Coach in short cues
Scan before the action · Find pressure and space · Let the picture change the choice
SOCCER DEVELOPMENT HUB · DRILL EXPLAINER
See the picture: Target trail
Scanning · reinforces receiving & first touch
Look away from the ball early enough to identify pressure, space, and the next useful option.
Changing visual information gives every scan a purpose and makes the following touch or movement reveal whether the player used it.
Watch for: The head moves before the ball arrives. The player identifies a relevant cue, not just any object. The next touch or movement responds to what was seen.
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Set it up
22 × 25 yards
Position colored gates or targets around the area and use partners or small groups to provide changing information. Mark a six-yard central zone and four clearly different target areas near the outside corners, leaving open travel lanes between them.
- Players
- 6–16
- Equipment
- soccer balls · 12 cones · 4 flat targets
- Walk one player through center, decision, target, and return so everyone sees the route and reset.
- A partner calls or points to an outside target as the ball travels; the receiver scans and takes the first touch toward the correct route.
- Use three two-minute rounds; change the starting direction or pressure after each brief question break. During play, coach only this action: Check while the ball is traveling or before moving, then return eyes to the ball for contact and act on the useful information.
- Progression: Add a defender whose starting side changes so the receiver must scan and choose the safer direction.
- Ask, “What information helped you decide before the ball reached you?” Listen to two answers, then replay so players can test an idea.
Soccer Development Hub original activity; design reviewed against U.S. Soccer player-centered session guidance and FIFA grassroots small-sided learning principles. · Editorial review