⚽ First Touch · Aerial-Control
Cushion Volley Control
Players who can cushion-volley have significantly more options than those who wait for everything to drop.
Cushion Volley Control — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Ankle soft and withdrawing at contact
◆Why this drill works
Players who can cushion-volley have significantly more options than those who wait for everything to drop. This drill isolates the technique across a range of service types: low-bounce, hip-height, chest-height, and driven flat.
▦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, 8 yards apart. Server throws underarm to various heights.
- Receiver uses inside-foot cushion. Cue: Soft ankle, withdraw on contact.
- Increase service pace after 10 reps.
- Progress: server volleys the ball.
- Final 5 minutes: cushion-volley then immediately pass to a third player 3 yards either side.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls8
- Cones8
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Ankle soft and withdrawing at contact
- First touch landing within a stride's reach
Correct when you see
- Rigid ankle leading to the ball bouncing off — give way, don't fight it
- Waiting for ball to drop when a cushion-volley was available
★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 Cushion Volley Control suitable for?
This drill suits U13–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 Cushion Volley Control?
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 Cushion Volley Control 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.