Trapping and Controlling the Ball With Your Back to Goal

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Every striker spends much of the game receiving with their back to goal, and this soccer receiving drill for U10–U16 players trains exactly that moment. Players work on chest, thigh, and foot traps under immediate pressure, then choose between turning to attack 1v1 or laying the ball back to keep the move alive.

This drill pairs well with others in the receiving category, and you can find age-matched sessions under U13 drills.

Setup

• Mark a grid about 20×30 yards with an 8-yard cone goal on the end line.
• The server (Player 1) stands at the top of the grid with the ball.
• The attacker (Player 2) starts about 5 yards in front of the goal, facing the server with their back to goal.
• The defender (Player 3) starts at the corner of the end line, beside the goal.

How It Works

1. The server plays a ball into the attacker.
2. As the pass travels, the defender sprints in to press the attacker.
3. The attacker checks toward the ball and makes a decision: turn and beat the defender 1v1 for a shot at the cone goal, or play the ball back to the server and attack 2v1.
4. Rotate roles after each repetition, and vary serves between feet, thigh, and chest.

Coaching Points

• Clean control first - cushion the ball with the right surface before anything else.
• First touch into space, away from where the pressure is coming from.
• Teach the three back-to-goal options: turn, shield, or play the way you are facing.
• The decision must come quickly - dribble or pass, but never freeze on the ball.

Variations

• Add a second attacker and second defender to make it 2v2.
• Put a goalkeeper in the goal and use a full-size or small goal instead of cones.
• Serve only lofted balls to work chest and thigh traps under pressure.