Passing ยท U9 to adult

Split the defenders pass

Pairs pass to each other through a gap between two defenders who shuffle to close it. Teaches the disguised, firm pass that splits a line.

U9 to adultAges
6 to 12Players
20 x 15 mArea
10 to 15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

Set-up

  • Two passers 15 metres apart; two defenders in the middle, side by side, a few metres apart.
  • Defenders can only shuffle sideways along a line.

Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. Passers try to play through the gap between the defenders.
  2. Defenders shuffle to close it, but can't step forward.
  3. Point per pass through; swap defenders every minute.

Coaching points

  • Shift the ball to move the defenders, then play through.
  • Disguise: look one way, pass the other.
  • Firm and along the ground: the gap closes fast.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Wider gap
  • Defenders walk only

Make it harder

  • One-touch only
  • Defenders allowed to step one pace forward

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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