Soccer Receiving and Turning Drills

Soccer receiving and turning drills to improve player's 1st-touch that often determine the direction of the attack.

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Receiving the ball effectively is key to maintaining possession and setting up successful plays in soccer. This page offers drills to help players improve their first touch, control, and positioning under pressure.

Receiving Drills

Circle Passing Overlap Combination MEDIUM

Circle Passing Overlap Combination

The circle passing overlap combination drill will focus on passing, combination play, overlapping, playing with speed, and playing to feet. This combination drill is an excellent passing warm-up drill that can be a great start to a passing practice that incorporates overlapping.

9+ yrs. 10+ players 15 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
3.2 159,794 Chris Johnson
3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup MEDIUM

3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup

This soccer drill sharpens short-range passing, encourages constant movement after the pass, and prepares players physically and mentally for training. It reinforces clean technique and fitness through repetition.

9+ yrs. 3+ players 10 mins. 10X10 yds. GK: no
3 6,146 Chris Johnson
Y Passing Drill - Variation 3 MEDIUM

Y Passing Drill - Variation 3

Develops players' ability to execute quick one-two passes, play accurate long balls, and transition into new positions efficiently. Encourages decision-making and proper body positioning for receiving and distributing passes.

9+ yrs. 6+ players 15 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
2.33 7,537 Chris Johnson
Fixed Distance Passing Game EASY

Fixed Distance Passing Game

This drill helps players develop passing accuracy, weight of pass, and first-touch control. It also reinforces teamwork and focus while progressively increasing difficulty by narrowing the passing gate.

4-10 yrs. 2+ players 15 mins. 20X30 yds. GK: no
2 7,972 Chris Johnson
4v4, Thirds of the Field, Shape and Positioning MEDIUM

4v4, Thirds of the Field, Shape and Positioning

This 4v4 drill is great for improving shape and positioning. Each player has their own responsibility: 1) attacker/target player stretches the field closer to the goal they are attacking. 2) winger players stretch the width of the field. 3) defensive player gives support to wingers and target player while staying the last man.

7-14 yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 25X40 yds. GK: no