How Do You Receive In Soccer

Published: 2022-09-23

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Receiving is one of the most essential skills in soccer. All soccer positions must be comfortable with quickly controlling different types of incoming passes, as this allows them to create the time and space needed for their next decision. The process of how you receive in soccer effectively looks like the following:

1. Recognize the incoming ball. Consider how fast it is traveling towards you, as this will affect how you control it.

2. Decide if you want to stop the ball in place, or take it in a direction with your first touch to set-up a dribble, pass, or shot. If you’re taking your first touch in a direction, decide which direction, and also how you want to control the ball (which body part). These choices should be made before the ball reaches you.

3. Position your body based on your desired first touch. Your body should not be too tense while receiving the ball, so that you can keep the ball under control.

1. If you’re stopping the ball in place with the inside of your right foot, you’ll want to shift your weight to your left foot so that your right foot is free to control the ball. Lock your right ankle and open up your right hip to show the inside of your foot towards the ball.

2. If you’re taking your first touch with the inside of your right foot, towards the right, you’ll have to be ready to open your right hip at a much larger angle in order to redirect the ball to a 90-degree angle.

3. If you’re taking your first touch with the outside of your right foot, towards the right, you’ll need to start with your hips more closed and slightly angled to the left with your right foot across your left leg. This will allow you to get your right foot across your body towards the right with your laces facing the ball when receiving it.

4. Ultimately, you can use the inside, outside, or sole of your foot, in order to stop the ball in place, or take a touch in any direction in a 360 degree radius. Each will require a slightly different body position, but as you practice it at slow speeds you’ll start to understand what feels right.

4. Receive the ball.

1. If you’re stopping the soccer ball in place using the inside of your foot, get your locked ankle behind the incoming ball to stop it. If the ball is coming fast enough, you may need to move your foot back as you connect with the ball to reduce its speed. If it’s coming slower, you may need to slightly push the ball forward so it doesn’t stop directly underneath your body but slightly in front to allow you to pass or dribble comfortably.

2. If you’re taking your touch to the right, with the inside of your right foot, as the ball is coming in, use your planted left foot to push your body back and open your hips, causing your body to angle to the right. Now, the ball is coming slightly from your left, and you’ll effectively be pushing it at an angle in front of you. Check out this video drill for perfecting this technique

3. If you’re taking your first touch with the outside of your right foot, to the right, start with your right foot across the left side of your body, lock your ankle to expose your laces directly to the incoming ball, and connect with the ball by opening your right hip and bringing your right foot from left to right across your body, which will push the ball to the right. Push off your planted foot to keep up with the ball in the new direction.

The best way to understand how to receive in soccer is to practice these techniques. Find a wall, partner, or rebounder, and pass back and forth while using different types of first touches. Make sure to practice with both feet. Here are a few drills you can use to improve receiving in soccer: