Small sided games do nearly all the work here. Sessions open with rondos, 5v2 or 6v3, where the point is constant movement rather than passing alone, and isolated drills are largely dropped in favour of competitive formats. Technical demands get built into the game instead, along with kit like deflection boards, heavy balls and egg balls, and feedback delivered to individuals as play continues. Watch the full masterclass: Receiving skills.
Nothing about the reception should be static in Aikman’s view: the receiver manipulates ball, body and angles on the move, borrowing basketball’s pivoting to change foot position and frustrate a presser. Stepping towards the ball alters the defender’s angle and buys separation, while dropping away can pull a defender out. He caps training at two touches, since three or more signals trouble. Watch the full masterclass: Receiving skills.
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.
Aikman treats stopping the ball as close to obsolete, the one exception being the stopper at a penalty corner. Receiving, as he defines it, is preparation for the next action: the player is already moving, and the first touch exists to create options rather than to secure possession. He applies the same thinking to goalkeepers, who he wants trained as passers. Watch the full masterclass: Receiving skills.