Receiving on the half-turn under pressure

Setup

1. A 25 × 15 m channel. A feeder (A1) at one end, a target (A3) at the other.
2. A receiver (A2) in the middle with a defender (D1) right behind them.

How it runs

1. A2 checks away, then shows to the side of D1 to receive.
2. A1 passes into A2's front foot.
3. A2 opens up side-on, takes the first touch away from D1 and passes to A3.
4. A3 plays it back to A1 for the next rep. Rotate roles after six balls.

Coaching points

• Check the shoulder twice before the ball arrives: where is the defender?
• Stand side-on, hips open to the target, not square to the feeder.
• Receive on the back foot, the one furthest from the defender.
• First touch goes forward and away from pressure, inside of the foot or sole.
• Feel the defender with the forearm; don't let them get tight.

Common mistakes

• Receiving square-on and having to turn into the defender.
• Stopping the ball dead, so the defender gets a foot in.
• No look before the pass arrives.