Receiving a throw-in is different from receiving a pass. The ball comes down from above, and the receiver has to be ready to move immediately.
Equipment needed: 2-3 soccer balls, cones to mark a sideline, 6-8 kids.
Setup: Mark a 15-yard section of sideline with cones. Two kids are on the line (throw-in position), two kids are receiving 5 yards away, and two kids are backup receivers 10 yards away.
How to run it:
- Thrower performs a proper throw-in to the nearest receiver.
- Receiver takes the ball and immediately passes back to a different thrower or dribbles forward.
- Rotate: after each throw, players move one position (thrower becomes receiver, receiver becomes backup, backup becomes thrower).
- Do 10 throw-ins per group.
What to look for: Reception quality and movement immediately after. Good receivers turn and pass or dribble in one motion.
Variation: For younger kids (8-9), throw from 3 yards away so the pass is easier. For older kids (10), add defenders so the receiver has to turn away from pressure.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Size 4 soccer ball → — right size for ages 8–12.
Disc cones (50-pack) → — flat cones for gates, grids, and boundary markers.
Full soccer gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
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