Post And Play

Objective

• -Receive near the post area
• -Link control with an immediate shot or pass
• -Create simple finishing from a first touch

Setup

1. 1Set up a 30 x 25 yards area with a channel near each post or mini goal.
2. 2Place servers wide and receivers in front of the target area.
3. 3Have spare balls behind the servers for quick repetition.

How to play

1. 1A server passes into the receiver near the target area.
2. 2The receiver controls across the body and sets for a shot or square pass.
3. 3If using a goal, the player finishes from the first or second touch.
4. 4Rotate through the starting points after each turn.
5. 5Keep the service realistic but safe.

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

• -Receiving too square
• -Taking extra touches
• -Poor angle to finish