One-Touch Volleys
The one-touch volley — striking a moving or aerial ball without first controlling it — is a high-value finishing skill that most grassroots players never develop because they're never given dedicated practice.
◆Why this drill works
The one-touch volley — striking a moving or aerial ball without first controlling it — is a high-value finishing skill that most grassroots players never develop because they're never given dedicated practice. Every set piece delivery, every low cross, every cutback is a potential one-touch volley opportunity. This drill builds the technique through progressive service. Because a controlling touch is removed from the sequence entirely, the technical margin for error shrinks — the striker has to read the flight and pace of the ball while already committing to the strike, which is a genuinely difficult coordination task at U13. Starting with a rolled service rather than an aerial one lets players groove the mechanics of the strike (plant foot, ankle lock, follow-through) before adding the extra layer of judging height and drop, which is the right order for skill acquisition even though it feels slower at first.
◇Variations and progressions
- Weak-foot volleys — restrict strikes to the weaker foot for a set number of reps to build genuine two-footed competence.
- Reaction volley — server delays the release so the striker must react rather than anticipate, closer to match conditions.
- Target zone scoring — mark zones in the goal and award points for accuracy, not just for scoring, to reward technique over power.
- Goalkeeper introduction — add a passive goalkeeper once technique is established so strikers learn to pick a side under a real save attempt.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Server rolls ball across the penalty area at varying pace. Striker shoots first-time with the inside of the foot.
- Technique cue: non-kicking foot beside the ball, eyes on the ball, plant and drive through the centre.
- Increase service pace. Striker must commit early and trust the technique.
- Progress: serve from a lofted ball (knee height). Striker uses instep volley.
- Final combination: wide player cuts back across goal. Striker volleys first-time from the edge of the box.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Plant foot arriving beside the ball before the strike — not behind or ahead
- Eyes down to the ball through contact — not looking up at the goal
- Committing early to the strike rather than adjusting footwork at the last moment
Correct when you see
- Taking a touch first — the point of the drill is the first-time strike
- Snatching at the ball — a composed volley has a full backswing and follow-through
- Leaning back on contact and lifting the ball high over the target
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Mitre Impel Footballs (6-pack) | Match-weight balls that hold shape all season. | Check price → |
| Value | Disc Marker Cones (50-pack) | Mark zones and targets in seconds. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Pop-Up Training Goals (pair) | Realistic target practice anywhere. | Check price → |
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