September 25, 2026
Protecting the ball is an important skill, but what comes next? Learn how young players can create separation, open their hips. receive with purpose, and attack space more effectively.
One of the most important steps in a young player’s development is learning that protecting the ball is only the beginning.
Recently, a young player I work with received great feedback from her coach: she is very effective at using her body to protect the ball under pressure.
That is an excellent foundation. But the next stage of development is learning when to use the body to protect the ball—and when to detach from the defender and create space to play forward.
The Next Development Priority
When receiving the ball, a player should begin recognizing two different situations:
1. Check toward the ball
If pressure is tight, the player can check toward the ball, create separation from the defender and, when appropriate, play quickly with one touch.
2. Move into space and receive forward
When space is available, instead of always receiving with the back to goal, the player can separate from the defender, open the hips and receive in a position that allows the next action to go forward.
This is where body orientation and scanning become extremely important.
Before the ball arrives, the player should already be asking:
Where is the defender? Where is the space? Can I turn? Can I attack forward?
Why Opening the Hips Matters
Opening the hips before receiving gives the player a better view of the field and creates more options.
Instead of:
Receive → Stop → Turn → Look
we want to develop:
Scan → Move → Open → Receive → Attack
That small change can make the player quicker without requiring the player to physically run faster.
The goal is not simply to have a good first touch. The goal is to have a first touch with purpose.
From Technique to Game Intelligence
At FootTrap Soccer Consulting, we believe player development should progress beyond isolated technical skills.
A player may already know how to shield the ball, pass and dribble. The next question is:
Does the player know when, where and why to use those skills?
For young attacking players, learning to recognize space, adjust body orientation and receive facing forward can transform their effectiveness.
Protect the ball when necessary. Create separation when possible. Open the body. Receive with purpose. Attack the space.
That is the progression from simply keeping possession to becoming a more intelligent and dangerous attacking player.
— FootTrap Soccer Consulting
Player Development • Game Analysis • Soccer Education