Soccer Passing Drill
Passing Through Gates
Partners pass to each other through small cone gates, then both move to a new gate. Count your gates in 60 seconds and try to beat your score.
Step 1 of 7
Gates are spread around the grid. Every pair has one ball. Watch 1 and 2.
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 2–10
- Ages
- 6–12U7–U13
- Pace
- Medium
Works on
- Passing
- Ball control
Set up
- Mark a 25 x 25 yard grid and spread 6 to 8 gates inside it. Each gate is 2 cones about 2 yards apart.
- Players work in pairs with one ball. With an odd number, make one group of 3.
- It is the same setup as Dribble Through the Gates, so you can run both back to back.
- Space
- 25 x 25 yards with 6 to 8 small gates
- You need
- 4 cones for the corners · 12 to 16 cones for the gates · 1 ball per pair · A watch or phone timer
How to play
- Partners stand on opposite sides of a gate. Pass through it to your partner.
- After every pass, both move to a new gate: the player with the ball dribbles to one side, the partner runs to the other side.
- Pass through the new gate. You may not use the same gate twice in a row.
- Count your gates for 60 seconds, then rest and try to beat your score.
- Play 4 to 6 rounds and switch partners every couple of rounds.
Coaching points
- Look up before you pass: is your partner ready and is the gate free?
- Pass with the inside of the foot, firm and along the ground.
- Pass, then move right away to a new spot.
- Receiver: first touch out of your feet, toward the next gate.
- Talk: call out which gate you are going to next.
Easier
Make the gates wider and let the receiver stop the ball before dribbling on.
Harder
Make the gates smaller and play two touches only. Then add 2 defenders without a ball who try to block gates and steal passes.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put Passing Through Gates in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.