27 Soccer Passing Drills Every Coach Needs in Their Toolkit

20. Sweden Passing Pattern

How the Drill Works:

Players pass, turn, and dribble through a series of cones to complete the passing pattern.

Purpose:

Develop players’ ability to consistently pass over varying distances and angles. Players will be asked to execute two, and one-touch passes to improve their passing precision.

Diagram:

Setup:

• • See diagram below for a clear understanding.
  • Set up the cones as shown in the diagram. Each side should have four cones in a zig- zag pattern with the first three cones being 15-20 yards away from each other and the final cone 10 yards away from the third cone.
  • Have one player on each cone. The extra players will form a line on the cones diagonal from each other. See diagram.
  • Divide the soccer balls between the two starting lines.
  • The first player in each line starts with a ball at their feet. There will be at least two soccer balls circulating at once.
  • Complete at least two, six-minute rounds. Add more time and rounds as needed.

Instructions:

1. The first player in each line begins the activity by passing the ball forward to the player closest to them on their left.
2. The player on the second cone receives the ball behind the cone, and then passes the ball across to the next player.
3. The player on the third cone receives the ball behind the cone, and then passes the ball forward to the last player.
4. The player on the last cone receives the pass in front of the cone, plays the ball back to the third player, runs around the fourth cone and receives a pass from the third player into space.
5. The fourth player then dribbles to the back of the next starting line as quickly as they can before resting and waiting for their turn to start again.
6. Players follow their pass and move forward one cone after each pass they give.
7. The next ball can be started once all the players are set on their new cones. Players should run to the next cone after they complete their pass to keep the pattern moving.
8. Complete at least two, six-minute rounds. Add more time rounds or time as needed.

Variations:

One-touch – Complete this pattern using only one-touch at all cones. For experienced players only.

Up-back-through – The pattern switches to the first player passing to the third cone, who plays the second cone, who plays the fourth cone, who lays the ball to the third cone and runs to receive a pass into space.

Coaching Points:

• • Teach the players to receive the ball on their back foot so they can turn and play forwards quickly. Players should step into their pass and keep the ball on the floor.
  • Remind players to relax and focus on a good first touch.
  • Encourage the players to follow their pass with a run to that cone so the activity can keep moving and players can get more touches.
  • Challenge the players to play as quickly and accurately as they can!