Updated 9 November 2026 · Written for grassroots coaches by Gafferbook
Teach passing in three steps: a simple technique (inside of the foot, standing foot beside the ball, look at your target), lots of passing in pairs and small groups, then games where passing is the smart choice, such as rondos and possession games with a target. Praise good decisions, not only good passes.
The technique, simply
- Look up and pick your target.
- Plant your standing foot beside the ball, pointing at the target.
- Strike through the middle of the ball with the inside of your foot, ankle locked.
- Follow through towards the target.
Receiving matters just as much: open your body, take the first touch away from pressure, and be ready before the ball arrives.
Practices that build it
Start with pairs passing on the move, then move into rondos such as 4v1, where players must pass to keep the ball. Add a target with passing gates: score by passing through a gate to a team-mate.
From around U9, possession games teach when to pass, not only how. See our passing drills.
When your team just kicks it forward
That's usually fear of losing the ball, or a game where kicking it long works. Change the rules so passing pays off: a goal counts double after five passes, or play to end zones instead of goals.
Praise brave passes even when they go wrong. Players won't try something the coach shouts about.
Pass and move square
4v1 rondo
Passing gates in pairs
Receiving on the half-turn