Practice 1: When to pass

WHY USE IT

This practice allows players to enhance their understanding of when to pass the ball.

Set-up

Mark out a suitably sized area, appropriate to your players’ age and ability. Divide it into two equal horizontal halves, with a mini goal at one end. Arrange players into groups of four. Mark out a pitch for each group.

HOW TO play

Split the groups of four into two attackers and two defenders. The attacking team starts at the end furthest from the mini goal. A player from the defending team is locked in each half of the area. 

The attacking team has to progress over the halfway line before they can shoot at the mini goal. The defending team must win the ball back and dribble it over the start line to earn two points. 

Swap roles after each round, or after a set time (say, two minutes).

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

• Allow the defender in the attackers’ half of the pitch to track back to help defend.

• Goals are worth double if the pass is played forward into the second half or goes between the two defenders.

• Add a scoring zone that the players must get into before they can shoot at the mini goal.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage players to:

• Scan to see the positioning of their team-mate.

• Get close to the fire without getting burned.

• Communicate with your pass – this should tell the receiver what to do (e.g. a pass played slightly in front of them encourages them to play forward).