First-Touch Triangle

A purposeful first touch — receiving with a touch that beats the cone 'defender' and sets the pass.

A 2-yard cone triangle in the centre of a 15x15 area; a server on each side of the area. The worker operates around the triangle.

1. Server plays into the worker, who lets the ball run or touches it around the triangle's edge.
2. The first touch must take the ball past a triangle corner — simulating beating a defender.
3. Second touch plays to the other server; the worker re-angles for the next ball.
4. Two-minute spells, then rotate worker and servers.

• Scan before the ball is played — know which side of the triangle is 'open'.
• Receive across the body with the back foot whenever possible.
• The touch should beat the cone AND set up the pass — one movement, two jobs.
• Vary the touch surface: inside, outside, sole — whatever the angle demands.

• The touch stops under the body and the 'defender' has them — repeat: a touch that goes nowhere is a tackle waiting to happen.
• Receivers face the server square-on — open the hips to see both servers.
• All touches with the inside of the strong foot — call the surface each round.

• Servers vary height: bouncing and aerial balls.
• Add a passive defender instead of the triangle.
• One-touch rounds: let it run around the corner.

• Slower, softer service.
• Bigger triangle so the angle is easier.
• No triangle: just receive-and-pass rhythm first.

• The first touch must move the ball at least a yard — dead-stop touches are a restart.