishing technique, as

this will develop anaerobic capacity."
#shortandsharp
QUICK FINISHING

P1: SHOOT & SWITCH P2: FLOATER DECISIONS

Players must now keep up with player in opposite group, Outside players can now change their movement,
as must switch to finish after every shot so finisher must make decision where to play pass to finish

TouchTight Tips
Maintain speed here as well as finishing technique, as this will develop
anaerobic capacity with shuttle runs in between stations. Ball collection important,
maybe player rotation or coach positioned behind, depending on player’s ability!

SPACE: If space allows could provide another playing area to have 2 practices
running at the same time

TIME: Competition element between players, with winning player and goals scored
combined somehow i.e. goal = -1 second and tally at the end

13
EQUIP: Could have set up with 4 goals with goals at top and bottom of practice, with 4
players working at any one time, would require 20 balls and 4 GKs
P2: ALTERNATE CROSSES
PLAYER:Floaters used effectively in these progressions, could add a passive or active DF
Players must alternate between finishing and playing
wide to cross and finish

"Maintain speed here as well as finishing technique, as

this will develop anaerobic capacity."
#shortandsharp
QUICK FIRE SHOOTING

Practice Set Up
Area is a 30 x 18 Yard square with 1 goal with GK as shown. Players are set up as a
2 v 2 opposed in this area, with 6 players on the outside as feeders with 2 balls each.

Central players must react to coach call (numbers/names) and combine to get shot
off quickly, before then next call; change players when all balls used.

Individual Player Focus

Reactions - Finishing Technique - Movement - Decision Making (Pass or shot)

14
Key Points Focus
1. Reaction to gain possession and can you shoot quickly? or need to combine?

2. Movement to link to get in behind defenders, (Go & Show movement)

3. 1 v 1 opportunities, how can yo beat players? (Fients, Pace etc.)

Team Objectives

Intelligent movement to create space for each other - Be clinical in and around
goal

"Large space for players to create opportunities,

but must recognise space to exploit."
#gethalfayard
QUICK FIRE SHOOTING

P1: FEEDER COMBO P3: FEEDER ROTATION

Players can now bounce off outside players 1 touch, 2 v 2 re-established, yet outside players must rotate
could encourage runs in behind when recieving; defenders will drop off naturally

TouchTight Tips
Ideal for pre-Season, as practice is played at a tempo and will test the fitness of all
players. May need to encourage outside players to be quick and resourced with 2
balls.

SPACE: Large space for players to create opportunities, but must recognise space to
exploit
TIME: Players set 6 seconds to get shot off, encouraging head up to take early chances

14
EQUIP: 2 balls for each player is paramount to get the best out of players, maintain flow

PLAYER:Progressions allow for various involvement of feeders and floaters, consider other

uses for players e.g. either side of goal to bounce off to score
P2: FLOATER OVERLOAD 3 v 2
Feeder can now become a floater to create 3 v 2 opportunities
If possession transfers, floater replaced

"Large space for players to create opportunities,

but must recognise space to exploit."
#gethalfayard
3 V 3 OPPOSED TRANSFER

Practice Set Up

Area set up as 45 long x 30 wide then split into 2 areas 20 x 30 , each with a 3 v 3
con-tested and a central area as a 5 yard x 30 yard area for floater to recieve.

Practice also has a floater either end, resulting in to competed 3 v 3s and 3 floaters
spread out. Players must keep possession and play through each of the areas

Individual Player Focus

Spacial Awareness - Passing Quality - Half Turn- Intelligent Decision Making

15
Key Points Focus
1. Ensure practice flows as transitions will occur, focus on reaction speed for
tempo

2. Body shape to recieve to play forward, particularly central floater

3. Playing on different lines to recieve or create space for others, check

shoulders
Team Objectives

Use space intelligently to recive to play forward - Provide effectve support quickly

"Encourage defenders to press to increase

tempo, especially during Pre-Season."
#makeitdifficult
3 V 3 OPPOSED TRANSFER

P1: SET TO PLAY THROUGH P3: SCORE ON COMBINATION

Central floater must now set for possesison player to play Once play progressed through each floater, team can now finish;
through to teammate; quick effective support play encouraging forward runs to finish

TouchTight Tips

With a focus on combining in central areas to move through the thirds, defenders will
tend to drop off and protect this area, encourage defenders to press to increase
tempo, especially during pre-Season.

SPACE: Players to play on different lines, long / short, wide and narrow, observe
movement patterns to identify players who do not see this

TIME: Provide opportunities for players to work this practice out and to recognise when
they are able to play forward with time and space

15
EQUIP: Addition of goals, provides a clearer player focus and encourages quick play,

P2: COMBINE CENTRALLY could possibly eliminate end floaters and play end to end
Support can now be provided in central area, but it now PLAYER: We can always develop this practice as long as we have at least 11 players
defended 2 v 1; identify opportunities to link
(2 x 2v2s, + 3 floaters) be creative with the numbers you have

"Encourage defenders to press to increase

tempo, especially during Pre-Season."
#makeitdifficult
 PRACTICES
WITHOUT THE BALL
Traditional fitness activities that have been used to develop
both aerobic and anaerobic capacities for the game

38
PROGRESSIVE SPRINTS

Practice Set Up
Running area set up as 50 x 40 in this example, but depending on age group could
work with half or full pitch if available.

Position 8 stations around the outside of the pitch, each with 2 players. Group must
start by sprinting 1 section and jogging 7, followed by sprinting 2 and jogging 6 and
so on
until they sprint the full circuit.

Individual Player Focus

Speed - Endurance - No Pacing - Maintain Speed - Recovery

16
Key Points Focus

1. Focus on players s a group to ensure all are putting in maxximal effort

2. Identify pairings where there is a large difference in pace - future

change

3. Decide if players must reverse run, based on outcomes and player age
Group Objectives

Motivate themselves and others throughout - Maximal combined effort to progress

"Developing speed endurance is key and

this activity will enhance this fitness
element"
#recovery
ENDURANCE CIRCUIT

Practice Set Up

Running area set up as 50 x 40 in this example, but depending on age group could
work with half or full pitch if available.

Position 8 stations around the outside of the pitch, each with 2 players and 1 or 2 balls
and a different activity on each base. Coach will time 30 seconds on each station
before players progress with sprint to next area.

Individual Player Focus

Speed - Endurance - Concentration - Teamwork - Quality On The Ball

17
Key Points Focus
1. Ensure all players know each activity and quality is observed from the start

2. Observe sprint speed, identifying individuals who require motivation

3. Use challenges of highest scores between each station to encourage

effort
Group Objectives
Motivate themselves and others throughout - Compete with themselves and others

"Bringing the ball into endurance

circuits, provides focus and a need to be
concentrated on the ball"
#testing
DISTANCE BUILD UP

Practice Set Up

Full Pitch running exercise, with half of the group starting on goal line on one side of the
pitch with other group starting at the opposite end.

Both groups must sprint to increasingly longer distance and back to the goal line (6
yard, 8 yard, halfway line, opposite 18 yard, opposite 6 yard)

Individual Player Focus

Speed - Quick Turns - Endurance-

18
Key Points Focus

1. Observe players are reaching the point each turn, completing the full distance

2. Recognise which players have paced themselves and which tire quickly

3. Time groups, with 2 coaches if possible and compare and prepare for next
run

Group Objectives

Motivate themselves and others throughout - Compete with themselves and others

"Developing Speed Endurance is key and this

activity will enhance this fitness element"
#allout?
 HORSESHOE

Practice Set Up

Use pitch setup as running area, with players split into 4 groups of 4/5 positioned
in each corner of the pitch.

1 player from each of the groups must race against player at opposite width
around goal area as shown, working in both direcitons.

Individual Player Focus

Speed - Recovery - Pace Maintenance

19
Key Points Focus

1. Number simliar paced players in different groups to test each other each run

2. Timed efforts to ensure players are working to their maximal effort not pacing

3. Be flexible on recover time depending on age, fitness and numbers

Group Objectives

Motivate themselves and others throughout - Compete with themselves and others

"There is a motive behind this sort of pre-

season activity.. just race!"
#raceday
30 YARD RECOVERY

Practice Set Up
30 x 30 Yard area, with central cone and 2 players positioned on each of 8 stations around
this area.

1 Player from each group must sprint the full circuit, before diagonal sprint into the middle
and back out to the next cone for 2nd runners to go. Players must work until they get
back to their initial position. (8 sprints).

Individual Player Focus

Speed - Endurance - Turning - Maintain Speed - Recovery

20
Key Points Focus

1. Pair closely matched players in terms of fitness and observe effort levels

2. Timed efforts, so players should gradually slow, if not, need to identify

pacers

3. Speed into the central cone to turn out, observe technique of individuals

Group Objectives

Maintain pace as a group through encouragement - Chase teammates times

"Combining sprints with short twists and

turns also develops agility when fatigued"
#replicatethegame
DIAGONAL DASH

Practice Set Up

Area 40 Yards in length and variable width depending on numbers. Cones positioned
10 yards apart with players following a diagonal sequence.

Players must sprint around each cone in a diagonal pattern as shown, with next person
repeating process. Once all players have gone, must return sprint the opposite way

Individual Player Focus

Speed - Quick Feet Around Turns - Acceleration

21
Key Points Focus

1. Shorten or lengthen distance depending on desired outcomes of the group

2. Time each player set on each run to gauge differences; change if necessary

3. Technique around cones to accelerate away

Team Objectives

Each group to work together compete - Measure timings for each set to beat

"Short diagonal sprints get players

prepared for closing down in games, this
is vital preparation"
#diagz
 We are here..
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www.touchtight.com

coaching@touchtight.com
45
 WHAT WE ARE BUILDING

46
 MAIN PAGES
PRACTICES
SESSIONS
MATCH ANALYSIS
ANIMATIONS
FORMATION STUDY
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SESSION PLANNER

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47
CONCLUSION
In this, our first ebook publication we have learnt a lot about production and the requirements to plan, create and publish what we consider
useful information that you can use to help develop your practices. There is no doubt we will be developing more material at your request and
so through our social media communications, we will identify what areas coaches feel they require support and prioritize developing in these
areas.

Some of the footballing elements we are anticipating our focus to be on are as follows:
- Complete sessions plans for specific age groups, skill and type
- Coaching material for all Youth courses (1,2,3 and advanced)
- Coaching material for all adult courses (1,2,3,4 and beyond)
- Tactical Solutions for defensive, attacking and transiton situations
- Match Analysis of the biggest games in club and country competition
- Complete formation by formation analysis and comparison
- A ‘How To’ of the Elite 5 club teams in World football

and much much more.....

Watch this space, as we feel this knowledge should be accessible for all coaches who aspire to be their very best in a sport they love so as
to ‘unlock the beautiul game’.

Yours truly,

Touchtight
@touchtightcoach

www.touchtight.com