Relay for basic ball control with head up

This is a drill that I have first seen in a textbook of the Italian Football Federation. It is a variation of one of the most basic soccer drills.

This can be done with 3 players and a ball. It is a simple relay.
Have player 'A' standing without a ball and two players 'B' and 'C' facing him at some distance away. Player 'B' has a ball and has to bring the ball to player 'A'. At the same time player 'A' shows different numbers of fingers. Player 'B' has to look up while controlling the ball and say what number player 'A' is showing. When 'B' reaches player 'A', it starts again, this time with player 'A' running with the ball towards player 'C' that will show him different numbers.

I'm not a big fan of relays but I know other coaches use them a lot. Even if I have my favorite types of activities, I will post on the blog activities of all types. I know that even if I might not like a drill other coaches could find it very useful.

The reason for which I am not a big fan of relays (and many other drills) is that they straitjacket the kids. Isn't it enough that they have to stay in their bench in school all day? Don't get me wrong, I know that relays can be fun, specially if you turn them into a competition, but I think we should use them sparingly.

I have to admit that for some purposes relays could be the best way to develop the players.

To better understand why I consider this a very good relay I invite you to read (again) my previous post, about the principle of bicycle learning wheels.