27 Soccer Passing Drills Every Coach Needs in Their Toolkit

11. Long Pass. First Touch.

How the Drill Works:

Groups of three players spread out evenly, in a line, across 30 yards. One player drives the ball, in the air, to the furthest player who receives the ball, passes to the middle player, who turns and plays the ball back to the first player.

Purpose:

Develop passing accuracy over distance. Players improve their ability to drive a long ball and receive a ball out of the air.

Diagram:

Setup:

• • Have the players split into groups of three.
  • Have to groups spread out over the field with plenty of space between each group.
  • Each group should form a line with 10-15 yards of space between each player. Adjust the space accordingly to skill level.
  • Each group needs one soccer ball.
  • Complete two, three-minute rounds at each role within the line. Add more rounds and time as needed.

Instructions:

1. The first player starts by passing a driven ball, in the air, to the player furthest away from them.
2. The second player receives the pass out of the air and completes a pass to the third player, on the ground, in as little touches as possible.
3. The third player in the middle, turns as they receive the pass, and passes the ball back to the first player.
4. Repeat the process for three minutes before rotating roles.
5. Each player should complete two, three-minute rounds at each role within the group. Add more rounds and time as needed.

Variations:

Weak foot – Have all the players use only their weak foot to pass.

One-touch pass – Have all the players complete the process in one touch.

Keep the ball in the air – Players must complete the process without letting the ball touch the ground at any point. Players must receive the ball out of the air, juggle the ball, and pass the ball to their teammates in the air. For advanced players.

Coaching Points:

• • Vary the passing distance, depending on the players’ skill level.
  • Encourage the players to use the inside of their foot to pass to complete accurate passes on the ground.
  • When passing a long ball, teach players to lock their ankle in a down position, and strike the ball with their laces as their foot slides under the ball. This will create power, loft, and backspin.
  • Challenge players to play in one-touch, or as little touches as possible to increase their speed of play.
  • Stress that players should take more touches, if needed, to give their partners good passes. Passing accuracy is more important than speed of play in this drill.