As with all technique that is taught at the NSCAA Academy level, a session on passing will begin at the fundamental level, proceed to the game-related stage and finish with a match (5 v. 5 with keepers). This article (Part 1 of 2) features the warmup stage. The Match-related and Match-condition sections will be featured in the next issue.

Passing ability must be developed in every practice session to some degree. The coach must recognize that the two main considerations in achieving a high level of passing skill are the direction (accuracy) and speed (sometimes referred to as the "weight") of the pass. Also important is good communication between the passer and the receiver.

Coaching passing is somewhat laborious. It demands repetition and the coach can seek to bring diversity to his/her practices by using different methodologies to achieve passing skill in the team. Numerous exercises can be applied in the team setting to upgrade the team's passing ability including possession games, conditioned games (limited touches), grid work, small-sided games and shadow play.

It might be noted that passing practices are in reality receiving practices with the opposite emphasis.

Warmups

1. In groups of two, checking and passing with the emphasis on the receiver checking to the ball at an angle. Player X2 dribbles the ball, X2 observes X1 and when X2 looks up to play the ball, X1 checks back at an angle.

·        X2 plays ball to close foot (foot closest to passer) and X1,
upon reception, plays the ball back to X2;

·         X2 plays ball to further foot (foot furthest from passer) and
X1 upon reception, controls ball and turns with it.
   

The coaching emphases in this exercise include:

·        weight and accuracy of the pass;

·        checking run made when passer's head is up;

·        checking run made at an angle.

2.  In groups of three, while X1 and X2 interpass, X3 looks for one or the
other to look up and then checks back at an angle to receive the ball and then plays it back to the person not playing them the pass. Repeat the drill, adding which foot you want ball played to, etc.

3.  In an open area, in threes and fours, each player with a number. Pass to each other in sequential order, No. 1 to No. 2, etc. Each time player receiving ball must control, dribble and look up to find the next receiver who must check at angle, etc.

The coaching emphases should include:

·        angled passes (if runs are angled, passes are angled);

·        angled checking runs;

·        getting ready in terms of selection of pass by looking at the
next player before the ball gets to you.

4.  In fives, against the clock. 20x30 grid. Clocked time. Player passes across corner to next player and follows pass. Continue sequence until everyone resumes his/her starting position. Total elapsed time is goal for each group.

The coaching emphases should include:

·        pass to teammate's front foot (play to space);

·        receive ball across body;

·        use one-touch restriction if possible;

·        check position of receiver as ball is getting to you.

5.  In sixes, pass and follow pass. Open ended in terms of space.

The coaching emphases should include:

·        pass at angle;

·        receive ball across body;

·        pass to the front foot (play to space);

·        move from two-touch to one-touch restriction;

·        look at the next target before ball arrives.

6.  Possession game to teach third man passing. 40x20 grid divided into two halves. 2v1 in one half and 1v1 in the other. The two in 2v1 must keep possession while using their teammate in 1v1 for third-man combination.
   If opponents get ball, they become 3v2 by activating the idle player and the other team drops off a man.