Triangle Passing

Dimensions: Set up a triangle with each point 8 Yards apart and place a line of three cones on one side. These cones will represent a defender; the ball cannot be passed through those cones One player starts on each cone. Set up more areas to accommodate more players.

How to: The player starting with the ball must make a pass to either one of his team mates. NOTE there may only be one available pass as you cannot pass through the coned line. After the pass has been played, the two players without the ball switch positions. Pattern continues

Coaching Points: Consider your passing options. Look up, see an opportunity and pass quickly Do not watch play- if you pass the ball away, be ready to move, likewise, if you do not receive the ball you still have a role to play, move quickly to your new position.

Progressions: Create a square, pass and move to the free cone. See 26Passing to cones for Animation and coaching points

Advanced Passing Triangles

Dimensions: Place three cones in a triangle, each cone 12 yards from the other. Have 4 players per triangle. Two players by one cone which will be the start line and one player on each other cone. Lay more areas to accommodate more players.

How to: Player 1 in the start line passes a ball counter clockwise to player two and follows the pass. Player two must check out away from the cone before receiving the ball. When receiving the ball, player two must play a lay off pass back to the advancing player one before moving off
down the other side of the triangle. Player one must then play a return pass back to player two who then repeats the pattern with player three. Each player assumes the position of the player in front of them.

Coaching Points: Make accurate passes- this drill will work best if players try to use one touch passes. In order to do so all players must focus on their technique in passing and the range, weight and speed of the pass they are trying to make.

Do not run too far ahead of the ball, wait to see where the pass is being played then run onto it, it is much easier to advance on a ball than it is to check your run and adjust your body shape to collect a pass played in behind you.

Advanced Pass & Through Ball

Dimensions: 10 x 10 yard square with one player on each cone. One player occupied the middle of the square.

How to: Player in the starting line plays a long pass down one side of the square to player two who plays a ball into the middle play maker. The player in the starting line must follow their pass and collect a return ball from the play maker in the middle. The starting player must then look to play a through pass to player two before assuming the position of player two. The pattern repeats with player two playing a long pass into player three. The play maker must adjust their position to keep up with the play as the session moves around the square.

Coaching Points: Make accurate passes. This session’s success will depend on the accuracy and overall care and focus on technique the players take. Consider the weight, timing and accuracy of every pass. Play maker must move to new positions in order to create good passing angles and link the move together effectively. Running players on the outside must be careful to time the release of the through pass to benefit the runner. The running player must ensure they do not set off too early too.

Triangle Passing & Third Man Runs

Dimensions: Place three cones in a triangle, each cone 15 yards from the other. Have 7 players per triangle.

How to: Player 1 in the start line passes a ball counter clockwise to player two and follows the pass. Player two must check out away from the cone before receiving the ball. When receiving the ball, player two must play a lay off pass back to the advancing player one. Player 3 who starts behind player 2 then begins an overlapping run past player 2 and receives a through pass from player 1. Player 1 takes the position of player 2 and player two takes the position of player 3.

Coaching Points: Make accurate passes- this drill will work best if players try to use one touch passes. In order to do so all players must focus on their technique in passing and the range, weight and speed of the pass they are trying to make.

Do not run too far ahead of the ball, wait to see where the pass is being played then run onto it, it is much easier to advance on a ball than it is to check your run and adjust your body shape to collect a pass played in behind you.