Passing Lines
Middle players dribble to an end player, pass, get it back, and dribble to the other end.
At a glance
- Three rows of cones 10 m apart. 2 or 3 end players on the top row, the same on the bottom row, and twice that in the middle, a ball each.
- A middle player dribbles in a curve to an end player, passes, takes the pass back, then dribbles to the other row and repeats.
- Curve your run so you take the return pass on the foot furthest from the end player, and can play forward.
- Swap roles every minute.
- Progress 1: End players pass back first time, one touch only.
- Progress 2: One defender in the middle zone tries to win a ball as players dribble across. Change defender every minute.
If it's not working: Bring the top and bottom cones in to about 8 m from the middle.
- middle players
- end players
- dribble
- pass
- 1in this order
Three rows of cones: top, middle and bottom. Two end players (green) on each end row and four middle players (blue) with a ball each: twice as many in the middle as on each end row. A middle player curves their run in to an end player so they take the return pass on the far foot, passes, gets it back, then dribbles to the other row and does it again. Swap roles every minute.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Set out three rows of cones about 10 m apart: top, middle and bottom.
- 2 or 3 end players stand on the top row and the same on the bottom row. Twice that number in the middle row, each with a ball.
Balls, bibs and cones. Three rows of cones: 2 or 3 end players on the top row, the same on the bottom row, and twice that number in the middle, each with a ball.
How to play
- A middle player dribbles to an end player, passes, gets the ball back, then dribbles to the other row and repeats. Play for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Run in a curve, not a straight line, so you take the return pass on the foot furthest from the end player and can play forward.
- Swap roles every minute.
Keeping everyone moving
Twice as many in the middle as on each end row, so the end players are passing all the time, and swap roles every minute.
Make it easier
- Bring the top and bottom cones in to about 8 m from the middle.
- Allow straight dribbles for the first minute, then ask for the curved run to the end line.
Make it harder, step by step
- End players pass back first time, one touch only.
- Add one defender in the middle zone who tries to win a ball as players dribble across. Change defender every minute.
Three things to say
- Curve your run in.
- Take it on the foot furthest from the passer.
- Look up, then play forward.
Colts habit
Work hard: angles, not straight lines.
Both feet
Take it on the foot furthest from the passer, whichever foot that is.
Heads up
Look up before the return pass.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.