Check Back Turn

Objective

• -Check away then turn back to receive
• -Time the movement to lose a marker
• -Link receiving with quick change of direction

Setup

1. 1Set up a 24 x 16 yards area with two cone lanes.
2. 2Place a server at one end and a receiver with a marker or passive defender.
3. 3Have balls ready at the server end.

How to play

1. 1The receiver checks away from the ball first.
2. 2As the server looks up, the receiver turns back into space.
3. 3The pass is played into the receiver's path.
4. 4The receiver controls and turns into the open lane.
5. 5Rotate the roles after each rep.

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

• -Moving too early
• -Not creating separation
• -Heavy first touch after the turn