All ages · Technical · 14 min
Receive, Direct, Play
The first touch is a preparation, not a stop. Receive on the far foot, direct it away from the nearest defender, and play the next pass in two touches.
Attack DefendSolid = passDashed = run
- Space
- 20×20 grid with a 8×8 box in the middle
- Equipment
- 8 cones · 2 balls · pinnies
Organization
Receiver starts in the middle box. Server on the outside. A closer starts 8 yards away and shuts down on the serve. Receiver must take a directional first touch out of the box and play to a new server. Rotate. 8 reps each.
Whiteboard
Diagram notes
Outer square, inner box. Receiver in the middle. Server south. Closer east. First-touch arrow out the west side of the box, then a pass north.
Coaching points
- Hips open before the ball arrives. You should see the closer and the next pass.
- First touch is across the body, away from the press, into the next action.
- If the closer is on your right, the touch is left — even if that is your weaker foot.
- The second touch is a pass, not another settle.
Phrases to use
- “Open before it arrives.”
- “Touch away from the press.”
- “Two touches. Not three.”
- “See the next pass first.”
Progressions
- Closer starts 4 yards away.
- One-touch layoff if the picture is on.
- Must play the way they don’t face.
Regressions
- No closer for two rounds — just body shape.
- Three-touch.
- Wider middle box.
Common mistakes
They kill the ball at their feet and the closer arrives for free.
The touch has a direction. If it dies, the drill failed even if they keep it.
They receive on the near foot and trap themselves on the line.
Far foot. The ball has to come across the body.
Head down on the first touch, next pass is a guess.
Scan on the way in. The picture is taken before the ball.