More powerful ground and standing passes

When working on the pass, it is important to have the correct hand placement on the ball.

The back hand is the ’trigger’, which generates most of the power; the front hand is mainly used to steer the pass, and shouldn’t try to influence the pass too much. Its job is to stabilise the flight of the pass and assist with ball rotation. 

The range of motion for the back arm is far greater than the front. It moves almost twice as much. The back arm, therefore, is the main driving force.

Passing activities

Correct passing mechanics will ensure the player is set to deliver the pass, but they will not guarantee it arrives at the target.

Accuracy is fine-tuned through repetitive static (standing or kneeling) and dynamic (moving) passing drills, with targets.

Passing practice without a target can develop inaccurate habits, as the eyes will not focus on a destination and the passer will launch the ball into space, hoping they land in front of the receiver. 

Ideally, another player is best as a target, but those on walls or the posts can be used instead.

Comparing the passes

When the two passes are placed next to each other, you will be able to see the common movement patterns.

The head is in front of the ball, which gives the feeling of loading the spring. It is turned before the pass, and weight is then transferred to the front foot, with a finish position of hands ’shooting the guns’ towards the target.

This means the passer’s hands should point at the target at the end of the pass. Move through the pass, as this will make it easier to stay low and create good pass trajectory.