Eleftheria Pancyprian SC
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‹ Coaching Points

Receiving

Three looks, first touch into space, turning and aerial control.

Top 3

  1. 1.Three looks before the ball arrives
  2. 2.Open your hips towards where you want to play
  3. 3.First touch into space — keep the ball awake

General

  • Three looks: when you might get the ball, when you know you'll get it, and when it's on its way
  • Hips facing the direction you want to play whenever possible
  • Raise a bent knee so the foot meets the ball at or just above its middle
  • Self-pass into the space around you — keep the ball awake, don't kill it dead where the defender expects it
  • First-touch pass is on if you're balanced and your hips face the target

Inside of the foot

  • A big, safe surface
  • Toe out and slightly up or neutral
  • Relaxed lower leg, ankle and foot — pillow feet — for close control
  • Firmer ankle to push the ball into bigger space
  • Angle the foot to deflect the ball where you want it
  • Weight slightly forward to keep the ball down and get moving

Outside of the foot

  • Good for speed on the run, deception and shielding
  • Toe in and slightly down or neutral
  • Use the pace on the ball to deflect it into space
  • Add deception with a body or foot feint away from where you're going
  • Under pressure: stay sideways-on for better vision and to keep the ball far from the defender
  • Under pressure: self-pass backwards to turn and face — if you can't seal them, see them

Turning with your back to goal

  • ABC: Angle of support, Body shape, Check your shoulder
  • With space: let the ball run across your half-turned body to the far foot
  • Under pressure: curl the foot around the ball — draw a C — and pivot on the plant foot into space
  • Defender tight: roll them by deflecting the ball into the space behind and spinning into it, shielding as you go

Aerial receiving

  • Get the body in line with the flight
  • Relax the receiving surface — make a pillow, not a brick wall
  • Cushion on contact, e.g. bend the knees and lean back for a chest control
  • Turn the body or surface to direct the ball into the best space, away from pressure
Say it on the pitch
Three looksOpen upKeep it awake

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