You should incorporate passing under pressure into every training session, even if just part of a warm-up.
Using this 10-minute progression will improve your players’ passing.
In groups of four, start with two minutes of passing with no defenders. Make them run and pass at full pace.
Groups dropping the ball go to the side and do a press up or sit up (something very small).
The initial ball carrier runs 5m at pace before passing and the first two players follow their passes to give options to the last player.
After two minutes add three defenders opposite the first three attackers.
The tackle at this stage is a two-handed touch on the chest.
Defenders have to stay in their channels but can vary their pace. The attacking team has to draw the defender.
As they improve, allow defenders to drift.
After three minutes add two more defenders behind the defensive line. This forces attackers to support the final ball carrier.
The front three defenders are out of the game when the wide player gets the ball in space and the back two defenders can’t move until they do.
Make it full-on for the last three minutes by adding two attackers behind the attacking line who come on to the ball at pace.
Start with no defenders and play at full speed. The first ball carrier runs out at pace for 5m with the first two passers supporting the last player.
Add three defenders who mark the first three passers only.
Add another two defenders, who come forward only when the ball is passed to the fourth attacker.
A fun way to improve passing skills is to blindfold the passer. They walk forward with you in front. Hand them the ball and they pass left or right depending on the call from the receiver.
The receiver runs on to the ball, catches or retrieves it then returns it to you. The passer must concentrate on the feel of the ball and the communication from the receiver.
The receiver must shout early enough for the passer to adjust and pass but late enough so they are in position to take the pass. Clear communication gives information on distance and the correct side to pass it.
Develop this by getting the passer to pass one way after receiving a short pop pass.
They will learn to create a target with their hands, adjust when getting the ball, and then pass.
The passer should know when the ball is being passed.
Do not surprise them because it reduces the catch to guesswork. Instead, the blindfolded player has to be ready to take and then to give a pass.


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