Soccer session for passing under pressure

  How to set it up:

• The playing area for this session depends on the age of your squad. For any players above the age of 10, use the centre circle of an 11-a-side pitch, decreasing the diameter for younger children.
• Split your squad into two teams – in the example shown, we are using two lots of six players.
• Six cones are placed inside the circle in a zigzag formation as shown.
• One team (in the inner circle) places a player on each cone.The other team (outside the circle) stands in a line at any point on the centre circle.

Getting started:

• The team inside the circle scores a point each time the ball goes along the zigzag, from the bottom man to the top, and back again.
• The length of time they have to do this is determined by the outer circle players. This team takes it in turns to run around the circle until every member of the team has completed a circuit.
• For the first run, the inner circle players throw the ball to each other up and down the zigzag making sure no player is missed out.
• Next they do this two-touch with their feet so they are passing the ball and receiving under pressure.
• Teams now switch positions with the running team now attempting to beat the number of points scored.
• Run this through two or three times. While players running around the circle should generally experience the same drop-off of pace with each attempt, you should look for the points scored by the inner circle team are likely to increase as they gain more practice.
• For an additional challenge, have the outer circle team dribble a ball around the outside of the circle on each circuit – this way both sides are rehearsing ball skills while under time pressure.

Why this works:

This is a great passing exercise. It is a really good way to work your players so they are passing quickly to defeat the other team. It’s an unopposed game yet players are still aware of the pressure being placed on them, and this builds the logical awareness that at no place on a football pitch can a player truly relax. Keep an eye out for good communication between players, and a determined work ethic in terms of passing, running and receiving.