Use this exercise to work on proper passing technique, while keeping the hips square which engages the defenders.
Before setting up the drill, check the players’ understanding of how to hold the ball. The ball is held at about six o’clock if you imagine the ball is on a clock face, with the elbows out. The fingers are down the ball, aiming for 10 points of contact (don’t let the palm touch the ball).
DRILL
Put the players on their knees, one facing up the pitch, and the other down the pitch, about 5m apart. They will be offset, so when they pass, they are passing backwards. Ensure that the inside knee is a little ahead of the outside knee (the knee furthest from the other player).
Have the players pass the ball between each other.
Focus on technique, with each player commenting on how they are doing in terms of matching the technique template.
Keep rotating the position so the players they are passing left-to-right and right-to-left.
DEVELOPMENT
Have the players walking in a line, doing the same, focusing heavily on moving forward straight.
For more Tosh Askew passing exercises, look at these:
Use these two warm-up catching skills activities to develop excellent hand-catch habits. Tosh Askew, a very experienced coach who's worked with elite squads, shows us how to work the basics. MORE
Start by helping the players to understand what it means to attack the inside shoulder. The exercise then develops this so players run the right line, pass the ball and then follow their pass to give support to the next ball carrier. MORE
Read the attacking play to prevent an extra attacker joining the line late and breaking through. Ideal to develop defensive cohesion and decision making. MORE
Mismatches happen quickly and players need to judge when to go for it and when not to. There’s no better way to create lots of these scenarios than through a game. MORE
Use this easy to replicate play for under 15 level players and above with forwards and backs combining, to allow momentum for better attacking plays. MORE
Before setting up the drill, check the players’ understanding of how to hold the ball. The ball is held at about six o’clock if you imagine the ball is on a clock face, with the elbows out. The fingers are down the ball, aiming for 10 points of contact (don’t let the palm touch the ball).
