Barcelona Receiving Between Lines

Instructions/Setup:

This drill focuses on developing scanning and decision-making before receiving the ball. The player starts facing the coach, who will pass the ball to them. Just before receiving, the player must check their shoulder. The player behind them will hold up either a red or blue cone, indicating through which gate the player must receive the ball.

Once the ball is received, the player must pass through the respective gate (red or blue) before playing a pass into one of the mini goals. This drill challenges players to scan, evade pressure, and make quick decisions while moving the ball efficiently.

Coaching Notes:

• Scanning & Awareness: Emphasize the importance of scanning before receiving the ball to assess options and anticipate pressure. Players should make it a habit to check their shoulder before the ball arrives.

• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Encourage players to make quick decisions based on the information gathered during their scan. They need to act decisively, choosing the correct gate and preparing their body to receive the ball.

• Ball Control: Players should focus on receiving the ball cleanly and with the right weight to allow for a smooth progression into the next phase of play. They should be prepared to execute a quick pass into the mini goals after passing through the gate.

• Pressure Evasion: When scanning, players need to identify where the pressure is coming from and use body positioning and touch to evade defenders. Encourage using feints or fakes to throw off the defender before receiving.

Progression 1: Add Pressure from Behind:

Introduce a defender who will start behind the player receiving the ball. This defender will try to apply pressure as the player checks their shoulder and receives the ball, forcing them to react under pressure.

Focus: Develops the player's ability to evade pressure while receiving, reinforcing the importance of body shape and touch in tight situations.

Progression 2: Change the Direction of the Pass:

Instead of always playing the ball into the same mini goal, vary the target goals. Players must scan to identify the correct goal after evading pressure.

Focus: Enhances decision-making and awareness under pressure, as players will need to assess which mini goal is the best target after receiving the ball and making a quick move.