Practice 1: Receiving to play the ball forward

WHY USE IT

Develops players’ ability to receive the ball with an open body and on their back foot, so they can play forward quickly. It is unopposed, allowing them to focus on movements and body shape.

SET UP

Set up a square area, with an additional central area inside. The sizes should be relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Split players into two groups; one works inside the main area, the other is spread out around the outside. This latter group acts as the servers.

HOW TO PLAY

The players inside the area collect a pass from a server and then must travel through the central area, before passing it to any server who doesn’t have a ball. After this, they travel through the central area again, before restarting the process. Before exiting the central area, the player must make a movement to the opposite side they will exit through.  

After a set period of time, the players swap roles.

COACHING POINTS

• Scan the area to identify where to receive the ball and where the other players are positioned

• Complete a double movement

• Open your body so you can see the ball and as much of the area as possible 

• Receive the ball on the back foot