Kick returns: Don’t just throw away possession

Before players make counter-attacking decisions, they need to be aware of the type of kick they are receiving and the sort of chase.

Here are four key pointers to consider...

Seeing the kick ’early’

The body language and positioning of the kicker can often be read before they kick, making it easier to anticipate where the ball is going.

Using 1v1 kicking activities across half a pitch, between the touchlines, is a good way of anticipating space, how far the kick will go and the ground coverage for retrieving kicks.

Is the kick contestable or will it hit the ground?

It is important to practice aerial skills. Kicks that are put up to contest are often in favour of the kicking team.

The ball must be secured in the air if you want to safely retrieve the ball to launch counter attacks. 

For kicks that hit the ground, work on safe retrieval of a bouncing ball in ones and twos.

Does their kicker chase or hang back?

Having an ability to scan for space while counter attacking is imperative to its success.

Seeing gaps in the chase line, space behind a good chase or floor space to hit counter kicks helps in the decision-making process.

What are the non-kickers doing?

Are they chasing, making their way onside or remaining offside? A disjointed line is the best to attack, as there will be dog-legs and mismatches. It is also a chance to bring on a support player to hit a gap or create an overlap.

In training, use the below exercises that challenge players to reposition themselves and clear the danger with either running or kicking. They are good for chasing and accurate first kicks, too.