Step 4: Learn Passing

Step 4 of 12

Learn Passing

Practice accurate short passes with the inside of the foot before adding distance or power.

Safety first: Use a clear practice area, age-appropriate equipment, and adult supervision. Stop if anything hurts. Adapt activities to the child and local youth rules.

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Inside-foot pass to a partner

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Aim an accurate ground pass using the inside of the foot.

Equipment and setup: Partners stand 4–5 yards apart with one ball and a cone target between them.

Inside-foot pass to a partner practice diagramPASSERPARTNERSupport foot points toward target · pass along the ground
Pass to a partner or through the target gate

Practice steps

  1. Place the supporting foot beside the ball, pointing toward the target.
  2. Turn the passing foot outward and contact the middle of the ball.
  3. Follow through toward the partner and get ready for the return.

Coaching cue: ““Toe up, ankle firm, pass to feet.””

Make it easier: Move closer and use a still ball.

Try a challenge: Pass with the weaker foot for five accurate returns.

Fun game: Partner gate: earn a point when the pass travels through the cone gate.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.

Pass through cone gates

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Choose a target and adjust pass direction instead of kicking harder.

Equipment and setup: Make several gates 1 yard wide, 4 yards from the passing line.

Pass through cone gates practice diagramPASSERPARTNERSupport foot points toward target · pass along the ground
Pass to a partner or through the target gate

Practice steps

  1. Look at the chosen gate.
  2. Set the support foot beside the ball.
  3. Pass through the gate and follow the ball to retrieve.

Coaching cue: ““Pick the window before you pass.””

Make it easier: Widen the gates and shorten distance.

Try a challenge: Alternate feet and call the gate before passing.

Fun game: Score one point per gate; try to improve your own accuracy.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.

Pass and move in a triangle

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Pass, then move to offer a new support angle.

Equipment and setup: Three players stand at cone corners 4–6 yards apart.

Pass and move in a triangle practice diagramPASSERPARTNERSupport foot points toward target · pass along the ground
Pass to a partner or through the target gate

Practice steps

  1. Pass to the next player.
  2. Move to an open side of a different cone.
  3. Receive the next pass with the body facing the play.

Coaching cue: ““Pass, then find a new angle.””

Make it easier: Walk the rotation with no defender.

Try a challenge: Add a passive defender in the middle.

Fun game: Count five connected passes while every player changes place.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.