Pass around and across

WHY USE IT

Encourages different types of pass – short, diagonal, through balls and direct passes over the top - while emphasising the need to move to create passing options.

SET UP

Set up a rectangular area, relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Add two triangle areas to each end. Place a mini goal on each side of the two outside edges of each triangle.

HOW TO PLAY

Reds play 3v1 in one end zone, 2v1 in the middle zone, and have one player in the other end zone. The ball starts with the Reds in the 3v1 zone.

They look to achieve a certain number of passes, relative to their ability, before switching the ball to the other end zone, either directly or through the middle zone.

The team gets one point for making the switch. Play then starts from the other end – the two Reds from the middle zone move into the end zone, two Reds from the end zone move into the middle zone and the Blues shift across.

If the Blues win the ball back, they look to score in one of the mini goals to score a point.

Coaching points

•  Can you identify the opportunity to switch play?

•  What kind of pass will be most effective in moving play forward in this moment?