First touch in the direction of play and double shooting

Shooting exercise that focuses on the importance of the first touch in the final third. Ideal for working on the attacking aspect against a team that would defend in a low block.

Mark out a zone of about 30x35m then place 2 large goals on each length (you can, for example, use the penalty area by doubling its size). Then place 4 cones and 4 mannequins (or constri-foot) as indicated in the animation. Place a player at each cone with balls. Finally, set up 2 cones that will serve as a starting point and ask the rest of the players to spread out at each starting point, without a ball.

The exercise will proceed as follows:

The 1st player (A) starts and goes around the 1st mannequin to request the ball from the player located at the cone in front of him.
He then makes a first touch in the direction of play to get into a shooting position on the 1st goal.
After shooting, he/she will request the ball from the 2nd player located near the goal, before making a controlled touch in the opposite direction then finishing with dribbling and shooting on the 2nd goal.
After this 1st round, the 2nd player immediately follows on the opposite side.

Remember to advise your players on the importance of these first touches in the final third. The quality of the control will determine the rest of the action: this first touch should push the ball far enough from the player's feet to get into a shooting position, but not too far to avoid losing control of the ball.

Besides the technical aspect, this exercise is ideal for working on a match situation where the opposing team would defend in a low block, which would require your players to find solutions and openings in the attacking third.