Receiving Clock

Objective

• -Receive on the half turn from every angle
• -Take the first touch into the direction of play
• -Increase the number of quality touches per player

Setup

1. 1Cones in a circle fifteen yards across, one player on each.
2. 2One or two players in the middle.
3. 3Two balls to keep the tempo up.

How to play

1. 1Middle players receive from any cone and play out to a different cone.
2. 2Rotate the middle players every 90 seconds.
3. 3Two balls at once once the group is comfortable.

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 flat with the back to the exit
• -Heavy first touch under the body
• -Playing back to the same passer every time