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A practice encouraging players to indicate how and where they want the ball passed to them.
WHY USE IT
Works on aspects of the game in an opposed setting, including passing, receiving, moving with the ball, communication and awareness.
SET UP
The area size can very between 40x20 yards or 40x30 yards, depending on numbers, age and experience of the group. You will need balls and cones. This practice involves the whole squad, including the goalkeepers.
HOW TO PLAY
This is a multiple-ball practice, with one between two or three players. Players who do not have a ball must present themselves to receive from a player who does. The player who passed the ball must then move quickly to another square, setting themselves to make eye contact and preparing to receive a pass. Before showing for the ball, the receiver should try to ‘go to show’ or ‘show to go’, indicating how and where they want the ball played to them. This could be with an open body, so they let the ball run across them, or into the space in front of them so they can run onto it.
COACHING POINTS
See after activity below for an in-depth look at practice outcomes, potential challenges and the questions to ask to support learning.
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PRACTICE OUTCOMES
This session allows players to work on the following aspects of the game, in an unopposed setting:
Passing
- Making sure the pass is firm and accurate.
- Executing the correct weight and pace of the pass.
Timing of the pass
- Leaving the ball playable for the next player.
- Playing the ball with both feet.
Receiving
- Taking an appropriate first touch.
Moving with the ball
- Turning
Communication
- Making and maintaining eye contact.
Awareness
- Keeping their head up.
- Decision-making.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
These challenges can help players develop their learning during the session. They can be presented to the group, or to individuals. These challenges are not exhaustive; they are suggestions.
- Look for opportunities to pass the ball with one or two touches.
- Try to let the ball run across your body when receiving a pass.
- Aim to see as much of the pitch as you can before you get the ball.
- Look for your next pass before you get the ball.
- Work out when to use no-touch, one-touch or multiple-touch turns.
- When receiving, try to guide the ball, rather than stop it.
QUESTIONS THAT SUPPORT CHALLENGES
These can be attached to challenges to further support player learning:
- What did you notice when…?
- How does this help you?
- What stops you…?
- How will you know when to…?
- What were you thinking when you tried that?
- What if you could do…?
- How can you see what to do next?
John Allpress
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