Futbol Island

7v7 lesson · Look and help · Beginner

Look, Then Turn or Return

Look for pressure before receiving. Turn into room or give the ball back.

What the coach says

  1. Before the pass arrives, look over your shoulder. Where is the defender?
  2. The pass reaches your feet. Keep your body open so you can see ahead.
  3. There is room in front of you. A small touch can take you into it.
  4. Turn with the ball close. You can look up again as you move.
  5. Send it back and try another picture. Watch how the defender changes position.
  6. Check back toward the passer. This time the defender follows you.
  7. Receive with the defender close in front. You still have help behind.
  8. You do not have to turn every time. Keep the ball away from pressure.
  9. Give it back. You kept possession because you noticed the pressure.
  10. The defender takes the return away from pressure. The midfielder moves to offer another angle instead of staying beside the opponent.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    Which choice uses the room ahead to gain ground?

    • Return the ball
    • Turn forward

    Coach’s explanation: The defender is off to the side. You have room to turn and move forward.

  2. Question 2

    Is there room to turn forward, or do you need to return the ball?

    • Return the ball
    • Turn forward

    Coach’s explanation: The defender blocks the turn now. Your teammate behind is free.

  3. Question 3

    True or false? You look for the defender before the pass arrives.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: Looking early tells you if you can turn.

  4. Question 4

    You get the ball with room ahead. Put the steps in order.

    • Dribble ahead with your head up
    • Look over your shoulder
    • Receive with your body open
    • Turn with a small touch

    Coach’s explanation: Look first, receive open, turn, then dribble ahead.

  5. Question 5

    The defender is far away this time. What do you do?

    • Give it straight back
    • Stand still and wait
    • Turn forward into the room

    Coach’s explanation: The defender is far, so you can turn into the room.

  6. Question 6

    There is room ahead. What should your first touch do?

    • Big kick far ahead, then chase
    • Small touch into the room ahead
    • Stop it dead and look down

    Coach’s explanation: A small touch keeps the ball close, so you can turn into the room.

Play it on the island