Time to receive

WHY USE IT

Players get to practise their receiving skills and work on movement to support the player on the ball.

SET UP

Mark out a rectangular area relative to the ability and age of your players, with a channel on the edge of the final third and a goal at each end.

HOW TO PLAY

Split players into two teams. In our example, we have used 18 players. Play 2v2 in the end zones and the rest – in this case 4v4 - in the middle zone. 

The channels are safe zones for attackers to drop into to receive the ball unchallenged. Play starts with a pass from the goalkeeper to a team-mate in the defensive third. The team in possession looks to attack. Players can drop into the safe zones to receive the ball without pressure. To progress the game, allow one defender to enter the safe zone after the attacker’s first touch in order to speed up the practice.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage vision, speed of thought and movement. Look to limit straight passes because they are too predictable and easy to defend against. Players should receiving on the appropriate foot, with their first touch moving the ball away from pressure.