Skill Emphasis: Passing the Ball
Passing the ball successfully is a skill that all players must master if their team is to stay in control of the game. It is vitally important for the coach to signal when it is important to pass the ball and when to keep dribbling and not pass it. Passing the ball involves speed, accuracy and coordination, it also requires the player to mentally understand when the right situation exists to make a pass worthwhile.
This drill will require you to practice in an open space approximately 15 by 15 yards. The space can be modified according to the skill level. Players are placed in groups. Each group consists of four players with two balls in each group. Three of the players in the group are offensive players and one is the defender. It is easier if the defenders are provided with a jersey of some sort of different colour. The goal of the offensive players is to dribble and control the balls with an open player until the defender threatens them. The defender’s role is not to intercept the ball from the other players, but to tag one of them before he can pass the ball to one of the other offensive players. It is very similar to the game of stay away. If the player who needs to pass the ball is touched by the defender before the pass is made, then they switch places. If the offense is able to control the balls for a period of 20, they are awarded one point. After awarding 5 points to offensive players, the drill ends. (One ball can be used instead of 2 at the beginning of the exercises if necessary.)
This drill helps athletes develop a sense of ball control and be smart in their passing decisions as quickly as possible. It enhances your teamwork skills and provides the opportunity to develop a sense of strategy by working as a unit. This drill duplicates a sequence of movements similar to the movements and skills required in a real soccer game. Keeping the ball away from a defender and teamwork are key aspects that this drill emphasizes.
As with any soccer drill and youth work, correct implementation and coaching techniques that encourage fun and teamwork are drills that lead to successful attitudes and happy players. This exercise provides a non-stressful contact type of activity that can be modified to promote the end result.