Passing and movement off the ball

Aim

Practice diagonal passes over about 20 meters with the right weight, with a one-touch lay-off to the player making the movement. The focus is on exact timing between the pass and the run to receive, the choice of movement and the speed of the change of direction, along with quality of execution and good decisions in a small space.

How it runs

A central player moves without the ball to create a passing angle, then moves to receive and plays a one-two in a small space. The drill runs ball after ball, so there is a lot of repetition. That allows accuracy, rhythm and quality practice of the action. The sequence ends with a pass into a mini goal, which puts the focus on timing, decision-making and accuracy in the last action.

Setup

1. Place four cones in a zigzag, with about 20 meters between cones
2. Put two poles between each pair of cones
3. Add a goal at the end as the target
4. One player stands at each cone and at each pole
5. Several players wait at the first cone with the balls to start the pattern

Coaching points

• Quality and weight of the 20-meter pass, matched to the receiver and the distance
• Timing between the pass and the movement. Too early or too late breaks the rhythm and the accuracy
• Movement off the ball to create a clear passing angle and open a line
• A one-touch lay-off in the direction of the attack, with a good first touch
• Sharp changes of direction after passing and receiving, at match tempo
• Scan before receiving to see the space and the next action
• Keep the rhythm, ball after ball, without unnecessary stops
• Accuracy in the last action: a quality pass into the goal to finish