Passing Skills | Coaching by Skill Focus

🎯 Passing Skills

Passing builds connection, rhythm, and decision-making. These sessions help players move the ball with purpose—whether it’s a joyful tap or a game-changing switch.

👶 U6–U8: Sharing the Ball

🔁 Play 1: Partner Pass Tag

Players pass to a partner while avoiding taggers. No coaching—just movement and smiles.

🎯 Practice: Gate Passing

  • Players pass through cone gates with a partner
  • Coach prompt: “Can you roll it through the gate?”
  • Success: Gentle contact, eye contact, celebration

⚽ Play 2: Pass & Chase

Players pass and race to catch their ball. Add defenders as needed.

⚽ U9–U11: Timing & Movement

🔁 Play 1: 3v3 Keep Away

Free play with focus on passing under pressure.

🎯 Practice: Triangle Passing Drill

  • Players pass and move around triangle cones
  • Coach prompt: “Can you pass and move like a pro?”
  • Success: First touch prep, communication, movement after pass

⚽ Play 2: 4v2 Transition Game

Players pass to escape pressure and switch sides. Rotate defenders.

🧠 U12–U14: Purposeful Passing

🔁 Play 1: 5v5 with Zones

Encourage switching play and passing into space.

🎯 Practice: Split the Line Drill

  • Players pass between defenders to break lines
  • Coach prompt: “Can you find the gap?”
  • Success: Weight of pass, scanning, disguise

⚽ Play 2: Counter Pass Game

Players must complete 3 passes before shooting. Add defenders as needed.

🛠️ Coach Prompts & Success Markers

  • “Can you pass with purpose?”
  • “Try using your inside foot!”
  • “Where’s your teammate going?”
  • Look for: Prep touch, communication, movement after pass, weight of pass