It is important to emphasize that the priority in any game is to score goals; ultimately that is the overall objective of the game of soccer / football – to score more goals than your opponent. Teams / players can over-emphasize possession for possessions sake with the end result being teams that are great at maintaining possession (usually in their own half of the pitch) but fail to recognize the key moments to deliver game-changing penetrating passes! Developing the game understanding and awareness of looking for and delivering ‘killer’ passes must be progressed from early youth levels if players are to be competent at later stages.

The following session will develop an understanding of the concept of the ‘killer pass’ as well as rehearse the key technical components of passing, receiving, support play, etc.

1.

Setup:

4 – 6 Players per group; multiple groups are organised to accommodate entire squad. Cones are placed 20m apart, mannequins are placed diagonally 7-8m from each cone as shown.

Instructions:

EMPHASIS ON FINAL ‘KILLER’ PASS:

Player (A) plays a short one-two with partner (B) before playing a firm pass to (C); Players (C) + (D) repeat this sequence with a short one-two pass followed by a longer pass over 20m. (A) + (B) and (C) + (D) change positions after each pass.

3-4 x 2min – change sides each 2 min period

Coaching Points:

• Support player check away behind mannequin (defender) before checking to receive the pass –
• timing / direction / speed of action is crucial
• Quality of passing – various parts of foot
• Create habit of lifting eyes / head to see ‘killer’ pass

2.

Setup:

Players are organised in groups of 4v2 or 5v2; dependent on level / ability of players.  Players are organised in groups of 4v2 or 5v2; dependent on level / ability of players.

Instructions:

PASSING / POSSESSION – EMPHASIS ON ‘KILLER’ PASS:

Players maintain possession through quick ball circulation and movement; 2 Defenders attempt to intercept passes. Emphasis is placed on ‘splitting’ the 2 Defenders with passes.

10 passes = 1 goal / Splitting passes = 2 goals

Change Defenders every 1 min

Coaching Points:

• Angles / distances of support in order to maintain possession
• Quality execution of passes – various surfaces of foot
• Keep eyes / head up (awareness) to see opportunity to ‘split’ the defenders with a killer pass

3.

Setup:

Three groups of 4 players are utilised. Playing area is 2 grids of approx. 12x15m divided by a 5m wide central zone.

Instructions:

POSSESSION – EMPHASIS ON ‘KILLER’ PASSES TO OPPOSITE GRID:

Play starts with a pass from the Coach (C) to either grid.  One player from the Central zone (Defensive group) now enters the grid to create a 4v1 situation.  The 4 players must maintain possession and attempt to pass through the central zone to the support players in the opposite grid.

A successful ‘Killer Pass’ through the central zone = 2 points

Rotate Defensive group each 1.5 – 2min

Coaching Points:

• Quick ball circulation and movement to maintain possession
• Quality execution of passes
• Decision-Making and ‘Awareness’ – head / eyes always scanning playing area to look for opportunities to play through central zone

4.

Setup:

A 5v5 plus 2 ‘Jokers’ is organised as shown – each half contains Goalkeeper, 2 Defenders, 2 Attackers + 1 Joker.  The ‘Jokers’ play for the team in possession.  A 5m wide central zone is created.

Instructions:

SSG – EMPHASIS ON FINDING THE ‘KILLER’ PASS IN FRONT:

Play starts with a pass from the Goalkeeper each time; The Goalkeeper + 2 teammates + Joker creates a 4v2 against the 2 opponents.  The players must maintain possession until an opportunity arises to play forward to supporting players in the opposite half of the pitch – on playing forward this creates a 3v3 situation.

Play is continuous – 2 x 6 min

Coaching Points:

• Use the 2-man advantage (4v2) in defensive half to wait for an opportunity to play the ‘killer’ pass forward
• Timing / direction / speed of movements of forward players to receive passes forward.

*Can utilise Central Free zone to receive passes unopposed (depending on level of players)