Indoor Training: First Touch and Taking the Ball in Stride with an Optional Opponent Behind

Pitch: Set up four passing stations side by side with a total of 12 cones, with 3 cones behind one another per station as the positions A, B and C. Depending on the number of players, two or three stations are also enough.

Equipment: 12 cones, 1 ball per group of three.

Players: 3 players are assigned to each station and take up the positions A, B and C.

• Player A passes to Player B, who controls the ball, takes it in their stride and plays on to C.
• C passes back to B, who controls the ball and takes it to the side, then plays to A again.
• After 10 repetitions the positions are changed.

Progression:

• B takes the ball with the outside of the foot.
• B takes the ball behind the standing leg.
• B takes the ball to the side with the right foot and passes with the left.
• B takes the ball to the side with the left foot and passes with the right.
• B stops the ball with the sole, takes it to the side and passes with the right or the left foot.
• B drags the ball to the side with the sole and passes with the right or the left foot.
• A passive opponent stands behind B; B shields the ball with the body while controlling it and taking it in stride.

Note: Drill idea by Max Schönijahn. The format is suitable as an extension of the passing in groups of three and combines well with the ball control in the air.