Aerial Control in Pairs
One partner throws the ball in the air; the other cushions it with the instep, thigh or chest and plays it back on the ground or on the volley.
- Age
- U9–U16
- Players
- 2–20
- Duration
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Low
- Area
- 12 × 10 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Analytical
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Receiving / first touch
- Physical: Coordination
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:ReceivingVolleying
- Physical:Coordination
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Pass
- Ball
Many young players struggle with balls that arrive in the air. Working in pairs with hand serves gives dozens of repetitions in a few minutes and lets the coach move from simple (control with the thigh and pass) to game-like (control away from a defender, volley passes). It also works well as a technical warm-up.
Objective
Improve control of aerial balls with different surfaces and prepare the ball for the next action.
Organisation
- Players in pairs, 6–8 m apart, one ball per pair.
- All pairs can work across a 12 × 10 m area or along a touchline.
How it works
- The thrower serves underarm to the receiver's chosen surface: instep, thigh or chest.
- The receiver cushions the ball and returns it with an inside-foot pass along the ground.
- 10 repetitions per surface, then swap roles.
- Next round: control and return with a volley to the thrower's hands.
Coaching points
- Move your feet early to get in line with the ball.
- Relax the surface on contact and withdraw it slightly to cushion.
- Keep your eyes on the ball until it touches you.
- Control the ball to the side you want to play next, not just dead at your feet.
Progressions
- The thrower calls a direction (left/right) while the ball is in the air; the control must go that way.
- Serves with the foot instead of the hand.
- Add a passive defender behind the receiver.
Regressions
- Let the ball bounce once before controlling.
- Shorter, softer throws.
Variations
- Juggling challenge: control, two juggles, then return the pass.
Key principles
- Get in line early.
- Soft surface.
- Control with a purpose.
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