Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Executing The Long Lofted Pass

Long Lofted Passing Boxes (5 mins)

Area Sizes

24x36m

Practice Explanation

The practice asks players to work on their long lofted passing technique by demanding accuracy over long distances and into specific areas. Players will score one point for each pass that is accurately placed within the marked area where their teammate and target is positioned. If they play a poor pass their points tally is wiped and they must start again from zero. Pairs of players play against each other and count up their scores at the end to determine a winner.

Coaching Detail

• Players should look to open their bodies and arch their approach to the ball. 
• Ensure their standing foot is planted firmly off to the side of the ball but slightly behind, toes pointing towards the target.

Football Noughts & Crosses (5 mins)

Area Size 

24x40m

Practice Explanation

The session progresses further taking the players into a game of noughts & crosses. Play starts from station 3 who plays a short pass into station 1, from there the players long lofted passes are tested as they must land the ball accurately in station 2 allowing them to run a bib up to the noughts and crosses area and place it down. Once the bib has been thrown the player moves into station 2 where the previous occupant has already played their pass into station 3 and is ready to begin the move again. 

The two teams race against each other and the winner will have a line of three bibs placed down in the game area. If a pass is wayward or poorly executed players will miss their opportunity to place down a bib and must quickly cycle round to start the sequence again. 

Coaching Detail 

• Ensure players are following through after impact to guarantee the pass has enough weight to carry the distance required.
• Reiterate all prior coaching points where necessary.