Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Long passing

Screen 2 (15 mins)

Progression

4 players (40x 20 area) at each end plus 4 alternating defenders (40x10) in the middle - sizes can be varied depending upon the needs of the players.

Practice starts with a red player passing the ball to the other end zone. Upon the blues first touch a black defender can come into the blue players zone and try to get the ball. Blues must complete 3 passes before another black defender can come out. Once blues have complete 5 passes they can switch the ball to the red zone and the practice continues. Black defenders alternate with each other to keep the tempo of the practice high.

Keep alternating the players in the end zones and defenders.

Vary the amount of touches and passes needed before switching the ball

Allow defending players to intercept the ball through the middle zone to encourage lofted passing

Key factors

Concentrate of individual technique for the long pass (standing foot, follow through, part of foot used depending on whether pass driven/lofted/curling)

Receiving - use of different parts of the body for control (cushioned volley, thigh volley, chest etc)

Create space off the ball (timing, angle and distance of supporting runs)