Cushion and Go Through a Gate
A partner throws the ball in the air; the receiver cushions it with the foot, thigh or chest and dribbles through one of two gates in two touches.
- Age
- U9–U16
- Players
- 2–20
- Duration
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Low
- Area
- 15 × 10 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Analytical
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Receiving / first touch
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:ReceivingDirectional first touch
- Physical:Balance
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Pass
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
Controlling a high ball is only useful if the next touch goes somewhere. The two gates behind the receiver make the first touch directional: cushion the ball so it drops in front of you, then go. Work in pairs with many repetitions.
Objective
Cushion an aerial ball and direct the next touch into space.
Organisation
- Pairs, 8–10 m apart. Two 3 m gates 2 m behind the receiver, one to each side.
How it works
- The server throws the ball (underarm, then overarm).
- The receiver controls with the surface the coach calls and dribbles through either gate within two touches.
- 10 repetitions, then swap.
Coaching points
- Get in line with the ball early.
- Relax the contact surface and withdraw it as the ball arrives.
- Second touch away from your body, towards the gate.
Progressions
- The server calls the gate after the throw.
- Server becomes a passive defender after throwing.
Regressions
- Allow a bounce before controlling.
Variations
- Control and pass back first time on the volley.
Key principles
- Soft first touch, purposeful second touch.
Share this task
Useful? Send it to your coaching staff or save the diagram.