A player can move her head repeatedly and still be unsure what to do when the ball arrives. Scanning is useful when it answers a football question: where is the nearest opponent, where is there space, and which teammate might be available? The point is to collect information she can use. The following examples are STAR practice suggestions; the linked FA guides offer further explanation of scanning and receiving.
Look for something specific
Start with one question rather than asking a player to see everything. A central midfielder might check whether pressure is coming from her left or right. A wide player might check the space along the touchline before receiving. Ask her what she noticed, without turning the conversation into a memory test. If she cannot identify anything useful, simplify the situation. The aim is to connect a glance with an action, not reward head movement for its own sake.
Choose moments when a glance is possible
Looking away while trying to control an awkward pass can make the task harder. Explore moments before the pass is played or while the ball is travelling predictably. The player still needs to return her attention to the ball. Information also changes: a defender who was far away may accelerate as the pass leaves a teammate’s foot. Treat the first look as a starting picture and check it again when the situation allows, rather than assuming the space will remain open.
Let body position help the picture
A player who stands square to the passer may find it difficult to see behind her. A slight adjustment of position can bring more of the pitch into view. There is no single stance that suits every pass. If a defender is close, protecting the ball or returning it may be the sensible option. Help the player explore which position lets her see the ball and the relevant space without losing balance or exposing possession unnecessarily.
Use an opponent to make information matter
In an original starter activity, place two receiving gates behind a player and ask a partner to occupy one before a gentle pass arrives. She checks which gate is open and takes her touch that way. Give her time to succeed before adding movement or reducing space. Then try a small game where she must choose between turning, carrying and returning the pass. A colour call can introduce looking, but an opponent’s position has a clearer connection to a football decision.
Review the choice, not just the result
After a moment in practice, ask what she saw and whether it influenced her first touch. If she turned into pressure, consider whether she looked too early, missed the opponent or struggled to execute the touch. These are different problems. Do not stop every passage of play to question her. Choose occasional moments and allow uninterrupted attempts. Look for the habit appearing naturally in different parts of the pitch, including when the best decision is a simple pass backwards.
FROM READING TO PLAYING
Something to try
Watch one receiving moment together. Pause before the pass arrives and name the nearest pressure, the clearest space and one support option. Play the clip and compare those options with the player’s decision. There may be several reasonable answers. Return to a live ball activity so the discussion stays connected to playing.
Take it into your football
- Give each glance a football question.
- Information can change while the ball travels.
- Returning the ball can be a good decision.
Further reading
Explore related guidance from these primary sources. Practice examples and suggested conversations on this page are STAR’s own guidance.
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