Passing Precision

This session combines short and long passing. It’s great for helping players use the ball in small and compacted areas, teaching them when to hold possession, and when to switch play.

This is a scenario that occurs regularly in matches. We’ll draw a team into an area by retaining possession and making use of short, accurate balls in to feet. We’ll then  switch play with a longer pass, breaking out and opening up space upfield.

What do I get the players to do?

The ball is played to either of the attacking groups in the end boxes – here, it’s the white team. They must make five passes amongst themselves before threading the ball through the midfielders to the red team in the other end box. All passes must be made along the ground.

The midfield team, in yellow, line-up centrally in their box – we may mark some lines to ensure they remain in the middle section of that box, but will allow two men forward to press. The group’s aim is to intercept any through-pass to the red team.

Whether a pass is successfully made or intercepted, play restarts with the red team. The yellows this time need to prevent the red team threading a pass back to the whites, and so on.

Rotate teams so that each one takes on the role of the intercepting midfielders, ensuring as well that different players each time are sent to press the attackers.

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What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?

We are looking for a good first touch, quality of pass, and the intelligence to release the ball at the right moment. Decision-making is a key part of this session.

How do I progress the session?

Progress by allowing the two pressing midfielders to move outside of their box into the attackers’ area. However, moving forward this far means they’ll need to react quickly to get back should the ball make it through to the team at the other end.

Also limit the number of touches allowed for the attacking team - a two-touch game at first, then one-touch.

Finally, reduce the size of the playing area, adding even greater need for accuracy and speed of thought.

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How would you put this into a game situation?

Split a full-size pitch into thirds. Teams score a point either by making a successful pass through the midfield, or by intercepting the ball.