High pressure passing drill

Set-up

Using the 22m zone as a playing area, place cones 20m in from touch. Four cones are then spaced equally across the width. Two balls.

What you get your players to do

Put two rows of four players at each end of the area. To begin, the first four (players A, B, Cand D) pass a ball as quickly as possible while running across the area (see picture 1). Once the ball gets to the other side, all four must run back to their original starting line. Player D gives the ball to the next four (E, F, G and H) starting with H and that line passes the ball across the area to the next waiting line (see picture 2). Once players understand, allow one line to get half way across then introduce a second ball to the line behind (see picture 3). This decreases the time players can rest at their starting points so increases pressure to get back there.

Look for

Excellent passing technique and agility. Communication during and before receiving the ball. Leadership – players to organise their lines prior to receiving a ball.

Development

Increase the passing distances. Put a time limit for the team to reach a specific number of successful passes.The passers (A–D in picture 3) must get back to the start before the four they gave the ball to complete their passes.

Notes

Have “subs” for each group swapping in after every run. This will make each group work on communication and organisation.