Three receiving types are set out by where the feet, body and head point. Open means feet and face turned towards the opponent’s goal, so the player can always go forward; semi-open turns the body to the sideline for a 180 degree view, which suits midfield; closed is for pressure, protecting the ball and resetting backwards. Aikman expects open and semi-open receipts on the reverse too. Watch the full masterclass: Receiving skills.
