First Touch Away from Pressure Gate — Escape and Connect

Set up a 15×12m area with 2 exit gates (2 cones 1.5m apart) on the sides. 3 attackers, 1 defender. Attacker A has the ball. Defender approaches from the front. Attacker A receives and must take the first touch away from the defender (toward a gate), exit through it, then pass to Attacker B. Defender tries to win the ball. If defender wins, swap. 8 reps, rotate defender every 4 reps.

1. See the defender before receiving — scan the pressure direction. 2. First touch goes away from the defender — not toward them. 3. Use the back foot to receive — it naturally opens the escape angle. 4. The first touch should be a push, not a trap — move the ball into space. 5. After escaping, head up and find the teammate immediately. 6. Don't wait for the defender to arrive — receive and go.

• Add a second defender — 3v2, less time and space.
• Limit attackers to two touches — must escape and pass quickly.

• Defender is passive — jogs toward the receiver, doesn't tackle.
• Remove the gates — just escape the defender and pass to any teammate.