Backspin Control

Objective

• -Control bouncing or spinning passes
• -Use soft touches to settle the ball
• -Improve first touch with different speeds

Setup

1. 1Mark a 20 x 15 yard area.
2. 2Players work in pairs with one ball each pair.
3. 3Pairs start 6 to 8 yards apart.

How to play

1. 1One player rolls or tosses the ball gently to their partner.
2. 2The receiver uses the first touch to settle the ball and move it to the side.
3. 3The next action is a return pass on the ground or a new throw and control.
4. 4After five reps, increase the distance a little.
5. 5Swap the delivery type often.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Stiff foot on contact
• -Standing too close together
• -Rushing the return action