Passing to Beat the Defender
This passing game focuses on passing to beat the defender. This 2v2 game works on passing, moving, and finding open space behind two defenders.
Passing to Beat the Defender
Passing exercise focusing on passing to beat the defender. This 2v2 game works on passing, moving, and finding open space behind two defenders.
Drill Setup
- Create a grid approximately 25X30 yards.
- Split the team into two teams of four players.
- Two players from each team will play in the middle of the grid while the other two players defend their assigned end line.
- The coach should have a large supply of soccer balls.
Drill Instructions
- The coach plays a ball into a team that holds possession from the other team and plays 2v2.
- The remaining two players from each team defend their assigned end line.
- The end line players can move from side to side along the end line; however, they cannot enter the grid.
- To score, the team in possession must make a pass no higher than knee-high past the opponents defending the end line.
- Each time a team scores, the end line defenders rotate with attackers.
Drill Variations
- Increase grid size and play 3v3 with 3 end line players.
- Require a certain number of passes before attacking the end line.
- Allow the defensive end line players to be passed to in order to maintain possession.
Drill Coaching Points
- Make sure players are actually passing the ball rather than just kicking.
- Passes must have a good pace and play to space.
- Players must move to help the passing player keep possession.
- Make sure players are playing balls away from the end line defenders.
Equipment
- Disc Cones - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Pinnies/Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Practice or Training Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
- Training Sticks - Training Sticks or Agility Poles
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