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LOGINReception class
Receiving the ball is more than just a case of simply controlling it when it reaches a player. He has to make sure the first touch is into space so it gives him time to make the next decision, whether that be a pass, shot or dribble.
What this session is about
- Controlling the ball.
- Improving the ability to maintain possession.
- Creating more possession time.
What to think about
- Watch the ball and movement of players – know which direction to travel before the ball arrives.
- Checking movements to create space.
- Half turn the body.
- If using the inside of foot, let the ball travel across the body.
- Make contact with the ball on the horizontal mid-line or above. “Cushion” the ball into space but keep it within playing distance.
Set-up
- Use the centre circle for the session and development. Use a pitch 15 yards square for the game.
- Use 12 players.
| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 18 minutes | 7 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Six servers start at equal distances apart on the edge of the circle, each with a ball, with six receivers inside. Receivers control a pass from a server, then return it.Receivers then take a pass from a different server and repeat the drill.
To progress, receivers take a pass from one server but pass back to a different server. This helps players develop an awareness of what’s happening around them. Teams switch roles.
Development
Split the squad into three teams of four players, consisting of servers outside the circle, and receivers against defenders inside. Receivers try to lose their marker before controlling a pass from a server, then returning it.To progress, receivers take a pass from one server but pass back to a different server.
Make sure teams switch roles so that each one has a go at serving, receiving and defending.
Count how many passes are completed by each team and the one with most wins.
Related Files
Core-141-reception-class.pdfPDF, 259 KB
Game situation
Play 4v4 with no goalkeepers. Begin with a 4v1, but an extra defender is added at 30-second intervals until the teams are equal. Play ends after two minutes and the teams switch roles.The winning team is the one which makes the highest number of successful passes in two minutes. Teams then switch roles (if there are three teams of four, rotate the teams on and off).
To progress, play two-touch passing.
What to call out
- “Check over your shoulder when creating space – have a picture of what’s happening all around you.”
- “On your toes, stay balanced and relaxed”
- “Communicate! Call for ball, or use eye contact or movement to trigger a pass.”
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