Practice 2: Receiving to play the ball forward

WHY USE IT

Players work on receiving to play forward in an opposed environment. In this game, players are likely to be more successful and win more points if they are in a position to receive to play forward.

SET UP

Set up a square area and split players into two teams. One half of each team is on the outside of the area (two players on each side, with players from the same team on opposite sides from each other, as shown) and the remaining players are inside the area.

HOW TO PLAY

Teams aim to transfer the ball from one pair of servers to the other. At least one player within the area must receive the ball and it can’t be touched by any opposition players. The team wins a point for a successful transfer.

Play continues and they attempt to win another point. If the opposition wins possession, they aim to get the ball to any of their servers and then they can attempt to win a point. After a set period of time, 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