| Long Range Passing Drill |
| By: Dick Bate and Ian Jeffreys
Originally Published in: Soccer Speed Provided by: Human Kinetics Practicing long-range passing Organization Set up an area that measures 60 yards (or meters) by 20 yards and divide the length into three 20-yard sections. Position four attackers in each end zone, two defenders in one end zone, and two defenders in the middle zone. One attacker has a ball in the end zone with defenders. Procedure 1. Play starts when the coach passes a ball to one of the four attackers opposed by the two defenders in the end zone or one attacker with the ball is allowed to pass to another before the defenders become active. 2. The attackers play against the defenders in the end zone and create opportunities for a long pass over the middle zone to the most distant receiver, who must be on the end line of the zone. 3. As the long pass is delivered, the two defenders in the middle zone now defend against the four attackers in the far end zone, while the original two defenders recover to and rest in the middle zone. 4. The attackers try to make six successful long-range passes from one end zone to the other without losing possession. Should the defenders intercept the long pass, they return it to the team that attempted the long pass and continue the practice. If the long pass is inaccurate or too long and leaves the practice area, the coach restarts the practice by feeding another ball to the group of four who made the long pass.
Coaching Points • Spread out within the zones to create space and time in which to receive the ball. • Always know and understand the defenders' positions, movements, and intentions. • Use the first controlling touch to set up the ball in a position from which to deliver the long pass with the chosen foot. • Range the pass, the needed force and trajectory, to eliminate all defenders and deliver the ball accurately to the receiver on the end line. • If necessary, use spin on the ball. • Develop the ability to use either foot and both the inside and outside foot surfaces. |
Long Range Passing Drill
