DrillsPedia

Scan Before Receive Gates

A receiving drill that makes players look before the ball arrives and choose a safe first-touch direction.

How to set it up
CONTROL THE NEXT ACTION

A simple setup view for this drill.

Setup

Place three coloured gates around the receiver. The feeder calls or points to a colour while the ball is travelling, and the receiver takes the first touch toward that gate.

Steps

  1. Receiver checks both shoulders before the pass.
  2. Feeder passes at a manageable speed.
  3. Feeder calls a gate as the ball travels.
  4. Receiver opens the body and takes the first touch toward that gate.
  5. Return the pass and reset.

Coaching points

  • Look before the ball comes.
  • Keep the body open when possible.
  • Take the touch into the chosen space.
  • Make the decision early enough to be useful.

Common mistakes

  • Only looking after the ball arrives.
  • Taking the touch straight back to the feeder.
  • Calling a colour without moving the body.
  • Making the pass too hard for the decision.

Make it easier

Use two gates and call the colour before the pass.

Make it harder

Add a passive defender or allow the feeder to change the target late.

How to know it is working

The receiver checks both sides, identifies the target, and makes the first touch away from pressure on most repetitions.

Safety

Keep the defender passive until the receiver can see the ball and the space together.

Next practice

Pick one short session. Stop while the child still wants another turn.