Warm up: playing forward

WHY USE IT

A technical warm-up to introduce players to the principles of forward passes and how movement off the ball can create an opportunity to receive a pass that breaks defensive lines. It also allows players to get a feel for the ball and focus on pass detail into the receiving player.

Set-up

Set up the distance of poles/mannequins/cones depending on the age and ability of your players. The two middle poles/mannequins/cones represent defenders.

HOW TO DO IT

Player A starts, passing the ball to Player B. On receiving the ball, B should have moved away from the ‘defender’ and into a position that allows them to receive between the lines. B then plays into Player C on their second touch.

As the pass from B to C is happening, A should follow their pass and become the new central player. B follows their pass and joins the line where C is. The practice continues with C starting with the ball, going in the opposite direction.

Progressions: A starts by dribbling before passing to B, who should be in a position that allows them to receive between the defenders. This time, introduce a one-two/wall pass between A and B. A makes a run outside of the defender to receive the ball back from B. A plays into C and the pattern repeats the opposite way.

coaching points

Players should focus on the four “Bs” of passing and receiving that assist playing forward - ball speed/movement, body positioning, back-foot receiving and breaking lines. 

Encourage players to adopt a body position that allows them to receive on their back foot with their first touch and play forward on their second touch.

Players should play the ball with the correct weight and accuracy. Movement to receive and break lines can also be developed by getting players to play off the shoulder of the defender and receive beyond and between.