Pull back passing is a development of normal passing because it creates more space for the receiver. Since the ball carrier is fixing the defender, the gap between defence and attack is tighter. Pull back passing can exploit more gaps wider out because it gives the receiver more time to take and give the pass.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 10-12
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

• My attacking players are all too flat, how can I get depth in the attack? Get each player to count to two before starting their run. When the initial ball carrier sets off, the next player counts to two and then sets off, the third player starts counting when the second player sets off and so on. This creates depth in the attack without players having to run further.
• How can I get my players to catch the ball in their hands and not hug it into their chests?Get six players to stand in a circle and pass the ball randomly to each other as hard as they can. The receiver has to catch the ball in their hands and keep it away from their chest. This will improve their catching and ultimately their passing skills.

set-up

1. Run straight at the defender.
2. Delay the pass until the defender is totally committed.
3. Pull the pass back for the next player to run onto.

What you get your players to do

Set up groups of four to run straight at four cones opposite them. When each player reaches the cone in front of them, they pull the pass back to the next player who accelerates onto it from deep. Passes must be accurate and the ball must be kept away from the ball carrier’s body. Make sure your players practise the pass in both directions.