Give and Go Passing Drill

Give and Go Passing Drill

By: Joseph A. Luxbacher

Originally Published in: Soccer Steps To Success - Human Kinetics

The most fundamental numbers-up situation is two attackers versus one defender. The give-and-go pass, or wall pass (figure 8.3), is an effective way to penetrate past the defender in a 2v1 situation.

The concept of give-and-go is simple. The player with the ball (first attacker) dribbles toward goal, causing the nearest defender to either withdraw or commit to the first attacker. As the defender closes to tackle, the attacker releases the ball to a nearby teammate (second attacker, or wall) and sprints forward into the space behind the defender to collect a return pass.

For the give-and-go pass to work, the two attacking teammates must each fulfill specific responsibilities and work in concert. Correct timing of the pass and run are essential for success. The player on the ball (first attacker) must initiate the action. Perform the following steps in this order:

1. Take on the defender. Dribble directly at (take on) the nearest defender when you recognize that a potential give-and-go situation exists. This action is designed to freeze the defender.

2. Commit the defender. Dribbling directly at the defender will draw him to you.

3. Release the ball at the opportune moment. As the defender closes to tackle, pass the ball to the wall player's lead foot using the outside surface of your instep.

4. Sprint forward. After releasing the ball, sprint forward into the space behind the defender.

5. Collect the return pass. Receive a return pass from the wall player.

The wall player (support attacker) must perform the following steps in this order as the first attacker commits the defender.

1. Move quickly to a position ahead and to the side of the first attacker. Get in position 3 to 4 yards to the side of the defending player at an angle approximately 45 degrees from the ball.

2. Get in position sideways in relation to the ball. Use an open stance with your body angled sideways toward the first attacker. Use your lead foot to redirect the pass.

3. Redirect the ball. Position your lead foot to redirect the pass from the first attacker into the space behind the defender.

4. Support the ball. Sprint forward to support your teammate. Another give-and-go situation could develop immediately.

Misstep
As the first attacker, you release your pass before committing the defender to you.

Correction
Dribble directly at the defender. Release the pass at the instant the defender steps forward to tackle the ball.

Misstep
You commit the defender and pass to the wall player, but then that player is unable to redirect the ball into the space behind the defender.

Correction
This error can occur for two reasons. First, the wall player may be too far away from you. The proper support distance of the wall player is 3 to 4 yards to the side of the defender. Positioning at a greater distance will allow the defender sufficient time to readjust her position to block the passing lane. Execution of the give-and-go may also break down if you (the first attacker) release the ball too soon, before the defender has committed to the tackle.