27 Soccer Passing Drills Every Coach Needs in Their Toolkit

27. Y Passing

How the Drill Works:

Players complete a series of passes through a “Y” pattern. This setup allows for players to work on turning, diagonal passes, combination play and dribbling.

Purpose:

Develop players’ ability to turn, pass and dribble at a quick tempo. Players are asked to perform multiple types of passes and combinations around the setup.

Diagram:

Setup:

• • Using mannequins, poles or cones, set up a “Y” shaped pattern. There should be at least 10 yards of space between each cone. Make the setup larger depending on the age and skill level of the players. See diagram below for more information.
  • One player starts on the top two cones. Two players start on the middle cone and the remaining players form a line behind the bottom cone.
  • All the soccer balls start with the players on the bottom cone.
  • Decide on the patterns and movements the players will complete.
  • Complete four, four-minute rounds. Start simple in the first round and then build the pattern each round. Add more rounds and time as needed.

Instructions:

1. The first player on the bottom cone passes a ball forward to the player on the middle cone who has moved to one side of cone.
2. The middle player receives the pass on the half-turn and completes a pass to the player furthest away from them.
3. The third player receives the pass behind the cone and attempts to take their first touch past the defender and into a quick dribble to the bottom of the setup.
4. Players follow their pass. The player who dribbles to the bottom of the setup goes to the back of the line.
5. The next ball can be started as soon as the player on the middle cone completes their pass.
6. The player in the middle MUST check to the opposite side the player before them checked to. This will ensure players are working both sides of the setup.
7. Complete four, four-minute rounds. A new combination or pass should be added each round to increase the difficulty. Add more rounds or time as needed. Make coaching points between rounds.

Variations:

Up-back-through – The player on the bottom, passes to the middle, receives a pass back from the middle, and then passes the ball to the top player on the side closest to them.

Give-and-go – The top players complete a 1-2 around the top cone with the middle player.

Any combination – Be creative! Challenge the players with touch limits or quick combination play!

Coaching Points:

• • Teach the players to always create space for themselves by moving off of the defender before they receive a pass. Players should also be reminded to check their shoulders before receiving the pass.
  • Encourage the players to be as sharp as they can be! Passes should be firm, accurate and on the ground to their teammates!
  • Remind the players to talk. Players should bring out their personalities and help each other solve mistakes and increase the speed of play.
  • Look to bring out game specific patterns that the team needs to continue to improve or ones they are already good at!
  • Challenge the players to do everything at game-speed. Players will only improve if they challenge themselves to go a little quicker and cleaner each time.

Read more: 9 Y-Passing Drills Variation or 20 New Y Passing Combinations | Gallery Animated