⚽ First Touch
Sole Stop and Scan
Pairs passing drill where every receiving player sole-stops the ball, looks up (coach signals a number on fingers), calls it out, then passes back.
Sole Stop and Scan — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Scanning before the ball arrives to know where to take it
◆Why this drill works
Pairs passing drill where every receiving player sole-stops the ball, looks up (coach signals a number on fingers), calls it out, then passes back. Wires the sole-stop to the scanning habit. At U10–U12 these two skills often exist independently — this drill forces them to work together as one practi
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Mark pairs in rows, 10 yards apart. One ball per pair. Coach stands at the side.
- Player A passes to Player B. Player B sole-stops the ball.
- Player B looks up and calls out the number of fingers coach is holding up.
- Player B passes back to A. Rotate roles after 5 reps.
- Progression: coach's signal changes to colour bibs, or points left/right. Player B reacts before passing.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls6
- Cones12
- Bibs8
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Scanning before the ball arrives to know where to take it
- Cushioned touch that kills the pace of the ball
- Receiving on the half-turn to play forward quickly
Correct when you see
- Taking the touch toward a defender instead of into space
- Standing square and getting trapped — receive on the half-turn
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Consistent touch reps. | Check price → |
| Value | Rebounder Net | Solo control practice. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Mark receiving zones. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Sole Stop and Scan suitable for?
This drill suits U10–U11. Younger players can receive from a gentle, rolled pass; older players should receive firmer, more varied service under pressure.
How many players do I need for Sole Stop and Scan?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Sole Stop and Scan take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.