How to conduct passing drills

One of the toughest challenges for any coach is translating training exercises into actual game performance. Unless your aim is purely fitness, everything you teach your players in practice must be directly relevant to the game.

For anyone who has tried coaching soccer, it may seem like a simple game with a few basic elements. However, in reality, it can become as complex as the playbooks used in sports like football, filled with tactics and strategies.

So, how do coaches manage this complexity while preparing their team?

Former U.S. National Team assistant coach Glenn Myernick emphasized two key principles: realism and attention to detail. Realism ensures that what you’re teaching has real value in game situations, while attention to detail keeps your drills focused and purposeful.

These principles are essential in any training, and today, we'll focus on applying them to passing drills.

Most passing drills are straightforward. You divide the field into sections and have two or more players practice passing and receiving the ball over distances of 10 to 20 yards. Anything beyond that may become impractical, especially for younger players. Though basic, you should encourage players to focus on technique. Make sure they take a preparation touch, moving the ball to their left or right to set up the next pass, rather than simply trapping it directly in front of them. Too many players make the mistake of trapping the ball, forcing an extra touch before they can move again.

As a coach, resist the urge to stop the drill every time you see a mistake. When you pause, quickly highlight one or two teaching points and then let the play continue. Soccer is about flow, and frequent stops can disrupt the natural rhythm of the game, even in practice.

Here are some questions coaches should consider: Are your players receiving the ball with a prep touch, or are they simply trapping it? Where is the passing player sending the ball? Are they placing it on the receiver’s preferred foot? What is the receiver’s next move? Is the ball being held too long? Are players prepared to play when the ball reaches them, or are they caught off guard?

These questions are not just for the players to answer but for you as a coach to use as a guide to improve your drills. Use constraints to address these challenges.

Passing drills should always evolve beyond just passing and receiving. Introduce additional options for the passer, incorporate movement after the pass, and emphasize positioning to create space. One effective drill is to have two lines of players facing each other. After passing, the player takes four or five steps to the right, reaching a cone placed diagonally from their original position. This reinforces the importance of movement after the pass, a key aspect of real-game situations.

Even a simple adjustment, such as requiring players to receive the ball on the left side of the cone before passing from the right, can encourage attention to detail. Have players practice with both feet and ensure they spend equal time working on their strong and weak foot.

Adding defenders to a group of four players, with one or two acting as defenders, brings a new level of challenge, forcing the passer and receiver to adjust their decisions. A simple 2v1 possession game in a 4x5 grid is a great way to accomplish this, encouraging communication, quick play, and off-the-ball movement.

Involving goalkeepers in these drills adds a layer of realism. Not only can goalkeepers provide a back-pass option for field players, but they also get the opportunity to handle the ball from the perspective they encounter in real games. Many youth coaches limit their goalkeepers’ participation in small-sided drills, but involving them enhances their footwork and helps develop the team’s ability to play out from the back.

For your field players, always demonstrate the progression from basic passing drills to small-sided games. This allows your players to see the proper passing lanes, make decisions under pressure, and build trust with their teammates.