Back-to-Goal Hold-Up and Turn

Set-up

Set up a rectangular playing area, approximately 12 metres by 8 metres, using cones, jumpers, or even shoes to mark the boundaries. Place one mini goal at one end of the area; if you don't have a mini goal, two chairs or a washing basket can serve as a target. One player (the attacker) starts with their back to the goal, inside the marked area, while the other (the defender) stands a short distance behind them. The defender begins with the ball, ready to pass it to the attacker.

What you need

• Ball
• Cones
• 1 mini goal

The ground: 40 × 26 ft (about 12 × 8 m). The space and equipment check lists every drill that fits the ground you have.

How to run it

1. Set up. An area about twelve steps by eight with a mini goal at one end.
2. Feel them. Arm out and a glance before the ball arrives, so they know where the defender is.
3. Touch away. The first touch goes away from the pressure, side-on.
4. Turn or set. If the turn is on, take it. If not, set it back and go again.
5. Stay strong. Side-on, low, arm across. Not a shove, just a base.
6. Swap. Eight each, then change roles.

Coaching points

• Feel where the defender is with the arm and the back before the ball arrives
• First touch goes away from the pressure, not straight back into it
• If the turn is not on, set it back and go again — that is not a failure

What to watch: The first touch should go away from the pressure. Straight back into the defender is the common fault.

Common mistakes

• First touch directly backwards: This looks like the ball going straight into the defender's feet or forcing the player to stop and restart, allowing the defender to easily win possession. It matters because it immediately negates the advantage of receiving the ball and puts the player under intense pressure; instead, aim to touch the ball into open space.
• Not using the arm or glance: The player receives the ball without knowing where the defender is, leading to being easily dispossessed or unable to make an informed decision. This matters because it shows a lack of spatial awareness, a key skill.
• Turning too early or into pressure: The player attempts to turn while the defender is too close, resulting in losing the ball or being blocked. It's crucial to only turn when the space allows, otherwise, setting it back is a better option.
• Standing too upright: The player stands tall, making it easier for the defender to push them off balance or get around them. A lower centre of gravity provides better stability and ball protection.
• Aggressively pushing the defender: The attacker uses an outstretched arm or body to shove the defender away, which is a foul. The arm should be used for feeling and creating a barrier, not for pushing.
• Lack of follow-through after the turn: The player turns but then hesitates or loses control of the ball, failing to capitalise on the created space. The turn should flow directly into the next action, like a shot or pass.

What good looks like

A good target: Turned and facing forward within two touches on 6 of 10 receptions.

• The first touch consistently moves the ball away from the defender's immediate pressure, into open space.
• The player effectively uses their arm and body to 'feel' and shield the ball from the defender.
• Decisions to turn or set the ball back are made quickly and logically, based on the defender's position.
• When a turn is attempted, it is executed cleanly, allowing the player to face forward within two touches on at least 6 out of 10 receptions.
• The player maintains possession of the ball for the duration of the drill without being dispossessed by the defender.
• After turning, the player immediately looks up to assess their next action, such as shooting or passing.

Progressions and variations

Making it harder

• Level 1: No defender. Player passes against a wall (or parent) and receives with their back to the wall, focusing solely on the first touch away and a clean turn.
• Level 2: Passive defender. The defender stands still, allowing the attacker to practice feeling their presence and making a decision without pressure.
• Level 3: Light pressure. The defender moves gently towards the attacker after the pass, aiming to be a 'moving obstacle' rather than a tackler.
• Level 4: Active defender, no tackle. The defender applies pressure and tries to 'tag' the attacker's back if they don't use their arm, but does not attempt to win the ball.
• Level 5: Defender can win the ball after the turn. The defender tries to win the ball if the attacker turns and doesn't immediately move away or shoot.
• Level 6: Add a second target. Place a second mini goal or cone target to the side, forcing the attacker to decide which way to turn based on a goalscoring opportunity.
• Level 7: Time limit. Give the attacker a three-second limit from receiving the ball to either turning or setting the ball back.
• Level 8: 2v1 scenario. Introduce a second passive attacker who can receive a set-back pass from the primary attacker, adding decision-making and passing options.

Alone, with a sibling, or in a group

• Solo: pass into a wall, receive with the back to it, roll away and finish.
• Sibling: older one applies pressure from behind with hands behind their back; younger one receives and turns.
• Co-op: continuous rotation with a server, a receiver and a defender.

For the parent running it

• Receive with someone behind you, hold them off, and turn only when it is on. Setting it back is a good decision, not a failure.
• Keep sessions short and engaging; if frustration sets in or enthusiasm drops, it's time for a break or to move on to another activity.
• Emphasise effort and decision-making over perfection. Praise attempts to 'feel' the defender and take the ball away, even if the turn isn't always successful.
• Use positive reinforcement and demonstrations. Show them what a good first touch away looks like, and what it looks like when it goes wrong, then how to fix it.
• This drill is excellent for a warm-up or as part of a technical skills session early in the week, building confidence before match play. It can be revisited regularly to reinforce habits.
• Encourage your child to be creative with their turns as they become more confident, trying different moves to get away from the defender.

On their own: Pass into a wall, receive with your back to it, roll away and finish at a target.

Safety

• Ensure both players wear appropriate footwear with good grip to prevent slips and sprains during turns.
• Maintain adequate space around the playing area to avoid collisions with walls, furniture, or other obstacles.
• Remind players that the defender's pressure should be controlled and not aggressive, to prevent injuries from pushing or tripping.
• Encourage players to communicate verbally if they are too close or if the pressure is too high.
• Take regular breaks, especially on warm days, and ensure players stay hydrated.

More on training safely at home: Safety at Home.

Why it matters

This drill is fundamental for developing a player's ability to play with their back to goal, a crucial skill for strikers and attacking midfielders. It directly feeds into holding up play, creating space for teammates, and transitioning quickly from defending the ball to attacking the goal. Including this drill in the curriculum ensures players learn how to be effective under pressure in tight spaces, enhancing their spatial awareness and ball protection skills.