Positioning for receiving a pass is crucial to success. The first illustration shows how NOT to await a pass. The proper way to await a pass is to first face the direction you need to travel to. Most of the time this will be in the direction of the opponent's goal. Unless there is a lot of tight traffic, one wants to receive a space pass. In the case of tight traffic, the pass should go to the receiver's feet for immediate control.
Once facing the correct direction, the receiver needs to open for the pass. This is easily done by being able to see the ball. If the receiver cannot see the ball, the passer has no place to safely pass the ball to a team mate.
The receiver should signal the passer that he/she is ready for the pass. This is usually done with a hand signal. The passer looks up, and passes the ball into the space the receiver will occupy when the ball is passed (see space passing).
Finally, the receiver must have built proper space for an accurate and effective pass. This space varies with the ability of the passer and receiver and is something that should be practiced between players who normally work together.
Again, in the illustrations below, the first shows how NOT to position for a reception. The receivers are facing the ball.
In the next few illustrations, the receivers are first facing properly, then by moving in the right space, improve the chance of a good received pass.
