Y PASSING DRILL, MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL, RECEIVING, BODY POSITIONING, FIRST TOUCH
Y Passing Drill - Variation 1
Drill Quick Glance
Age: 9+
Field: 15x20
Players: 5+
Focus: COMBINATION
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Time: 20 MINS.
Goalkeeper: NO
Team
Rating: 0 / 5
Views: 891
Published: 2/19/2025
Author: Chris Johnson
Drill Objective
Develops players' ability to receive with an open body position, execute accurate passes, and transition quickly between roles. Encourages movement, decision-making, and proper body positioning when receiving the ball.
A passing and movement drill using a Y-shaped cone setup to improve receiving, passing, and dribbling with speed. Players rotate through roles.
Drill setup
Use four cones to form a “Y” shape.
The base cone (#1) is 15 yards from the center cone (#2).
The top cones (#3 and #4) are 10 yards from the center cone.
Assign 5-6 players per setup, with one player at each cone and extra players lined up at cone #1.
Use two balls per Y formation to keep the pace high.
Drill Instructions
Player 1 (at base) passes to Player 2 (center).
Player 2 receives with an open body and plays to Player 3 (top left).
Player 3 dribbles quickly back to cone #1 and passes to the next player in line.
Players rotate positions by following their pass.
The sequence repeats with Player 1 passing to Player 2, but this time Player 2 plays to Player 4 (top right).
Player 4 dribbles back to cone #1 and plays the ball to the next player in line.
The drill continues with players moving through each position.
Drill Variations
For multiple Y's set up, have a relay race where each player must complete the passing pattern twice.
Require one-touch passing for advanced players.
Increase the passing distance to challenge long-range accuracy.
Add a time constraint to increase game speed.
Reverse the passing pattern to develop both feet.
Add a passive defender at cone #2 to create pressure on Player 2’s first touch.
Drill Coaching Points
Emphasize receiving with an open body to play forward quickly.
Encourage firm, accurate passes to keep the drill flowing.
Focus on quick decision-making and scanning before receiving.
Ensure players dribble at speed when returning to the start.
Reinforce communication and awareness to execute clean rotations.