Session plan
Receiving when marked
Getting started
Setup
Groups & equipment
Choose the number of players to see groups and the equipment you'll need.
Groups
Equipment
Warm-up
- One lap plus dynamic stretches, keep it quick and focused.
- Don't worry about a hit-up, just dive straight into the session.
- Sort players into groups by skill level during the warm-up.
Kick-off
- Briefly explain the session and skill focus.
- Split into groups.
- Coaches start with their groups.
Developing awareness
Tennis ball touchdown
Focus
- Looking off the ball, finding space and connecting with teammates.
Time
- 5 mins
Rules
- No sticks. Start with a jump ball.
- Catch and stop, no running with the ball.
- No contact, intercept or block only.
- Dropped or blocked ball = turnover.
- Complete 3 passes before entering the end zone. Defenders stay out.
Small game
One touch
Focus
- Build the habit of looking off the ball.
Time
- 10 mins, rotate 2 players every 3 mins.
Rules
- 4 v 2 players.
- 4 players can only take one touch (trap > pass), they just retain possession.
- 2 players can run with the ball, and score in the goal (push only from close range).
Receiving behind a defender
The skill
How to do this skill
- Make eye contact & signal.
- Do a ‘dummy’ lead to trick the defender.
- Lead into the space created.
- Receive the ball in space.
When to use
- A defender is marking you and a teammate has the ball.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Lead from behind a cone
Go through the sequence with the coach passing the ball – eye contact, signal, dummy lead, lead. Then have a shot on goal.
2Try with a defender
Do it again with a ‘passive defender’ and have a teammate pass the ball this time. Rotate so everyone has a turn.
3Try in a small game
Play a game to practise leading behind a defender. Follow the same coaching principles as the small games in previous sessions.
Receiving next to a defender
The skill
Jim Irvine teaching a couple of promising juniors at Southern United – Craig Marais, Nathan Ephraums
How to do this skill
- Check which shoulder the defender is marking. Hold your ground rather than running straight back to the passer.
- As the pass arrives, step across the defender to meet the ball first.
- Marker on your left. Step across with your left foot as the pass comes to your forehand. Rotate your hips and ‘bump’ the marking defender away.
- Marker on your right. As the pass comes straight in, step across with your right foot. Receive on your forestick and roll away from the defender.
When to use
- Use it when a defender is tight on either shoulder and could step in front to intercept the pass.
- Look for space to turn or roll into once you’ve received the ball.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Defender on left shoulder
Go through the sequence with a ‘passive defender’ on the left shoulder and a teammate passing to the forehand. Swap so everyone has a turn.
2Defender on right shoulder
Do it again with the defender on the right shoulder and the pass coming straight in. Receive on the forestick and roll away from the defender. Swap so everyone has a turn.
3Try in a small game
Play a game to practise receiving next to a defender. Follow the same coaching principles as the small games in previous sessions.