Warm-up: Receive, play forward

WHY USE IT

This three-part session develops players’ technical and tactical ability to receive in order to enable them to play forwards quickly. It also works on players’ ability to make impactful forward runs off the ball to support attacking play.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the number, age and ability of your players. Divide players into three equal teams.

HOW TO play

The Blue team starts on the outside of the area, working on passing to each other over longer distances. 

The Yellow team starts with a ball each, dribbling within the area and getting plenty of touches on the ball. 

The Red team starts by making shorter passes to each other within the area. Rotate the teams every couple of minutes.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

• You can add a time limit for making a pass, such as 2-3 seconds.

COACHING POINTS

Blue team (on the outside of the area):

• Movement to receive
• Receive on back foot
• Check/scan shoulder

Yellow team (inside the area, dribbling):

• Control
• Change of pace when changing direction
• Check/scan shoulder

Red team (inside the area, making short passes): 

• Correct foot to receive
• Detail and accuracy of pass
• Checking/scanning shoulder