⚽ Pre-Season
Reactivation — First Session Back
The first session of pre-season is not a fitness test and not a technical drill session.
Reactivation — First Session Back — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Building intensity progressively, not going flat out too early
◆Why this drill works
The first session of pre-season is not a fitness test and not a technical drill session. It's a reactivation — a reminder to players' bodies and minds that football is enjoyable and worth coming back for. Coaches who run the first session too hard lose 2–3 players within a fortnight (the ones who aren't fit enough and feel embarrassed). Coaches who run it right bring everyone back for week 2. The technical and physical work builds from session 3 onwards — session 1 is about feel.
▦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
- PHASE 1 (5 min) — Ball familiarisation: every player with a ball, free movement in the grid. Sole rolls, inside touches, stop-and-start. No instruction — just feet on ball. Low intensity.
- PHASE 2 (7 min) — 4v1 or 5v2 Rondo: keep ball, passive-to-moderate pressure. The defender's job is to make the passers think, not to destroy the rhythm. First session back is not the time for a full-pressure rondo.
- PHASE 3 (8 min) — Free SSG: two teams, two small goals, just play. No rules except normal football. Let the game breathe. If you have more than 12 players, two simultaneous games.
- End on a positive: 'good to be back — same time [day]. Work starts properly next week.'
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Building intensity progressively, not going flat out too early
- Good habits and standards set from day one
- Quality maintained as the workload builds
Correct when you see
- Going too hard too early — pre-season builds progressively
- 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 → |
As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.
?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Reactivation — First Session Back suitable for?
This drill suits youth. Build the intensity progressively and scale the workload to the group.
How many players do I need for Reactivation — First Session Back?
This drill works well with around 10 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 Reactivation — First Session Back 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.