This is a training session that I've often used to work receiving. I'll return to it once a month or so. Sometimes I'll repeat the session once a week (with variations) for three weeks to focus the players on these skills.
Juggling
I begin with a juggling warm-up. It begins with free juggling and progresses to include some form of limitation depending on the level of the players.
Progressions
- One juggle and catch - for players having trouble with the technique of juggling
- Progressive Juggling - One and catch, two and catch, three and catch, etc.
- Right Foot, Left Foot continuous pattern
Throw, Receive and Dribble Away
The players each have a ball in their hands. They jog around the area, throw the ball slightly above head height, receive with the top of the foot and then dribble away.
Progressions
- Receive with the sole of the foot, pushing the ball out in front to dribble away
- Sweep the ball with the inside of the foot
- Sweep the ball with the outside of the foot
- Use a move to change direction once the ball is on the ground
Punt and Receive
I have the players punt the ball to each other to begin with because that usually provides better service than a chipped or driven ball would. The emphasis is on getting in line with the ball, selecting the service to use and keeping the ball in front to dribble away. This turns into a competition when I ask the players count the number of consecutive, 'perfect settles'. To be 'perfect' the player needs to only use two touches and keep the ball in front of them. The first team to reach five consecutive wins.
Progression
The server plays lofted or chipped balls to the receiver.
6 v 6 + 1 - Punt and Possess
This is organized as a traditional possession game except that each possession begins with the coach punting a ball into the area. The players battle to control the ball and then complete five passes. If the defending team gains possession or the ball goes out of play the coach punts another ball into play. The emphasis in on taking the first touch away from pressure moving it into space quickly.
3 v 3 to Goal
The team is divided into teams of three. The goalkeeper punts the ball to an attacking team near the halfline. Three defenders move to pressure the attackers after the punt. The attackers receive the ball and combine to score. The teams change roles and wait their turn.
8 v 8
The session ends with an 8 v 8 game played on a narrow field so that there are numerous throw ins that will require players to deal with balls in the air.
Do you like to repeat technical sessions such as this occasionally or do you focus a block of training on a given skill and work on it for three or four weeks at a time?
Have a great day!
Tom
