Box Passing and Moving

Dimensions: 20 x 20 yard area with 4 players in the middle. One player stands on each corner of the 20 yard box. Each player on the outside has a ball. Adjust the size of the area to suit the age group you are working with.

How to: Each player on the outside makes a pass into the player in the middle that is ready to receive their pass. The passing player then makes a run down towards the next corner receiving a return pass from the player in the middle and dribbling with the ball to the corner.

Coaching Points: Off the ball movement, keep eyes on the play developing. Be careful not to overrun the return pass. Judge the weight of pass carefully and adjust your body position to receive the return pass on the move.

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.

Relieving Pressure

Dimensions:15 x 15 yard square  (place another area if numbers allow)

How to: Line players around the outside of the area, inside the area will be an even number of attackers and defenders.

If players are inside the square, they must remain in there; players on the outside remain outside

The possession team must attempt to pass the ball into their team mates inside the area whose task is to keep possession under pressure. To score a point the team in possession must make a pass into the middle; the player in the middle completes the sequence by passing to someone new around the outside.

If a player on the outside has their pass intercepted, they become the defender.

Coaching Points: Encourage positive play. Players in the middle should try to open their body to the play to see if there is a pass available. If the defender is close can they retain possession? A return pass to the player on the outside is also a good option, it will allow them to take up a new position.

Be patient with play, don’t play your team mate into trouble.

Don’t worry if you make a mistake and lose possession, this drill is about being comfortable on the ball under pressure, sometimes you learn more from the mistakes you make.

Progressions: Add more players to the middle (make sure the number of attackers and defenders remains even.) You can make the area bigger now if necessary. Players must now attempt to pass the ball in the middle, seeking a player on the outside to relieve pressure, build play and retain possession.

Off the Ball Movement Diamonds

Dimensions: Place 2 cones 12 yards apart with two cones 10 yards apart in the middle of the two cones creating a diamond shape. Start a line of players on one cone and one player on the cone 12 yards from that start cone.

How to: Player 1 starts with the ball and passes in long to player 2 12 yards away. Player one moves forward so they’re in the middle of the area. Player two passes the ball back to the start line, past player 1 to player 3. Player one then move to face the ball and opens out to one of the side cones to provide a passing option to player 3. Player 3 then plays a give and go/ 1-2 pass with player 1 who is now occupying a wider position. Once player 3 receives the return pass, they then pass long to the player 12 yards away. Repeat.

Coaching Points: Encourage players to quickly open out to provide supporting passing options to the player in possession. It is important that we support our team mates to help us retain possession. Communicate with team mates. Move quickly to provide supporting options. Encourage speed.

Pass and Movement Variation

Dimensions: 15 x 15 yard square, 2 players per cone.

Add more areas to accommodate more players.

How to: Coach decides whether players are going to pass to their left or their right. Players must always pass in that direction until coach changes the rules. Players pass in a set direction and move diagonally across the field to join the back of their opposite line.

Coaching Points: Pass accurately and move quickly to take up your new position, be on your toes ready to receive the pass.

Progressions: Change the direction of the passes, introduce a chipped pass into the receiving team mate.