Thigh Control & Return

1. Stand approximately 2–3 metres from your partner.
2. Your partner throws the ball towards you at waist height.
3. Cushion the ball with your right thigh, directing it down towards your right foot.
4. Without letting the ball touch the ground, volley it back to your partner's hands with the inside of your right foot.
5. Repeat using the left thigh and left foot, alternating sides.
6. The ball must stay in the air throughout the exercise.

When receiving a dropping ball, you may need to control it with your thigh and play it on before it reaches the ground. This exercise develops the touch, coordination and timing needed to cushion the ball into a playable position and return it with one fluid movement.

• Control the direction of the first touch so the ball drops into a comfortable position for the volley.
• Keep your ankle firm and stay balanced between the thigh touch and the return volley.