tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Receive across the body

Use this activity to work on receiving through repeated decisions with the ball. Start with the simpler version, watch the first round, and adjust the space or pressure to match the players in front of you.

By ToopTime · Updated 2026-09-21U9–U10 · U11–U12
Suggest an improvement
At a glance
Players3
Starting spaceTriangle with 8-yard sides
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

A server and next target stand at different angles from the receiver. The receiver starts side-on enough to see both.

How to play

Receive the server’s ground pass across the body into the next passing lane, then pass to the target. Rotate after four passes and change direction.

Make it easier

Let the receiver take two control touches.

Add a challenge

Add a passive defender on one shoulder so the receiver checks away from pressure.

What to watch for

The receiver turns without looking. Ask for a shoulder check before the ball arrives.

Take it into a game

Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same receiving decision without the activity’s extra conditions. Ask a player to describe one moment when it helped. Keep the next round simple if the skill disappears under pressure.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Look for space. Keep the ball within reach.

Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.

BUILT AROUND YOUR TEAM

Give us feedback.

What would make ToopTime more useful? Tell us what worked, what was confusing, or what you wish you could do.

How we use your suggestions