A tricky pass at pace

Attackers can draw defenders by cutting back and running towards their inside shoulder. Cutting back straightens the line of attack and provides space out wide but it makes a pass in that direction awkward.

Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

What to think about

Because the attacker has turned his shoulders and hips in, it is harder to release the ball in the opposite direction. He has to twist and throw his arms backwards to deliver a normal pass. He cannot be expected to pass the ball a long distance or with an enormous amount of accuracy. Therefore the support player will need to run in a little towards the pass, plus he will need to communicate to give the passing player confidence.

set-up

1. Run out and then back in aggressively to attack the defender’s inside shoulder.
2. Pass when you hear the call for the ball – no call, no pass.
3. Support with clear communication.

What you get your players to do

Set up the cones as in the top picture. A receiver runs from cone A towards cone D. He receives a pass and switches direction towards cone C. If he hears a call, the receiver makes a pass back in the direction he came from. Make sure players work on passing in both directions.