Instep Control — Receiving Driven Passes
Receiving a driven pass travelling fast over 20+ yards is a distinct and coachable skill.
◆Why this drill works
Receiving a driven pass travelling fast over 20+ yards is a distinct and coachable skill. The instep cushion, the diagonal body shape that takes the ball away from an approaching defender, and the immediate second action are the components. At U14+, players who can receive driven balls from defenders under pressure open up a much larger range of passing options for the whole team, because coaches and teammates trust that a firm, accurate pass will be controlled rather than turned over. Without this skill, teams are forced into a diet of short, safe passes that a well-organised opposition can press and close down easily. Diagnosing technique in the first five unopposed reps before adding the immediate pass-on demand builds the cushion first, then layers on the game-realistic decision-making second, rather than asking for both at once.
◇Variations and progressions
- Aerial driven service — introduce a driven pass that arrives slightly off the ground, requiring a cushioned thigh or chest touch before the instep pass.
- Reduced reaction time — server strikes the pass without a verbal cue, forcing the receiver to read body shape instead of anticipating the moment.
- Live pressure from behind — a defender closes from behind the receiver, adding the realistic threat that the diagonal body shape is designed to counter.
- First-time redirection — on selected reps the receiver must redirect the driven ball first-time rather than cushioning and passing separately.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Pairs, 20 yards apart. Server plays driven low pass at normal passing pace. Receiver uses instep cushion.
- First 5 reps: let it run to comfortable stop. Diagnose technique. Then correct: instep slightly forward, ankle firm, withdraw on contact.
- 10 reps each, alternating. Coach circulates. Cue: 'Meet it halfway, withdraw on contact'.
- Progress: receiver must control and immediately pass to third player 5 yards to their side. No extra touch.
- Final: driven long ball from 30 yards. Receiver controls, turns, plays forward to player making a run.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Cushioned touch that kills the pace of the ball
- Receiving on the half-turn to play forward quickly
- Using the correct surface for the situation
- Body positioned diagonally to shield the ball from the nearest defender
Correct when you see
- Taking the touch toward a defender instead of into space
- Standing square and getting trapped — receive on the half-turn
- Ball bouncing away on control because the ankle was too loose on contact
★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 → |
As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.