U16 Practice Plan - Possession and Passing Drills

Set Up:

Groups of 3 players pass and move, using the entire space. Two players stay close together while the third makes runs into open space. The players move the ball in a three pass sequence - short pass, return pass, long pass. During the sequence, players may need to take an extra touch before making the long pass. Also, players should rotate spots frequently so that all players get a turn receiving and striking the long pass.

Coaching Points:

1.  The short pass should create a good angle for strikig the long pass.

2.  Drive the long pass. Toe pointed down, foot turned out, ball struck with the laces. Like a cross.

3.  The long pass should have backspin, making it easier for the receiver to judge and control.  

Progressions:

1.  Add a player to the group of three, have two pairs of go short, short, long back and forth across the field.

Set Up:

Two players are 1 v 1 on a narrow field, with two neutral attackers playing along the end lines. Attacking players score by moving the ball from one end line to the other - receiving from one neutral and then completing a pass to the other neutral. Neutrals may pass to each other, but no points are scored for those passes. As the game progresses, limits can be placed on the number of touches made by the neutrals.

Coaching Points:

1.  Play the ball backwards as opposed to turning right into the defender.

2.  To get open, check away from the intended pass and then check back to the ball.

3.  Direct your first touch away from the defender and turn on him if he comes charging in.

Progressions:

1.  Progress to  2 v 2 plus two. 

Set Up:

During the drill, the players form two lines on opposite sides of the field. The lines are split in half so that there are 2 or 3 players in each corner. Four players are stationed inside of the small central zone, with two players working for each team. During the drill, the ball is played in an up, back, and thru pattern back and forth across the grid. The pattern starts with a pass from the corner into a target player in the central zone. The support player in the central zone drops behind the target in order to receive the back pass from him. Finally, the support player makes the thru pass to the player who struck the first pass, who has run from one corner to the other. Upon completion of the sequence, play re-starts in the other direction. after five minutes, new players are switched into the central zone.

Coaching Points:

1.  The target player should push up the field as far as possible.

2.  The support player should be able to reach a back pass made to the left or right.

3.  All players looking to receive passes should call for the ball several times.

Progressions:

1.  Using the same passing sequence, move balls counter-clockwise around the grid rather than back and forth. The pairs of players in the central zone will be responsible for moving the ball down two sides of the field. 

Set Up:

Two teams play 3 v 3 plus four neutral attackers in a 20 x 20 square. The attacking team plays keep away from the defenders and is awarded one point for every five consecutive passes that they make. The neutrals must stay on the outside of the field and are limited to one touch. The defending team looks to win the ball and transition to attacking as quickly as possible. After five minutes, the neutrals switch out.