Moving Target

Objective

• -Receive while moving into space
• -Control at different speeds
• -Meet the ball on the run

Setup

1. 1Set a 25 x 15 yards corridor with cone markers across it.
2. 2Put receivers on the move rather than standing still.
3. 3Servers work from one side or from staggered points.

How to play

1. 1The receiver jogs or shuffles across the corridor.
2. 2The server passes the ball into the receiver's path.
3. 3The receiver controls the ball with the first touch and carries on moving.
4. 4Change the start point so the receiver has to adjust each time.
5. 5Swap roles regularly.

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

• -Waiting for the ball
• -Touching while off-balance
• -Only using one foot