Focus: Passing Drill
Number of Players: +6
Age: +U5
Level: Easy
Setup:
- Arrange 4 cones in a diamond shape.
- Place the two wider cones with a 20-meter distance, and position the two remaining cones with a 15-meter distance between each other, right in the middle of the two wide cones.
- Assign one player to each of the middle cones, and distribute the remaining players evenly between the two wide cones.
- Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.
Why Use This Drill?
The “Diamond Shape – Play On Third Man” is an excellent drill for younger players to both get an understanding and apply the principles of playing on the third man. It focuses on the importance of continuous movement after passing, encouraging players to sustain their runs. Additionally, this drill contributes to players’ fitness levels through extensive running. Furthermore, the players train their skills in first-time passing and first-touches, enhancing their overall technical abilities in the possession phase of the game.
How It Works
The starting player begins the drill by passing the ball to one of the players stationed in the middle. The receiving player then delivers a pass to the other middle player, who lays it off for the starting player. The starting player makes a run in between the middle players to create the third man run.
In the second variation, instead of moving between the middle players, the starting player now makes an overlap with the player receiving the first pass. Despite this change, the fundamental passing principles remain the same.
It’s crucial in both variations that the middle players approach the ball and receive a pass with momentum to speed up the pace of the drill. This approach helps players learn how to create free space against opponents.
Don’t forget to rotate the middle players after a few minutes for a well-rounded practice.
Other Key Points:
- Emphasize fast movement to the next cone after passing.
- Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
- The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.
