U11–U12 · Coaching decisions
Choose a first touch that opens the next action
Use the intended next pass to decide whether receiving across the body helps, instead of demanding the same first touch every time.
CSV opens in a spreadsheet. Record anonymous group observations and keep the file on your device.
What you might see
Players stop the ball under their feet even when space is available, or turn into a blocked route because they have been told always to receive on the back foot.
Check the cause first
The next action is unclear
Ask the receiver to point to the next passing target before delivery. If there is no target or route, an open body shape has little practical purpose.
Body shape is prepared too late
If the player sees the target but turns only after contact, let them arrive side-on earlier. If the pass is behind them, fix the delivery before correcting their feet.
Set up a focused activity
Use six players, two balls and eight cones in two 10 × 12 m playing areas, each with a clear 2 m buffer. Three players form an angled route: server, receiver and next target. Two cones show each possible exit for the receiver; keep neighbouring ball routes separate.
Use this as a short part of your practice. Explain one stage, allow several attempts and pause to observe before adding the next stage. Include water and rest whenever needed.
Name the next target
The receiver starts between two exits, sees both server and target and points to the route they intend to use. The server plays a gentle ground pass toward the receiver rather than behind them.
Connect two actions
The receiver touches into the chosen exit and passes to the target. Rotate server to receiver, receiver to target and target to server after each attempt, walking outside the passing route.
Make turning optional
Move the target so one route is occasionally closed by the angle. A return pass is a valid choice. Ask whether turning would help before discussing which foot to use.
Check it in play
Play 3v3 across a 20 × 25 m area with a clear 2 m buffer. Score with a controlled ground pass to a teammate beyond the end line. Observe whether a touch helps the next action; do not award points merely for using a particular foot.
One cue to try: See the next space before choosing your touch.
Watch, then choose the next step
- Receiver sees server and next target.
- First touch leaves a playable ball.
- Receiver returns the pass when turning would close the route.
If it is too difficult
Keep the next target still and allow two control touches. Reduce passing speed if the receiver is reaching or stretching.
When the group is ready
Let the target move a few steps before the pass. Keep the receiving area generous until choices remain controlled.
A technically tidy touch that sends the player into trouble is not the desired outcome. Repeat the choice stage when players turn automatically; progress when they can explain why they turned or returned.
Use the observation sheet to compare what you saw before and after one change. It is a coaching note, not a player score or a promised rate of improvement.
Take the next step
Build it into a complete practice
Receive Across the Body includes a full timeline, activity maps and player rotations. Choose the player count, equipment and duration before downloading.
Open Receive Across the BodyFurther reading
Session Pitch wrote the worked example and decision steps above. These coaching resources informed the general principles:
- How to coach receiving skills in football — Scanning, communication and positioning help a player prepare to receive.
- How to work on the principles of football — Support, movement and space offer ways to help the player with the ball.
Reviewed 20 October 2026. Original guidance; not affiliated with or endorsed by the FA or FIFA. These examples have not been evaluated in live coaching sessions.