14. Numbers Passing
How the Drill Works:
Players split into two teams of no more than six players. Every player on each team is assigned a number one through 6 depending on the number of players per team. Teams complete passes in numerical order.
Purpose:
Develop player’s ability to move off the ball and provide good passing angles for their teammates. Players improve their vision and speed of play as they find their next teammate. Can be used for players to get to know each other as well and use their names.
Diagram:
Setup:
- Set up at 30×25-yard field. Adjust the field depending on the number of players present.
- Divide the players into two teams of no more than six players per team.
- Assign every player on each team numbers one through six depending on the number of players per team.
- Both teams spread out inside the field with one ball per team.
- The ball on each team should start with the player assigned the #1.
- Complete three, four-minute rounds. Add more rounds and time as needed.
Instructions:
- Player #1 passes to player #2 who is moving inside to area.
- Player #2 then receives the ball and looks to pass to player #3.
- This sequence continues as players constantly pass and move inside the playing area.
- The last player in the sequence then passes the ball back to player #1 and the process continues for the remainder of the round.
- Complete three, four-minute rounds. Make coaching points and rest between rounds before beginning again.
Variations:
One-touch passing – Players must complete the sequence in one-touch. Develops players speed of play and ability to move off of each other quickly!
Backwards – #6 passes to #5 who passes to #4 and so on.
Two soccer balls – Add two soccer balls into the sequence to give players more touches and challenge their awareness.
Coaching Points:
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- Start slow. Can always increase the tempo as players become more comfortable.
- Insist that the players move for the entire time. Players should constantly be readjusting their angles to their teammates and think two or three passes ahead.
- Teach the players to communicate with each other! Players should shout for the ball when it is their turn to receive a pass.
- Challenge the players to constantly look for the player they are receiving a pass from and the player they must pass to. This will increase their speed of play and get the ball off their foot faster!
