Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U8 Inside Push Pass

Push Pass Progression 1

Have the players form two lines about 10 yards apart facing each other. Each

player in one line starts with the ball. Make sure there is adequate room between

the players for errant passes. If you find that the distance between the lines is

too great stop the drill and bring them closer together. The drill must be geared

for success to build confidence.

Have the players begin passing to their partner. As with the fundamental stage watch for proper striking technique, proper foot placement, eye-foot coordination (head down) and follow through.

But now in addition to these coaching points you must look for:

1) Proper “weight” on the ball. Weight is the speed, spin and/or pace of the

ball. Too little weight and the ball doesn’t reach the target….too much and

it is difficult to Receive.

2) Accuracy. The plant foot is a big determiner of where the pass will go.

Generally the pass will go where the plant foot toes point. You’ll see a lot

of toes turning outward at the beginning. This should be corrected.

3) Stress that the player should not step back to kick the ball. A common error at the young ages is for the player to stop the ball, take one or two steps back and then pass it. Step in to the ball to strike it.

Have the players begin passing to their partner. At this age you may want to have the ball served by hand, i.e. have the ball rolled to the kicking partner who now has to one touch (or one time) the ball back to their partner who picks it and rolls it back.

Progress to having both partners kick the ball one touch to each other. Make a game of it. Have them

count how many times they can keep the ball going without either missing.

Progress to a game where on each successive kick the players take one step

closer to each other until the ball is ricocheting back and forth at a rapid pace.

Keep your Yard Clean

Create a 5 - 10 yard neutral area that no player can enter. Use a minimum of one

ball per two players (for best results use a ball for each player). On command,each team tries to keep it's side free of balls by kicking through the neutral zone to the opposite side. Play for a specific time limit.

Coaching Points and Progressions

• Must use two touches.

• Only use inside of foot.

• Only use instep (laces) when kicking.

• Increase size of neutral zone for more advanced players.

• Use fewer balls.