Passing is an essential part of the soccer game. Passing helps in advancing the ball into your opponent’s D and gaining possession at the same time. In modern soccer, teams that build their squad on passing are more successful than those that rely on dribbling, long balls, and skill level. Nowadays, passing is a critical area that every beginner or youth player should focus on. So he or she can learn how to switch the attack, create time and space, reduce pressure, and maintain possession for the team.
Beginners should learn passing drills, especially if they are under 8 or under 10. At a young age, they can easily practice and develop techniques. Because passing the ball and receiving it are the most important parts of the player’s game. Players who don’t work on their passing suffer from limited offensive options. In this article, I’ll tell you about the best soccer passing drills, whether you’re a parent or coach trying to teach your young guns.
These passing drills are fun and practice at the same time. These are beneficial drills for youth players to establish good ball control and passing accuracy in different situations, like when to execute long passes or short ones. As you know, there are many ways to pass the ball, but the most accurate one is a side-foot pass. It’s a simple but effective one, and players of all skill levels should practice this pass daily.
To be successful or to make a winning squad, coaches need to have access to all the passing drills that players adopt while playing on the field. So the players can easily read the game and execute the pass when needed. Soccer is all about ball possession, and passing is the key to gaining possession of the ball. You need good technique, accuracy, direction, and knowledge of which part of the foot to use to pass the ball.
Improved accuracy, quick decision-making, enhanced vision, team cohesion, and confidence building are the main benefits of these passing drills. Players of any age can get these benefits if they adopt these drills to improve their passing.
The 5 Best Soccer Passing Drills to Improve Your Ball Movement
1. Passing and Layoff Drill
Sequence: This involves a basic passing exercise where players pass and then lay off the ball to middle players, who then return the pass. It adds complexity by making the initial run either inverted (changing direction) or diagonal, which changes the dynamic of the drill.
Focus: Emphasizes high speed, intensity, and precise touches.
Adjustments: You can enlarge the playing area to require harder passes and incorporate more sprinting, enhancing both fitness and passing accuracy.
2. Sharp Passing Drill
Sequence: This drill features sharp, quick passes, often with one-touch lay-offs, and requires players to move rapidly without the ball.
Focus: Encourages quick ball movement and combinations between players.
Adjustments: Increasing the area of play forces players to pass more firmly and run greater distances, improving both their stamina and passing strength.
3. Quick Feet-Passing Drill
Focus: This drill emphasizes having quick feet, making short and sharp passes, and maintaining good body positioning while receiving and making passes.
Adjustments: Similar to other drills, enlarging the space necessitates firmer passes and involves more running.
4. Quick Passing Drill
Sequence: Involves a quick passing routine that mixes one-touch and two-touch play.
Focus: Players must pass the ball firmly, particularly to those in the middle who have only one touch to control and redirect the ball.
Adjustments: The playing area can be modified to suit the players’ skill level, with a larger space demanding stronger passes and more running.
5. Combination Rectangle Passing Drill
Sequence: Utilizes two rectangles—a larger one on the outside and a smaller one in the center.
Focus: This requires rapid combination play and a focus on the first touch.
Instructions: Players must follow their pass and maintain concentration.
Adjustments: The space can be resized, and multiple balls can be used to increase the difficulty, challenging the players further.
Notes
Tools: Use bibs or cones to mark areas.
Implementation: Integrate these drills into your training sessions to enhance player performance.
Customizations: Adjust the size of the playing area and the number of balls to match the skill level and objectives, ensuring players are continuously challenged and improving.Â
