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This is a very good exercise, since the players in this age-group can improve the difficult active first touch both when turning and going forwards - but on top of that, they also improve their play-intelligence in sense of locality and decision-making.
The coach demonstrates and explains the exercise, then the players do it as well as they can. The exercise is split in two halves; the first half focuses on turning, the second one on the active first touch going forwards. The skill of using your sense of locality to make decisions on direction is an important part of this exercise, since it is an important qualification in developing a good football player. The exercise is a good first step in improving a player's play-intelligence. If the coach behind the player holds up a yellow half-cone, the player must dribble towards the yellow half-cone. Holding up an orange half-cone means dribble towards the orange one. The players could be asked to consider following questions: Why is it important to get a sense of locality before receiving the ball? Which part of your foot should touch the ball in a good turn/active first touch? Why is it a good idea to keep the ball close after a good turn/first touch?
12 half-cones and 1 ball per player
