Instep Control — Driven Balls
Receiving a driven pass — fast over 20+ yards — is a distinct and coachable skill.
◆Why this drill works
Receiving a driven pass — 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 and immediately play forward add enormous attacking value. The instep cushion itself is a specific technical skill: the foot must be firm enough to stop the ball's pace instantly but withdraw a fraction on contact, absorbing the energy rather than rebounding it back out or trapping it dead underfoot. Players who lock the ankle rigid will concede the ball off their foot; players who withdraw too much will let it run past. Practising the cushion in isolation, before adding the turn and the pass, lets players feel that absorbing action without the pressure of a decision on top of it. Once the cushion itself is reliable, the diagonal body shape and the immediate forward pass become the natural next layer.
◇Variations and progressions
- Eyes-closed cushion — receiver closes their eyes just before contact and relies purely on feel to cushion the ball, sharpening the touch itself without visual compensation.
- Varied pace service — server alternates between gentle and firm driven passes without warning, forcing the receiver to adjust the cushion's softness rep to rep rather than grooving one fixed technique.
- Both-foot requirement — receiver must cushion with their weaker foot every third rep, building the technique on the side most players avoid in matches.
- Turn into pressure — add a passive defender closing from behind as the ball arrives, so the receiver must cushion and turn away from real pressure rather than an imagined one.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Pairs, 20 yards apart. Server plays a driven low pass. Receiver uses instep cushion.
- First 5 reps: let it run to a comfortable stop. Diagnose technique. Cue: Instep forward, ankle firm, withdraw on contact.
- 10 reps each, alternating.
- Progress: receiver must control and immediately pass to a third player 5 yards to the side.
- Final: driven long ball from 30 yards. Receiver controls, turns, plays forward to a runner.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Body at 45 degrees to ball before it arrives — positioned to play forward
- Control taking ball into space rather than stopping dead
- Ankle withdrawing softly on contact rather than staying rigid or collapsing
Correct when you see
- Instep too rigid — ball rebounds
- Receiving square-on — the 45-degree angle opens options
- Over-cushioning so the ball dies completely and kills the tempo of the next action
★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.