27 Soccer Passing Drills Every Coach Needs in Their Toolkit

23. Total Combination Passing

How the Drill Works:

Players complete a series of up-back-throughs and 1-2s in quick combinations as the ball moves forward.

Purpose:

Develop players speed of play and passing abilities. Players improve their ability to play in one- touch combinations.

Diagram:

Setup:

• Set up two cone gates 30-40 yards apart. Each cone gate should be four yards wide. Between the two gates, set up two poles, or cones, to divide the space into three equal sections. Refer to diagram for more information.
• Two players start on each gate and pole. If there are extra players, have them form a line at the bottom of the setup. The extra players on the bottom should move to the outside of the setup to receive a pass.
• All of the soccer balls should be with the players on the bottom.
• Complete at least three, three-minute rounds. Increase the tempo as the rounds progress. Add more time or rounds as needed.

Instructions:

1. The first player on the bottom gate completes a pass to the player on the pole in front of them. The player on the pole in front of them must create space by checking to either side of the pole before receiving the pass.
2. The player on the first pole bounces the ball back to the player that passed them the ball. The pass back must be at an angel to the opposite side they received the ball and invite the player to run onto the ball.
3. The bottom player then passes the ball forward to the player on the second pole, who has checked to the opposite side of the player on the first pole.
4. The second pole player then passes the ball diagonally back to the side the first pole player is on.
5. The first pole player runs onto the ball and completes a pass to the top player between the gate.
6. The top player then completes a 1-2 with the second pole player, and then passes the ball down to a player standing outside of the bottom gate.
7. The player at the bottom receives the pass and dribbles to the back of the bottom gate line.
8. Players follow their pass.
9. The next ball can begin when the player on the first pole completes their pass to the top gate.
10. The next player on the first pole must check the opposite way the player in front of them checked. This ensures players are using both feet.
11. Complete at least three, three-minute rounds. Increase the tempo and precision each round. Add more time or rounds as needed. 3-4 sets of four minutes.

Variations:

Touch-limit – High level players should complete the whole sequence in one-touch. Give more touches as needed to keep the pattern moving.

Any combination – Be creative! Change the pattern as needed to work on turns, dribbling, or other combinations.

Coaching Points:

• • Teach the players to always create space for themselves by moving away from the defender before they receive a pass. Players should never receive the pass right next to a cone or pole.
  • Show the players their body positioning when receiving a ball and how to best check their shoulder.
  • Challenge the players to play faster as the quality increases.
  • Remind the players to bring out their personalities with communication!
  • Challenge the players to do everything at game-speed!