Written by Dave Clarke
Follow The Pass Combinations
Dynamic combination passing drill using central bounce players to develop communication, awareness, and movement off the ball in pairs.
Coaching Objectives
To improve players’ passing accuracy, timing of runs, and understanding of combination play. Players learn to use support players effectively while working on overlapping runs, quick wall passes, and vision to switch play across the area.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 7+ Players
- 40 x 20 y
Technique Tips
- Pass firmly to feet and communicate clearly before combining.
- Time runs to arrive as the pass is played — not too early or late.
- Open body shape when receiving from central bounce players.
- Use overlaps and give-and-go movements to create natural passing lanes.
What the Players Do
Arrange four cones in a diamond shape with two cones inside forming a mini “central channel.” Start with the ball on the right of the diamond. Player passes into the nearest centre…Structured Build-Out Under Pressure
A structured 8v5 build-out drill developing composure, decision-making, and overload creation as players progress through pressing triggers and midfield transitions.
Coaching Objectives
To train players to play out from the back with clarity, recognise pressing triggers, and create midfield overloads using intelligent decision-making from defenders, wide players, and the goalkeeper. Players learn when to recycle, when to bypass pressure, and how to exploit space to progress play and score.
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 14 Players
- 1 main 2 target Goals
- 2 sets Bibs
- Half pitch y
Technique Tips
- GK: Scan early, shape body to play both sides, disguise passes to break pressure.
- Defenders: Open hips to play forward/back; recognise when to recycle and when to drive.
- Wide Players: Stay wide and on the half-turn, receive forwards, and accelerate into space.
- Midfielders: Recognise overload moments, support the ball carrier with diagonal angles.
- All Players: Communicate early — “man on”, “time”, “switch”, “drive”.
What the Players Do
Structured Start: GK begins with the ball and passes to either centre-back. Trigger: As soon as the GK releases the ball, the central pressing forward from the defending team sprints to…Playing Out From The Back
Two keepers in this possession game that helps with playing out from the back and for the keeper to be available and use their feet.
Coaching Objectives
Using the feet is important for goalkeepers because so much of their work is done by passing the ball.
Set up the square with goalkeepers playing on the outside of the square and a 2v2 plus a magic man inside the square.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 7 Players
- 3 Bibs
- 15 x 15 y
What the Players Do
Inside the square the teams play 2v2 with a magic man who plays for the team in possession. This gives an overload of 5v2 if we include the goalkeepers who also play for the team in possession. Score…Continue Reading For Free
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