⚽ First Touch · Aerial-Control
Chest Control and Link Play
A striker who can chest and immediately play to a runner is many times more effective than one who only plays balls on the floor.
Chest Control and Link Play — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Chest broadened and leaning back to absorb pace
◆Why this drill works
A striker who can chest and immediately play to a runner is many times more effective than one who only plays balls on the floor. Most grassroots players have received no chest control coaching since U9. Rebuilding it at U12 in a match-like context pays immediate dividends.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Pairs, 6 yards apart. Server throws to receiver's chest. Receiver chests and lays off to third player 3 yards to the side.
- 5 reps lay-off left, 5 right, 5 receiver decides direction.
- Progress: server volleys the ball at chest height.
- 4-player combination: A plays long ball to B. B chests to C. C plays first-time to D. D plays back to A.
- Final: B turns after chesting rather than laying off sideways.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls6
- Cones8
- Bibs8
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Chest broadened and leaning back to absorb pace
- Immediate lay-off after control
Correct when you see
- Arms out to the side — they go behind the back during chest control
- Ball bouncing too far from body
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Consistent touch reps. | Check price → |
| Value | Rebounder Net | Solo control practice. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Mark receiving zones. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Chest Control and Link Play suitable for?
This drill suits U12–adult. Younger players can receive from a gentle, rolled pass; older players should receive firmer, more varied service under pressure.
How many players do I need for Chest Control and Link Play?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Chest Control and Link Play take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 12 minutes to run it — about 15 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.