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Being Ready To Receive A Ball
Frequently, when you see a player not receive the ball well, or just miss getting to a ball or misplay a first time pass or shot, the problem is not with the technique but rather with the players preparation.
When a tennis player is waiting to receive a serve they have their knees bent, their feet moving, their racquet in a position to hit the ball and their eyes are on the ball. When a baseball batter is awaiting a pitch, their knees are bent, they are on the balls of their feet, their bat is in a position to hit the ball and they are staring at the ball. When a basketball player is guarding her player, she has her knees bent, is on the balls of her feet and is concentrating on her player and the ball. Since they all have this in common, why do so many soccer players think they can stand flat footed, knees straight, semi paying attention and then think they will be prepared to receive the ball properly???
The first key to being prepared to receive the ball is to know where the ball is at all times. Too often supporting players on a field stand or make runs but don’t know where the ball is so when the ball is played to them, they are surprised as it gets to them. Seeing the ball at all times is vital to success in receiving.
The second key is to be on the balls of the feet with the knees bent. This will allow the player to react to a ball that is played whether it’s a perfect ball or played slightly off target.
The third key is to have the body positioned in a way that the body is opened up to receive the ball. It’s very difficult to receive a ball across the body so the more a body is opened up and facing the path the ball is going to take, the easier it is to receive the ball.
Lastly, the key is to expect and want the ball.
Being prepared to receive the ball will make you much better at actually receiving the ball and will make the game more enjoyable to be able to control the ball simply by preparing properly. Remember, proper prior planning prevents poor performance!
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