27 Soccer Passing Drills Every Coach Needs in Their Toolkit

15. Overlapping Three-Man Weave

How the Drill Works:

Three players progress up the field by passing and overlapping a teammate until they reach the penalty box on the opposite end of the field. The player who has the ball when entering the penalty box attempts a shot on goal.

Purpose:

Develops players’ ability to pass and dribble while moving. Players are forced to pass the ball into their teammate’s running path and then quickly overlap that player. Players work on receiving a ball on the run and being able to control their first touch while running.

Diagram:

Setup:

• • Set up one full-size goal on one end of the field. Position a goalkeeper in the goal if possible. This activity can be completed without a goal or goalkeeper if neither are present.
  • Have the players divide into three lines, 15-yards apart, on the top of the penalty box. The lines should be on the opposite half of the goal.
  • Each player in the middle line should start with a ball.
  • One player from each line will work together at a time.
  • Each player should complete at least 10 repetitions. Add more repetitions as needed.

Instructions:

1. The player in the middle passes the ball ahead to one of their teammates on either side of them and then runs to overlap (run around) the player receiving the pass.
2. The receiving player takes a touch while moving forward, passes the ball to the third player, and sprints to overlap that player.
3. The pattern continues until the group of three reach the opposite penalty box.
4. The player who ends up receiving the ball in, or around, the penalty box takes a touch forward and then attempts to finish on goal.
5. When the first group passes the half line, the next group can begin their turn.
6. Players walk, or jog, back to the lines and rest until their next repetition. Players are free to rotate lines after each repetition.
7. Each player should complete 10 repetitions. At more repetitions as needed.

Variations:

Passing distance – Adjust the distance between lines depending on the skill level of the players. Start small and increase the distance as players improve.

Time challenge – Players must complete the pattern and score before the time runs out! Puts pressure on players to move down the field quickly!

One-touch – Players must complete the pattern in one touch. Best for more advanced players.

Coaching Points:

• • Teach the players pass the ball into their teammates running path. Passes should be placed in front of the running players so they do not have to break stride.
  • Challenge the players to sprint around the player they passed so that they can help progress the ball down the field quicker!
  • Remind the players to take their first touch forward and out from under their feet. The first touch should allow them to keep running and pass the ball to the next player without slowing down.
  • Encourage the players to finish everything at game speed!