19. Soccer Ball Smash
How the Drill Works:
Players partner up with two soccer balls. One player passes their ball forward while their partner attempts to pass their ball into their partner’s moving. Each time a player successfully hits their partner’s moving ball, they are awarded one point.
Purpose:
Simple drill that focuses on passing accuracy and weight. Fun activity for players to compete against each other!
Diagram:
Setup:
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- Players partner up and spread out over the field staying close to their partner.
- Each player starts with a ball.
- Play two, six-minute rounds. Make coaching points as needed. Adjust time and rounds as needed.
Instructions:
- Player #1 from each pair starts by passing their ball forward into open space. Passes should be on the ground and no more than 15 yards away.
- As the ball stops, player #2 passes their ball and attempts to hit player #1’s ball.
- If player #2 successfully hits player #1’s ball, then player #2 is awarded one point.
- If player #2 misses player #1’s ball, then no points are awarded.
- After player #2’s pass, both players retrieve their soccer balls and then switch roles. Player #2 would pass their ball forward into open space, and player #1 would attempt to hit it.
- The game continues like so for two, six-minute rounds. Switch opponents and rules as needed. Make coaching points at half time.
Variations:
Vary the foot part – Have the players use different parts of the foot to pass – inside, outside, instep, etc.
Weak foot – Players can only pass with their weak foot.
Hit a moving ball – Players must hit their partner’s moving ball before it stops rolling.
Coaching Points:
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- Teach the players to point their plant foot in the direction of their target to increase their passing accuracy.
- Remind the players that their passing weight is important to hit their partner’s ball.
- As the players become more comfortable, have them challenge each other with passes that are further away.
