Pass quicker, not longer

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

1. Have groups of three run across the 5m square, passing the ball as fast as they can. The player in the middle should aim to take and give the pass in one movement.
2. When they reach the other group they pop the ball and the exercise continues.
3. Keep changing the player in the middle and make sure players practise passing in both directions.

DEVELOPMENT

1. Use groups of four instead of three in a 5m square. Now the two middle players must take and give passes very quickly.
2. Introduce a “loop”, where the first player passes and then 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

1. 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.
2. Each time they score, move the defensive line forward one metre.
3. Use cones to mark where the defence start each time and challenge the teams to beat each other’s record of how close the defence started.

TECHNIQUE

• 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.