Pass quicker, not longer

WHY USE IT

Faster passing shifts the ball to where the defence is not. Defences find quick passing more challenging because their focus is constantly changing.

SET UP

A 5m square; then a 10m square for the game.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Groups of three run across the 5m square, passing as fast as they can. The player in the middle aims to take and give the pass in one movement. When they reach the other group, they pop the ball and the exercise continues. Keep changing the player in the middle. Ensure players practise passing in both directions.

Development: Use groups of four, instead of three, in a 5m square. Now, the two middle players must take and give passes quickly. Start a loop, where the first player passes and runs to the end of the line to receive the last pass. The other players have to step in to create space, as well as pass quickly.

Game situation: In a 10m square, play 4v3, using fast passing to get the ball beyond the defenders and score. The defenders can only focus on the first three players. Each time they score, move the defensive line forward 1 metre. Use cones to mark where the defence starts each time, Challenge the teams to beat each other’s record of how close the defence started.

COACHING POINTS

• Keep the ball up when you are passing. Don’t drop your hands.
• Arms outstretched to catch the ball. Give the passer a good target.
  
  

1. Encourage players to reach for the ball

2. Watch it into the fingertips

3. Catch it away from the body

ACTIVITY

1. Three players start in a flat line

2. They run forward, passing, before the end player passes on to the waiting player

3. Introduce a loop, where the first or second passer runs to take a final pass

GAME SITUATION

1. Four players run forward, passing the ball to the last player

2. Three defenders target the first three players

3. If successful, the defence starts 1m closer the next time