Practice 1: Progressive passing

WHY USE IT

This passing practice develops decision-making to find the free player with a pass. It also develops the technique of short to mid-range passing and movement off the ball to find space away from the defender.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Place a small goal at either end of the area and cones in the middle, as shown.

HOW it works

The practice starts without defenders, as players get used to the set up. It can include goalkeepers, if available, to replicate switching the ball via the goalkeeper.

The ball starts in one corner and must be played into the central player, who passes out to the opposite corner. Once players are comfortable with the practice, you can introduce a defender and extra attacker in the middle, to create a 2v1.

The ball must be played through the middle before being switched to the opposite corner. If the defender wins possession, they can score in either goal. Ensure the defender is rotated every few turns.

PROGRESSIONS

Introduce a second defender and allow the outside players the option of driving into the middle with the ball, to create a 3v2. This increases the options and therefore decision-making, and creates the need for more movement off the ball.

COACHING POINTS

Timing and weight of pass to allow recipient to receive the ball in space, on the back foot and to play off one or two touches. Timing of movement to escape defender and receive the ball in space.