Passing Gates

• Passing technique is practiced within this drill.
  • Passing
    • Look at and face the target.
    • Step to the ball with the standing foot as balance next to the ball.
    • Look at the ball.
    • Use heel down, toe up, and sidefoot when we pass.
    • Strike the ball firmly – not too hard or soft.
  • Receiving
    • Stay on your toes to be ready for the ball.
    • Move to the ball.
    • Stay balanced and facing the ball.
    • Use the inside of the foot to ‘cushion’ the ball.
    • Ideally, the ball should pop out just in front of the player, ready to pass it back.
• Anticipation – the receiving player is as much a part of the play as the passer. Is the pass accurate? If not, can the player anticipate where it is going before it gets there?
• Communication – It is good to get players in the habit of communicating. Asking for the pass and telling the receiver it’s coming are needed in games.

Pairs pass and receive between the gates.

• Aim to get 10 passes between the gates without missing within 1.5 or 2 minutes.
• If they make 10, encourage them to for more.
• After 2 minutes, get one side to move to the next person to the left, so they have a new partner.
• Repeat until all players have had a new partner.

• You can then try 1-touch passing!
• Players stand 3 or 4 yards apart and use just one touch to pass it back and forth.
• Focus on all pairs and the group, but each tries to keep an eye out for individuals in each set.
• Keep trying – if a pair isn’t quite getting it, you can take time with that pair, and encourage the players.

• 20x25yards – plenty of space for players to make mistakes with passing and have room to dribble
• Players in pairs with 1 ball between them
• 2 cones 2 yards apart – ideally, twice as many gates as pairs

Static passing isn’t necessarily game-like but is good for coaching technique and individual coaching. Using repetition to coach correct technique will create confidence and better passing in a game-like situation.

For younger players, keep in mind passing isn’t a hugely important part of the game. The technique of ball mastery, control, and dribbling is more critical at 5-7 years. The concept of understanding why the ball is passed (to move the ball into a more advantageous position in a game) in the game of soccer can be discussed.

• Move back one step for 10 successful consecutive passes – at a higher level, players can compete with adjacent teams to be the first to get back to a line or cone
• Try using the non-dominant foot to pass or receive, or both
• Make the gate smaller
• Limit to two touches per player
• Which team can get the most passes without missing a gate?