Soccer Passing Drill
Partner Passing
Partners pass back and forth through a small gate. Then one side-steps to a new spot and the pass has to meet them there.
Step 1 of 7
Everyone is in pairs with one ball. Watch 1 and 2, with a small gate between them.
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- 2
- Ages
- 6–14U7–U15
- Pace
- Light
Works on
- Passing
- Ball control
Set up
- Make pairs with one ball. Partners stand about 10 yards apart.
- Put a small gate of 2 cones, about 3 yards wide, halfway between them.
- Spread the pairs out in rows so balls from different pairs do not cross.
- Space
- Partners 10 yards apart, 3-yard gate between them
- You need
- 2 small cones per pair · 1 ball per pair
How to play
- Pass through the gate to your partner.
- Stop the ball with one foot, then pass it back with the other foot.
- When that is easy, try one touch: pass it straight back.
- Pass to position: the receiver side-steps 2 or 3 steps to the left or right and points to the spot.
- The passer plays it through the gate to that spot, so it arrives just as the receiver gets there.
- The receiver passes back, then side-steps the other way for the next ball.
- Switch jobs every minute so both partners get to move.
Coaching points
- Inside of the foot, ankle locked, toe up.
- Plant foot next to the ball, pointing where you want the pass to go.
- Be on your toes and ready before the ball arrives.
- Lead your partner: pass to where they are going, not where they are.
Easier
Stand 6 to 8 yards apart, make the gate wider, and allow as many touches as needed.
Harder
One touch only, weaker foot only, a smaller gate, or count passes in one minute and try to beat your score.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put Partner Passing in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.