1. Hip Swivel — Fake with inside of one foot by swivelling hips toward ball, then reverse direction and take the ball with the inside of the other foot.
2. Mathews — Fake with inside of foot nudging ball by dipping shoulder, then take ball in the opposite direction with the outside of same foot. (explode)
3. Cap Cap — Cut ball with inside of foot slightly backward and take ball ahead with the inside of the opposite foot.
4. Stepover — With ball moving, stepover ball so ball is outside of stepover foot, turn and take the ball with the other foot.
5. Scissors over ball — Step behind ball as if preparing to take it with the outside of one foot, then step over the ball and take it with the outside of the other foot.
6. Rivolino — Same as stepover, but take the ball with outside of stepover foot.
7. Vee — Fake pass with instep (across body), pull ball back with sole and take in opposite direction with the inside of the same foot.
8. Cruyff — Fake kick with inside of foot, but instead pull ball behind the standing leg and change directions.
9. Inside of foot cut — Cut the ball across body with inside of foot while simultaneously stepping over it and take with outside of opposite foot.
10. 3/4 Inside of foot turn — Cut ball back with inside of foot, continue turning 3/4 of the way around and take the ball with the inside of the same foot
11. 3/4 Outside of foot turn — Cut ball back with outside of foot, continue turning 3/4 of the way around and take the ball with the outside of the same foot
12. Scissors behind ball — Step behind ball as if preparing to take it with outside of one foot, fake, then take it with the outside of the opposite foot. (easy to learn)
13. Scissors in front of ball Scissors in front of ball — Step behind ball as if preparing to take it with outside of one foot, then step around front of ball and take it with outside of the other foot.
14. Double Scissors — Push ball forward, make alternate scissors steps and take with outside of first foot. (ineffective close to opponent)
15. Reverse Mathews — Fake with outside of one foot, step behind and take with outside of opposite foot. (also called body swerve or Touch’n go)
16. Stepover - Scissors — Ball rolling. Stepover followed by scissors with same foot and take with outside of other foot.
17. Front Roll — While moving forward, pull ball across body with sole and take with outside of opposite foot.

* 2 Rolls (4 each foot)
* 1) Inside Roll
2) Outside roll
3 Foundation (4 each foot, alternating feet 3 touches between moves)
* 1) Side to Side Push-Pull
2) Side to Side Step-On
3) Side to Side Front Roll
4 Pull back and go.
Do sequence with one foot then switch (4 times each foot )
* 1) Pull, Instep Push
2) Pull a Vee
3) Pull & Take with Outside of foot
4) Pull & Roll Behind
5 Turns: Travel 10 feet turn 180 degrees use 3 touches between turns (4 times each foot)
* 1) Pull Turn
2) Inside of foot turn
3) Outside of foot turn
4) Cruyff
5) Stepover Turn
6 Change of direction with fakes, 3 touches betweens turns (4 times each foot)
* 1) Hip Swivel
2) Mathews
3) Cap
4) Stepover
5) Scissors
6) Rivolino You can substitute any of the “Moves to Beat an Opponent”.

The Complete Seven Minute drill is more than 575 touches on the ball. Spend another ten minutes passing against a wall, both feet, both one and two-touch, instep and inside of feet, include fake kicks. Keep feet moving and work on accuracy.

Spend ten minutes juggling the ball trying to get 100 consecutive juggles.

Do 50 to 100 sit-ups, then stretch.

Try to do complete workout every day. This workout can be done anywhere that there is little danger of breaking things, for instance in a basement, playroom or outside.

2. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT:
Whenever possible give individuals and/or groups positive reinforcement. Refrain from using negative
comments. Use praise as an incentive.

3. BE CREATIVE AND USE INITIATIVE:
If the drill or game is too advanced, modify to increase the chances of success.

4. MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Be motivational and inspirational. Enthusiasm and being energetic are contagious.

5. KEEP PLAYERS ACTIVE:
If the drill is static, create need of helpers or assistants to keep everyone involved.

6. EACH PLAYER IS AN INDIVIDUAL:
Be aware of player differences. Aggressive or quiet, recognition of player personalities will allow you
to respond to all players, and they will respond to you positively.

7. STRIVE FOR QUALITY:
In all demonstrations make the desired objectives clear. If a player shows mastery of a skill, use
him/her to demonstrate.

8. REINFORCE CORRECT TECHNIQUE:
In all drills and games continually emphasis the use of correct techniques.

9. ENCOURAGE PLAYER MOVEMENT:
At all times make players aware of importance of readiness. Emphasize weight forward on toes and
bouncing instead of flat footed-ness.

10. ROTATE POSITIONS:
All players should be active as servers, assistants. In game situations change positions each
quarter.

11. DEVELOP PLAYER RESPECT:
Continually get players to support one another. To show good sportsmanship towards all players
including opponents, and respect for others attempts and effort.

12. EQUALITY AMONGST PLAYERS:
Give equal attention to all players in group or games. Do not leave the less competent players
behind nor slow the advanced players.

13. FUN AND ENJOYMENT:
Players will respond and want to continue if things are fun. Create their enjoyment.

Remember, as a coach, you should be dedicated to the development of all players whether technically abled or new to the game.
Your position is very important.
You are a role model to these children. Set exemplary standards.
Developing good touch and technique, good sportsmanship and a good atmosphere is the goal.
Keep away from creating a pressure to win.
Maintain equality through out your sessions and emphasize fun and development.

The following series is from a clinic I attended in February 2000 hosted by the Suffolk County Soccer Coaches Association. The topic was Making the Killer Pass and was given by SUNY Farmingdale head coach Bo Wernsbacher.

The basic building block of this exercise is proper utilization of the 4 v 2. There are three major coaching points in the 4 v 2. They are:

1. The first look is always long. If the long pass isn’t there DON’T FORCE IT. Play it short, and
play it safe.

2. The long player MUST show for the ball

3. Support players must support quickly and close. Support players must be inside the defenders

When illustrating the above points use a simple progression of having the defenders:

1. Play at 50% No tackling and no interceptions

2. Play at 75% No tackling but interceptions allowed

3. Play at 100% No restrictions

Recognize and explain the differences between tactical awareness (or breakdowns) and technical ability (or breakdowns). For example, having the ball played poorly on the first touch may cause a loss of possession. This is a technical breakdown. Having the through player not show adequately for the ball thereby causing a forced pass is a tactical breakdown.
Progression # 1 – Simple 4 v 2 Directional Game

The next progression is to a 4 v 2 directional game. Directional means that the teams move in a specific “direction” in order to “score” in this exercise.

Set up a 30 x 20 yard field with two (2) goals at each end. This game is played 4 v 4 with a single ball. When the team has the ball, the entire team is on offense trying to score through one of the two goals at their opponent’s end.

When the team doesn’t have the ball, two players must immediately retreat to a goal and the other two are active defenders.

This obviously creates the 4 v 2 situation we are trying to illustrate. The three (3) major points; first option is long, show for the ball, support inside the defenders, should continue to be emphasized.

Now this is a good exercise for the penetrating player to be a target player and either:

1. Turn and play to the goal or

2. Lay the ball off to an oncoming support player

In the illustration above the support players are slightly inside the defenders. The first attacker sees the killer pass and makes it to the target player who is checking back and showing for the ball. The support player, recognizing the tactical situation, makes a run and receives a lay-off pass from the target player resulting in a try at the goal.

Progression # 2 – Simple 4 v 2 Non- Directional Game

Move from a directional game to a non-directional game. You can do this by scattering goals a across various sections of the field. To start restrict the defenders, as above, to 50%, then 75% and then remove all restrictions. Give points to the defenders for obtaining possession of the ball, not for just knocking it out of bounds. Give points to the offense for making a killer pass through one of the goals to a teammate.

Progression #3 3 v 3 With Two Targets Directional Game

Target Players.

The object is to get the ball in to a target player and then re-combine with a field player for a shot at goal. The target players are allowed to move along the bye line to show for the ball.

Play the ball safe and short until the target player shows, then hit him qucikly and move off the pass.

Coach, ask yourself after each practice if a (quasi soccer knowledgeable) person that passes by or is watching your practice, will be able to figure out the purpose of your session? If not, perhaps the players won’t be able to understand or relate either.
When possible, I like to watch another coach’s practice. I listen to what a coach says and how he says it and then watch what the players are being asked to do. If most of a coach’s comments that session are not pointed and related, how can the players keep their focus? After one of my practices, I may ask a parent that hung around if they knew what the focus was.
For you practice session, you should pick a theme and put all thoughts and energy into that theme. Don’t deviate unless it is an issue that directly affects the effectiveness of the session. In those cases, deal with the issue quickly, then get back on the primary theme as soon as possible.

“All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none
can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.”
Sun Tzu, The Art of War

TRANSITIONAL PLAY
MIKE PARSONS
NSCAA DIRECTOR OF COACHING EDUCATION
NSCAA Convention
Jan. 13, 2000
(Notes by Gary Rue)

* Warm-up #1
* Setup–5 players; players 1 and 2 are inter-passing with player 3 playing defense; player 4 is being marked by player 5 at the opposite end.
* Procedure-player 3 intercepts a “bad” pass between 1 and 2; player 4 checks/shows for immediate upfield pass from 3; 4 drops back to 3 coming forward and spins AWAY from the drop; 3 dribbles at player 5 and plays a through ball to 4. Play is restarted with player 5 intercepting a “bad” pass between 3 and 4, as player 1 shows for the ball.

1
o 5
4
3

2

* After the first series is over the setup will look like:

4
o

1 5
2

3

* Transition is dependent upon player’s speed of thought and ability to
change shape.
* Once ball is won, play forward with as few touches as possible.

Warm-up #2
* Setup and Procedure-same as above except, player 3 wins the ball on a tackle; after player 4 shows, receives, drops and spins, 4 returns into a wall pass position, as 4 and 3 work a 1-2 combo around defender 5.

3 v 3 + 1 v 1
* Setup and Procedure–half field, one goal with GK; three attackers (A) against three defenders (D) with target player on the D team and a marker from the A team; when one of the defenders win the ball, they play it as quickly as possible to the target player who tries to beat his marker.
* Reset when marker wins ball or target is able to beat marker to end line.
* After establishing the pass to the target player, one of the D players
sprints forward for support. Change pressure on target player to force support player to decide whether to provide drop or forward support .

Coaching points:
* After ball is played to target, the defensive pressure on the ball is read; if high pressure, drop support is needed by the support player; if the pressure is low, so the target player can turn, the support player needs to look for a forward support position.
* Target player needs to check at angle to ball, else play is too compact; target player should take marker away from ball prior to the check.
* Runs need to be wide and spread out to create better space and angles.
* Add another goal and a player to each team. Play 3v3 at midfield with target players in each attacking third.

Coaching points:
* encourage one and two touch
* receive facing the field
* after winning the ball, find target immediately, else move ball quickly to another area
* Defensive Transition - at loss of possession, determine pressure on ball; if none, then space behind the defense is critical-recover back; if there is pressure on the ball, then squeeze in behind the ball. That is, the defense should get behind the ball and shift over to the ball, compressing the playing area.

NSCAA 2000 - Transitional Play (Outline)
NSCAA Convention
Jan. 13, 2000
(Notes by Gary Rue)

The thought processes and training methods involved with transitional play all revolve around a central theme - “TEAM SHAPE” We refer to team shape when we are talking about positioning of players in relation to the ball - either in attack or on defense. It is easier to conceptualize team shape if we begin with the very young in their attempt to play the game. One can easily recognize the shape of a 5-6 year olds - It’s merely a congested “blob” of players. As players mature, ages 8-1O, the shape of players around the ball become more spread out - away from the ball - and the game begins to flow better. Finally, we begin to see the real shape of the game with players fourteen and up - where team concepts of attack and defense become the one of the major focuses in training sessions.
Transition in the game requires a thorough understanding of the “roles” that must be filled on the field. The theory is very simple - as is the game - it is the practical implementation of that theory that separates the best teams, players, and coaches.

1. POINTS TO ADDRESS
1. Transition to Attack
* Look to penetrate
* Run to Space
* Run to Support
2. Transition to Defense (Players off ball)
* - Immediate pressure on the ball
* - Space behind
* - Space between
* - Be in position to help if pressure is beat
2. DEFENDING TO ATTACKING
1. COACHING POINTS
1. Find target player as quickly as possible
2. Quality balls to target
3. Angle of entry pass
4. Preparation of target area
5. How does target receive balls
6. Reading where to support after initial ball to target
7. Attaining attacking shape
8. Teach players from simple to complex
9. Speed of thought
10. Imprinting patterns of thought
2. THOUGHT PROCESS
1. Look to go straight to goal at instant ball is won
2. Play the deepest pass available
3. Find players breaking wide
4. Recognize space to carry ball forward
5. Look for support from behind
3. OPTIONS
1. Look to play balls to feet of forwards centrally
2. Play to space wide behind or between backs
3. Run ball at defense
4. Play quickly to midfield breaking out
5. Maintain possession by playing back to depth
3. ATTACKING TO DEFENDING
1. COACHING POINTS
1. Speed of transition
2. Pressure on the ball
3. Recovery runs should be to compact defense (Back and to the center of field)
4. Channel options of attack by angle of approach
5. Be aware of the space behind the defense
6. Close pressure as soon as possible
7. As pressure becomes tighter close space between defenders
8. Squeeze space centrally
9. Be aware of free players and runs through and behind defense
2. THOUGHT PROCESS
1. I. Can I get the ball back - NOW!
2. Look to delay/deny penetration
3. Keep play in front of you
4. Be aware of attacking support players
5. Limit space for attack to play through
3. OPTIONS
1. Win ball back immediately via tackle
2. Move to create angle to pressure
3. Give ground
4. Close space between pressuring teammate and your self

** PLAYERS MUST CONSTANTLY THINK AHEAD **
TEACH THEM TO RUN THEIR MINDS BEFORE THEY RUN THEIR LEGS!

Exercise of the Day - Zigzag Speedwork

* Purpose: to improve player mobility, quickness and speed
* Equipment: 5-7 marking objects to mark the zigzag course, such as rings, cones, flex-sticks, flags, balls, or even 60-90 feet of cord. Also, 4 cones to mark the starting and ending lines.
* Setup: the course is a 5 yard sprint from the starting line (or gate) to the first ring (marking object); the next 4 to 6 rings are symmetrically zigzagged at 5 yard intervals; at the last ring, the ending line/gate is 5 yards away.

x P1 P2 x (start)

O

O

O

O

O

O

x x (finish)

* Procedure: the players sprint to each marking object and place their near foot into or beside the object and continue their sprint to the next object. Players should rerun course, on the other side. In the above example, P1’s near foot will always be his left as P2’s right foot will be the near foot.
* Options:
o players race
o time players for statistical review
o flatten out (widen) marks where cuts are more acute or make marks more narrower
o change shape and distance of marks–remove competition as course is different for each player
o lengthen/shorten distance between gates and markers; this allows player to get into a longer stride, before he has to shorten it
o dribble ball–player must still must place near foot in or near marker
o change starting foot positions for another coaching consideration
* Coaching Points and Considerations:

The ability to sprint for short distances then cut into a different direction quickly is a very important attribute of a soccer player. Players need to be able to adjust the strides to compensate for the specific foot placement. Areas a coach should watch for is a stride length that is too long, especially at each point of direction change. Plants and cuts should be as quick as possible. Players need to learn to shorted strides, without lessening their speed. “One-footedness” shows up when a player is not as fast on one side as he is on the other. By changes the starting footwork position, this offers the player a chance to train on minimizes steps to get up to full speed. Players need to be encouraged to get to each mark as if it is a 50-50 ball.

Here are my notes from a recent seminar to improve runs into the area.

* Goal Scoring Techniques
Chris Petrucelli, Univ. of Notre Dame Women’s Coach 3/29/96

* Purpose:
To develop players who can score goals under the pressure of game conditions.

* Setup:

Cones are placed parallel with the touchline about 18 yards from the goal post. At about 12 yards out, the cones are angled to about 8 yards from the goalpost. (this setup can be on both sides or just one side of the goal.) This is the channel the wing player is to run. Initially, there are players near each corner of the 18. At one corner there is a wing (with ball) and a trailing defender. The player at the other corner will make the near post run. An extra player can be added to support the attack from the corner of the opposite 18. This player must ensure that no missed or long crosses gets by him.

* Session:

o 1. Player on wing dribbles to end line (turning towards the near post along the channel). The wing should take the dribble to goal (along the goalline) if the defender allows it. The other attacker makes a hard near post run, to about 2-3 yards off the goalline, just inside the near post. The cross should be delivered knee high or below, usually with pace.

o 2. Add a far post run, preferably from the center about 25 yards out. The run must be wide and initially away from ball. This player should get wide of the far post be at least 12 yards off the goalline. It is critical that he not get to close to the goalline. Add a defender to pick up the near post run. We want the wing to recognize the near post is not available and cross the ball to the far post man. The near post run should continue on through.

o 3. Add a third attacker who runs to about the 12 yard area (penalty mark). The wing is play a back angle to this spot, normally this is a low ball. A defender is added to pick up the far post run.

o 4. Allow the two defenders to pick up whomever they want. The wing has to decide which is the proper pass.

o 5. Concluding Activity:

Set up the same channel of cones on both wings angling towards two goals about 40 yards apart (see below). Put a wing player in each flank area and play 3v3+1 neutral offensive player. The ball must be played to the flank on each possession then put back into the seam for a scoring opportunity.

———
* K *
* *
* *
* *
* 3 v 3 *
W W
* + 1 *
* *
* *
* *
* K *
———

1. Inside Roll — Roll the ball across your body from outside to inside with the inside and sole of the foot and stop the ball with the inside of the other foot.
2. Outside Roll — Roll the ball across your body from inside to outside with the outside and sole of the foot and stop the ball with the inside of the same foot.
3. Side to Side Push-Pull — Tap ball back and forth with inside of feet, push ball forward with one foot and pull it back the sole of the opposite foot.
4. Side to Side Step-On — Roll ball to outside with the sole by stepping lightly on the ball, then tap ball back to the inside with the inside of the foot.
5. Side to Side Front Roll –Tap ball back and forth with inside of feet, push ball slightly forward then pull the ball across your body with the front part of the sole.
6. Pull Instep Push — Push ball forward and pull it back with the sole, then tap ball forward with the instep of the same foot.
7. Pull a Vee — Push the ball forward and pull it back the sole of the foot while turning and then take the ball with the inside of the same foot.
8. Pull & Take with Outside of foot — Push the ball forward and pull the ball back with the sole then push the ball diagonally forward with the outside of the foot.
9. Pull & Roll Behind — Push the ball forward and pull the ball back with the sole of the foot then pass the ball behind the standing leg with the inside of the foot. Control the ball with the sole of the other foot.
10. Pull turn –Push ball forward with one foot and pull it back with the other while turning toward ball and take the ball in the opposite direction with the inside of the first foot.
11. Inside of foot turn — Push ball forward, move past ball and turn toward ball and take it with the inside of the foot in the opposite direction.
12. Outside of foot turn — Push ball forward, move past ball and turn toward ball while taking it with the outside of the foot in the opposite direction.
13. Cruyff — Push the ball forward, fake kick with inside of foot, but instead pull ball behind the standing leg and change directions.
14. Stepover Turn — Push ball forward, step over ball with one foot, turn toward ball and take it in the opposite direction.
15. Full Sole Roll — Roll the sole of one foot forward over the ball and to the outside so the ball stops against your heel. Turn and take the ball with the sole of the other foot with a Step-On.
16. Scissors — Starting with the ball to one side, step over or in front of ball so that the ball ends up on the other side of you. Take theball in the opposite direction with the outside of the other foot and then stop ball with the sole of the first foot.
17. 360 — Push ball forward, stop it with the sole of one foot while stepping past it, turn and drag ball back with sole of other foot, continue turning all the way around and take the ball with the inside of the first foot.
18. Kick Over ball — Kick over ball with inside of foot then pull it back with the sole of the same foot.

QUESTION:
Does anyone have any suggestions to improve the ability of players at this age (U13) to visualize and anticipate play?

ANSWER:
Anticipating play is in my opinion the most difficult thing to teach. I worked with a coach that frequently yelled, “Anticipate!” onto the pitch during play. This did about as much good as talking about it at halftime–anticipate what? where? how? Everyone agrees it should be done, but performing this feat is another story.

I believe the secret is to use ROTs (rules of thumb) for situations. If players can respond positionally to situations, the results MAY be as good as a player that can read and anticipate the next play.

My Ten ROTs when in possession of the ball are as follows:

1. always have a player in support (behind the ball) at all times
2. supporting players should have as much depth as the opposition allows and be at an angle towards center of the ball
3. short passes forward or square should be followed with a hard run forward by the passer 4. central players forward of the ball should check to (come back towards) ball when it is on the flank
5. flank players forward of the ball should check to ball when it is in the center
6. central players square of the ball should check to the ball
7. flank players square of the ball (in the center) should look to move as wide as possible
8. off-ball flank players should constantly look for open space forward to “quietly” run into when the ball is forward
9. central players should look for open space in front of them to fill when the ball is forward
10. any player directly forward of the ball (i.e., they have to look over their shoulder to see the ball) should “clear area,” either with a diagonal run to the ball side or a check back and wide of the ball - when a forward player can see the ball, goal and last defender without turning his head, he can “kill some grass” as he is in good through ball position

How do we train the players for this ROT-ten direction–we do a lot of 3 man combos, emphasizing the check run and the drop positioning. In ball possession activities, we focus on creating space with runs and filling the vacated space behind the run.
We do 5v0, 6v0, 7v0, or 11v0 situational walk-throughs with a finish on goal. In scrimmages we really stress positional balance and player movement.
In other words, we don’t work on anticipation of play per se, we work on recognition of opportunities. I happen to think it makes more sense–and they comprehend the four letter word LOOK better than the 4 syllable word ANTICIPATE.

There’s an endless variety of patterns and drills that can help your team expand and hone its passing vocabulary. These, however, are the most important passing blueprints that you should be familiar with:

Give and Go or Wall Pass

Make a pass at an angle to a teammate and he or she plays the ball back to you after you have made a run behind the defender.

The key here is suckering in the defender. Let him or her get just close enough to you so they think they have a chance of getting the ball. Once they are close to you and the angle is right, make the pass and break into the open space behind the defender.

It is important for the person making the pass back (the wall) to put the right weight on the ball so the person initiating the give and go can run on to the ball and not have to break stride. This means playing the ball to the right open space and at the right pace.

There are numerous variations of the wall pass and this is the foundation for organizing an offensive support system for your team. You can play a give and go to create a scoring chance or to relieve pressure from a defender so you have time to make a decisive pass. You don’t necessarily have to get behind the defender in order to achieve these objectives.

Short Short Long

Make two short passes in quick succession and then a long pass to spread the defense or escape pressure. Try two small give and goes and then a long pass as the defense closes in on you. In soccer, your team will generally have time and space to make two, three, or maybe four passes in a small area. Then you’ll need to escape pressure, so the next pass should be a switch or a longer pass that breaks from the pressure entirely. A typical play would be a few exchanges on the left with the forward and midfielders and then a switch to an open midfielder or defender on the right side of the field.

Third Man Running

Play a ball to someone, knowing that there is another teammate reading the play and running to receive this pass from the player you just played the ball to. For instance, the defender plays a driven ball into the forward’s feet because he or she sees their midfielder making a run towards the forward. Another example could be where the center midfielder plays the ball out wide to the winger or outside midfielder and the defender makes an overlapping run. The center midfielder has seen that the defender is preparing to overlap the outside midfielder and that is why he or she has made the pass.

Checking Out

Move from a certain position or area to make space for a teammate. An example would be a wide midfielder making a run into the middle because he or she sees the defender is moving up into attack.

The Overlap

An overlap is when the player with the ball plays it to his teammate and then makes a run around that player. The most common type of overlap is when the outside midfielder cuts into the middle with the ball and the outside defender makes a run down the line. A simpler run would be having a center midfielder make a pass to a winger and then run around him or her to receive the ball down the line. A good method for a player to follow is to play and follow your pace (pass and move). You don’t have to follow this directive exactly but this is a good way to move without the ball.

Like the give and go, this is a stock (fundamental) play in soccer, with a number of variations.

Don’t Pass Out

The ball will never get tired. So, make the ball do the work by spreading it around the field. Always keep the other team chasing the ball and expending energy.

Play the ball into the forward’s feet, get it back, swing it to the left defender, get it back, play it to the forward, get it back and then play it in behind the defense to an on rushing winger – with an amoeba-like progression up the field. Of course, ideally there could be one or two passes and you’re running at goal.

There are many different styles to play and yours depends upon your team makeup and the current score of the game. In general, vary your game. If you just won the ball back after fighting for a while to get it, don’t make a risky pass. Get the ball to your play maker and try to compose your team. However, if you see an opening, like someone making a great run towards goal, play the ball through. You can accomplish this by getting the ball to your play makers. You’d rather have them make those decisions and that type of pass, rather than, say, an outside back. So, when a defender wins it, he or she is looking to get the ball to the play makers—the central midfielders.

Remember that often, at the start of the game, both teams are playing with great energy, so you might need to just clear your lines and send the ball long out of the back. Then, as your team gets more comfortable, you can try to build out of the back. Or, you might want to make a statement when the game starts, so you send the ball long to your winger who is breaking down the line, and then try to close down the other team right from the kickoff. This puts them on their heels and gets your team right into the game and in their half of the field.

The important thing is to mix things up and keep your opponents guessing. By making quick, firm and unpredictable passes, you’ll be well on your way to that game-winning goal.

Having learned the importance of strategy, one of the most critical skills to develop in applying it—as well as the backbone of teamwork in soccer—is passing.

Passing allows your team to keep possession of the ball and find holes in the opposing team’s defense. As a team, try to keep the ball moving and spread the defense, taking advantage of open spaces. The best way to accomplish this is to play one and two touch soccer.

Strike the ball with pace so that your teammate doesn’t have to wait on the ball. A firm pass is more likely to arrive at its destination. In terms of teamwork, the player who is the intended target of your pass must go to the ball. At the same time though, make your teammate look good by digging out a bad pass and keep possession.

As a team, train in game-like situations, with the right kind of intensity and pressure. Anybody can play keep a way when they aren’t under pressure, but only the good player can do it in a crunch.

You can recreate game-like conditions by making the areas you are playing in small so that there is constant pressure on those with the ball. Then, when you are getting the right intensity, open the game up and play in a larger area. For example, start with 8 versus 8 in the goal box and then open up into the whole half once the intensity mimics that of a game.

When you’re not training with the team, work on technique by kicking the ball against a wall. Make sure to use both your right and left foot. Keep your ankle locked and strike through the center of the ball with pace. Get your body behind the ball with a uniform strong sense of balance.

In order to become a great passer, you’re also going to need to become familiar with the different kinds of passes, and the various ways in which they are used…

Put Your Best Foot Forward

The way in which you move the ball depends on several things, such as:

* Where it’s going
* What you want it to do when it gets there
* Who’s in the way, and
* What part of the foot you use

The first three factors depend on your own strategy, but the last one depends solely on technique:

Inside of the foot: This is the most useful part of the foot to use when passing the ball. It’s the part of your foot with the most surface area, thus giving you the most control and accuracy.

Inside edge of the foot: This is the same as the above but with the upper portion of your foot to bend the ball. Wrap your foot around the ball so it curves into your teammate’s feet or into an area, as with a cross or shot.

Outside of the foot: This kind of pass is used when you want to bend the ball into a teammate or into an area. Often, your body is in a position where you can’t make a simple pass. If this is the case, try to strike through the ball. Follow through with the upper portion of the outside of your foot.

Long passes: This is for driving the ball into a teammate.. If you are picking a player out, you don’t need to follow through the ball. Instead, strike the ball sharply and stop your follow through just after hitting it.

By fine-tuning your skills as a passer, you can significantly increase your team’s chances of success. Your victory won’t be complete, however, unless you and your teammates learn to cooperate to control the ball…