Bounce And Open

Objective

• -Receive and bounce the ball off a team-mate
• -Create a simple support angle
• -Prepare the next pass with the first touch

Setup

1. 1Make a 22 x 14 yards rectangle with a cone box inside it.
2. 2Put players into groups of three with one ball per group.
3. 3One player is the receiver, one is the bounce player, and one is the next pass option.

How to play

1. 1The server passes into the receiver.
2. 2The receiver cushions the ball and plays a quick bounce pass back.
3. 3The bounce player returns it to a different angle for the next pass.
4. 4After three passes, rotate roles.
5. 5Ask players to keep the triangle shape clear and moving.

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

• -Standing in a straight line
• -Poor body shape
• -Over-hitting the bounce pass