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ByCopper Mountain Soccer

Passing

Coach: Renata Lawson

Club: Copper Mountain Soccer Club

Role: Director of Coaching

Qualification: USSF “D” (United States)

Date: October 2, 2020

Duration: 1 hour

Age Group: U5–U18

Session Objective

Create more movement off the ball to promote better passing.

Warm-Up: Pass and Move (5 minutes)

Description

Players work in pairs passing around cones. Player 2 passes to Player 3, then immediately runs around the cone to receive the ball back on the opposite side.

Players count how many cones they can pass around in two minutes. Players take turns dribbling to different cones each time, though they may revisit previous cones. Repeat the activity and challenge players to beat their previous score.

Before starting, review passing technique:

  • Non-kicking foot and hips face the target
  • Kicking-foot ankle is locked
  • Inside of the foot strikes the middle of the ball for a grounded pass

Coaching Points

  • Move to cones that are open and unoccupied
  • After passing, move immediately to receive the return pass
  • Encourage communication and partner direction
  • Time passes so the receiver is led by the ball one to two steps
  • Encourage players to create larger triangles with their movement

Activity 1: Give and Go Game (15 minutes)

Description

Play in a 30×30 yard grid with two teams and one ball. Ideal formats are 3v3 or 4v4. Depending on numbers, run two games simultaneously or play larger teams.

To score a point:

  • A player passes the ball
  • That player must then make an overlapping run around an opponent
  • The ball is returned to them

Games last 4–5 minutes. Stop between games to check the score (team captains can track) and review coaching points. Play 2–3 rounds.

Progression: Limit touches.

Coaching Points

  • Pass and move immediately after releasing the ball
  • Prevent players from collapsing—use space and play in larger triangles
  • Emphasize timing of runs and passes
  • Encourage communication and movement away from pressure
  • Players should always be ready to receive and keep their eyes on the ball

Activity 2: 4 Corners (15–20 minutes)

Description

Create 3-yard square zones in each corner of a 30×30 yard field. Two teams play, with each team having a teammate stationed in opposite corners.

  • If a pass is completed to a teammate in a corner square, that player dribbles out
  • The passer then takes their place in the square
  • The team must attempt to connect to the opposite corner unless possession is lost
  • Once possession is regained, teams may play to either corner

No out-of-bounds unless needed.

Coaching Points

  • Pass in triangles and keep the ball moving
  • Use overlapping runs to create passing options
  • Limit touches to encourage quicker ball circulation

Activity 3: Scrimmage (15–20 minutes)

Description

Game.

Coaching Points

  • Maintain triangle shapes with teammates
  • Encourage longer, well-timed passes
  • Communicate and move off the ball
  • The player in possession should always have at least two passing options

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