Practice 2: Progressive passing

WHY USE IT

This practice develops decision-making around when to play forward and break a line. It also develops the technique of the pass and how to receive the ball, first touch and close control.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Divide it in half and split players into three or four teams of four players. If required, one or two can act as neutral support players.

HOW it works

Start by nominating one team to defend. In this example, Blues and Yellows are working together to maintain possession – playing a forward pass to break a line where possible – while Reds are defending.

Each time the in-possession teams break a line by passing across to the other half of the area, they score a point, while the defenders score a point by regaining possession. Switch the defending team every few minutes.

PROGRESSIONS

Change the rules so that if the defenders regain possession or force a mistake, they switch roles with the team that lost possession. The rotation happens as the game is still ongoing, so the transitions must be done quickly. Make it competitive and challenge players to not be the defending team at the final whistle.

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. Deciding when to remain patient and maintain possession, and when to be brave and try to break a line and score a point.