Passing and Receiving Basics
The two main considerations in passing are the direction and the speed of the pass. Passing training should involve repetitious drill-type exercises. Using numerous and varied exercises of both general and functional nature will improve your players' passing skills. Examples include possession games, conditioned games (e.g., one-touch, two-touch, non-dominant foot), grid work and shadow play.
General Coaching Points
Preparation and approach to the ball.
Position of the non-kicking foot next to the ball, bent knee for a lower center of gravity.
Locked ankle of the striking foot.
Striking-foot ankle at a 90-degree angle.
Use of shoe surfaces depending on the objective: inside of the foot for shorter distances, laces for longer distances.
Use of eyes in the process: Look at the target, look at the ball, eyes follow the ball to the target after the pass.
Follow-through of kicking foot after passing.
Direction of Pass
To a teammate who is standing or running to you: Play the ball to your teammate's foot. To a teammate running laterally or away from you: Play the ball to the space in front of your teammate.
Speed of Pass
The 'weight' of the pass is determined by many factors, all influenced by the ever-changing flow of the game.
Things to Remember
Over time, players at older ages should develop the skill and decision-making capabilities to effectively execute a variety of passing techniques, including under pressure. Receiving the ball is covered in depth under the topic of Control; at this point, receiving is considered a
method of pass retrieval.
