Technical | Futures Coaching Hub

FUTURES. COACHING HUB

01

Passing & receiving

Prepare the next action. Use both feet and choose a surface that fits the ball, space and pressure.

First touch & direction

Scan before the pass and adjust the body as the ball travels.
Receive forward, sideways or backward into safe space.
Cushion or guide the ball so the next action stays playable.

Inside, outside & sole

Inside: guide the ball away from pressure with a broad contact surface.
Outside: take the ball into space on that side of the body.
Sole: stop or drag the ball lightly while staying balanced.
Practise each surface with both feet.

Same foot & opposite foot

Receive and pass with the same foot to protect the ball or release it efficiently.
Receive with one foot and pass with the other to transfer across the body or change the angle.
Practise both combinations; choose according to space and pressure.

Passing surfaces

Inside: firm ankle, support foot beside the ball, contact through its centre.
Outside: turn the foot slightly inward and strike with the outer surface to change or disguise the angle.
Use both feet; judge accuracy and weight as well as technique.

Driven passes: ground & air

Laces: toe down, ankle firm and balanced contact through the ball.
Ground drive: strike near the centre with the chest over the ball.
Aerial drive: strike below centre with enough follow-through to lift it.
Increase distance only while accuracy and balance remain.

Receiving out of the air

Read the flight and move early into the ball’s path.
Cushion with the inside or laces, withdrawing slightly on contact.
Settle the ball into space for the next action; use both feet.
Begin with gentle service, then vary height, distance and pressure.

02

Dribbling

Keep the ball available while changing speed, direction and the defender’s expectations.

Ball mastery: every surface

Use the inside, outside, sole and laces with both feet.
Stay balanced with soft knees and small adjustments.
Take quick looks around between touches as control improves.

Drag across & outside the body

Roll the ball with the sole across the body or away to the outside.
Shift body weight so the ball stays reachable.
Link a drag to an inside or outside push.
Use both feet and vary the exit direction.

Speed, control & direction

Push into open space with the laces or outside; shorten touches near pressure.
Change direction at speed with the inside or outside of either foot.
Lower the hips and plant in balance for the cut.
Keep the exit touch reachable before the next opponent.

Body feints & change of pace

Sell a direction with the shoulders, hips and weight shift.
Move the ball when the defender reacts, then accelerate.
Use the feint to create space; avoid extra movements that delay progress.

Step overs & scissors

Practise circling the foot around the front of the ball in both directions.
Demonstrate the exact movement; step-over and scissors terminology varies.
Add a convincing weight shift, then exit into available space.
Use either foot for the exit and accelerate beyond the defender.

03

Exercise design

Choose one technical outcome, create enough repetitions, then test it against a real opponent.

1. Name the outcome

Be specific: receive away from pressure, drive an accurate pass, or change direction and accelerate.
Do not try to cover every technique in one exercise.

2. Rehearse the action

Use pairs or a ball each.
Set a useful distance, a clear target and a next action.
Briefly specify the surface or foot pattern when introducing it.
Cones organize the space; they do not create pressure.

3. Add information

Vary the pass, receiving angle or exit target.
A late signal creates a simple look-and-adjust task, but does not replace reading an opponent.
Change one variable at a time so you can see its effect.

4. Add live pressure

Use 1v1 + 2 end targets for receiving, 1v1 to two gates for dribbling, or 2v1 for choosing a pass or carry.
Give defenders a genuine chance to win the ball and a counter-score.
Allow normal solutions.