5 essential Passing Drills

Sep 22, 2025,

Overview

This lecture covers five essential soccer passing drills, each requiring one partner, focusing on improving touch, accuracy, and strength using both feet.

Gated Passing Drill

  • Set two cones one yard apart to form a gate, with another set five yards away.
  • Partners stand behind opposite gates and pass the ball through the gates to each other.
  • Use one or two touches, ensuring each pass goes through the center of the gates.
  • Focus on a positive first touch and precise passing.

Looped Passing Drill

  • Place two cones ten yards apart.
  • Move around the cones in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with your partner.
  • Receive the ball on one side, tap it across your body, and pass with the opposite foot.
  • Apply the correct weight to your touch, aiming for a 45° angle.

Driven Ball Drill

  • Create a lane five yards wide and thirty yards long; partners stand at opposite ends.
  • Pass the ball with laces, keeping it below knee height and as straight as possible.
  • Alternate using right and left feet, aiming for two touches per pass.

Two Box Touch Drill

  • Set up two 3x3 yard boxes approximately thirty yards apart.
  • Clip the ball into your partner's box and control it with a good first touch.
  • Pass back after controlling, using both feet to enhance accuracy.

Long Ball Drill

  • Stand 50 to 60 yards apart from your partner (or as far as possible).
  • Pass the ball with full strength and accuracy using both feet.
  • Focus on distance, power, and control in each pass.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Gated Passing — Passing the ball through a narrow set of cones to improve accuracy.
  • Looped Passing — Moving around cones in a loop while alternating receiving and passing sides.
  • Driven Ball — A strong, low pass using the laces for power and straightness.
  • Clip — Striking the ball so it travels through the air with precision.
  • First Touch — The initial control or contact with the ball after receiving a pass.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice each of the five passing drills with a partner.
  • Focus on using both feet and maintaining proper technique during each drill.