⚽ Pre-Season
Phase 2 Technical Reset
Phase 2 of pre-season (weeks 3–4) is where technical habits from last season are rebuilt at full intensity.
Phase 2 Technical Reset — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Building intensity progressively, not going flat out too early
◆Why this drill works
Phase 2 of pre-season (weeks 3–4) is where technical habits from last season are rebuilt at full intensity. This session targets the three technical areas that most commonly erode over a summer break: first touch direction, passing weight, and pressing trigger. Three 6-minute blocks, each with a dis
▦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
- Block 1 — First touch direction (6 min): pairs, 8 yards. Every touch must travel forward or sideways.
- Block 2 — Passing weight (6 min): triangle passing in threes, 8–10 yards per side. Correct one person per rotation.
- Block 3 — Pressing trigger (6 min): 3v3 in 15×10. When possession lost, nearest player presses within 2 seconds. Coach counts aloud first 3 minutes.
- Conditioned 9v9: all three elements combined. Bonus 2pts for goal scored within 5 seconds of counter-press turnover.
- Cool-down: each player names one thing they noticed about their own technical quality today.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls6
- Cones12
- Bibs8
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Building intensity progressively, not going flat out too early
- Good habits and standards set from day one
Correct when you see
- Letting standards slip — set the tone now
- Neglecting recovery between sessions
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Agility Ladder | Build the base. | Check price → |
| Value | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Conditioning circuits. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Technical work. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Phase 2 Technical Reset suitable for?
This drill suits U12–U13. Build the intensity progressively and scale the workload to the group.
How many players do I need for Phase 2 Technical Reset?
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 Phase 2 Technical Reset take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 25 minutes to run it — about 28 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.