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WARM-UPS

Scanning warm-up

A passing warm-up that teaches players to look over their shoulder before receiving, so they know where the space is before the ball arrives.

Suggested ages
U9 to adult
Players
6–16, in pairs
Time
10 minutes
Area
15 × 15 m
Equipment
1 ball per pair, 4 cones in different colours
Scanning warm-up diagramThree pairs pass inside a square while the coach stands outside the square holding up a signal. A 15 by 15 metre area: 6 players drawn as filled discs, a coach drawn as a ring with a centre dot; 4 cones; 3 passes.

15 × 15 m · drawn in FCommit’s figure style

Players in pairsCoach showing the signalPassConePlaying area

Set it up

  • Mark a 15 × 15 m square with a different coloured cone on each corner.
  • Players work in pairs with one ball, spread around the square.
  • The coach stands just outside the square.

How it works

  1. Pairs pass to each other over 8–10 m, moving around the square as they go.
  2. Every few seconds, the coach holds up a number of fingers or a coloured cone.
  3. Before receiving, players glance over their shoulder and call out what the coach is showing.
  4. Progress it: on a colour, the receiver takes their first touch towards that corner.

Coaching points

  • Look over your shoulder just before the pass is played, then again while the ball travels.
  • Open your body so you can see the ball and the space behind you.
  • Take the first touch away from pressure and into space.
  • Keep passes firm so your partner has time to scan.
See all 12 drills