Seven Tips for Coaching Passing Successfully

Developing your players to pass well is a must in the modern game, here are seven things for you to coach them on to make sure they can pass the ball accurately, with appropriate weight and timing, so the receiver can control it and disguise it! 

Junior Soccer Coach - Passing

1. Coach players to have the right body shape to receive the ball in the first instance.  An open body stance to where they want to play the ball is a must.  Likewise encourage your players to attack the ball, don't wait for it.  Get them to move into the path the ball is taking.
   
2. Quick passes open up the opposition.  Ask your players to pass the ball quickly.  If a player dwells on the ball they will invite pressure on to themselves and risk passing channels being closed.
   
3. Demonstrate that a simple pass is often the best.
   
4. Encourage the players to move the ball forwards as much as possible.  Square and backwards balls do run a greater risk of interception so if these routes are to be chosen then the pass needs to be first class.
   
5. Promote the importance of passes to feet, particluarly in the midfield and defensive areas.
   
6. Show the players how to disguise their passes and explain how important this is.
   
7. Discuss with the players the disadvantages of long, hopefull balls.  Often called "Hollywood Passes", those that look good if they come off but generally are too optimistic.

Use these guiding principles and your players will improve and you can enjoy watching the team play some fast paced, quick passing team work that unlocks your opponents! 

Read the five qualities of a good pass article too, and why not use some of the drills below to get these points across in your training sessions.