Core Topic 2: Passing

Module: Master The Ball: 1-11 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

Passing is the heartbeat of football. It connects players, creates rhythm, and unlocks space. For players aged 0-11, this isn’t just about striking a ball from A to B. It’s about learning how to share the game, shape play, and make intelligent decisions whilst moving. I want players who can connect passes accurately, but more importantly, players who understand why they’re passing and what their pass achieves.

At this age, players are forming their footballing identity. By introducing varied passing techniques and scenarios, I help them develop a complete toolbox of inside foot, outside foot, driven, and chipped passes. Each technique adds new possibilities and solutions to different game situations. Passing helps players understand the game, sharpens timing and awareness, builds confidence with possession, and promotes team play.

Every passing session includes progressive difficulty, constraints that teach, repetition with purpose, and match-relevant transfer. I start with clean technique, then build into pressure decisions. Players must master the basics before adding complexity. Each week includes opportunities to use passing in real contexts through small-sided games.

Passing is easy to over-coach. My focus should be creating windows of clarity where a player sees a better choice, adjusts their technique, or adapts their timing, then repeats that improvement until it becomes automatic. Great passing isn’t about hitting a target once successfully. It’s about executing accurately, repeatedly, under pressure, when matches are on the line.

Introduction

“Possession is nothing without purpose. Passing gives it meaning.”

Passing is the heartbeat of football. It connects players, creates rhythm, and unlocks space. For players aged 0–11, this isn’t just about striking a ball from A to B. It’s about learning how to share the game, shape play, and make intelligent decisions whilst moving.

The sessions in this section are designed to move beyond basic technique into genuine awareness. Yes, we want players who can connect passes accurately. But more importantly, we want players who understand why they’re passing and what their pass achieves.

Why Passing Matters at This Stage

At this age, players are forming their footballing identity. By introducing varied passing techniques and scenarios, we help them develop in crucial areas:

Develop a Complete Toolbox

Inside foot, outside foot, driven, chipped. Each technique adds new possibilities and solutions to different game situations.

Understand the Game

Passing is football’s primary form of communication. It helps players read the game and actively influence its flow and outcome.

Sharpen Timing and Awareness

When should I release the ball? Where should I aim? Who’s available? These decisions train anticipation and pattern recognition.

Build Confidence With Possession

Passing sessions often begin unopposed, but progression comes when players must scan, choose, and execute under increasing pressure.

Promote Team Play

Football is fundamentally a social game. Through passing, players begin to understand space, movement, and shared responsibility for outcomes.

This isn’t just repetition for technique’s sake. This is rehearsal for real match decisions under pressure.

The Technical Elements Behind the Skill

While players may start with one or two basic passing types, our sessions introduce a broader technical landscape over time. Each type builds specific capabilities:

Inside-Foot Passes

The most stable and consistent option. Builds precision, body control, and confidence in execution.

Outside-Foot Passes

Adds flair, disguise, and unpredictability. Often useful when body shape limits other passing angles.

Lofted Passes

Helps players recognise when space exists beyond a line of pressure. Teaches vision and execution over distance.

Chipped Passes

Requires delicate feel and subtlety. Players learn how to lift the ball into space without overhitting.

Driven Passes

Teaches striking technique, body posture, and power generation whilst reinforcing accuracy under speed.

Volleyed Passes

Introduces timing and clean contact on bouncing or aerial balls. Useful for quicker switches or reactive play.

Crossing and Deliveries

Reinforces decision-making under movement. Where is the space? What type of delivery is needed? Players begin to shape outcomes with clear intention.

Each type of pass opens up new layers of tactical understanding. These aren’t just technical choices. They’re problem-solving tools for different game situations.

How We Teach It

Every passing session in this programme includes four essential elements:

Progressive Difficulty

Start with clean technique, then build into pressure decisions. Players must master the basics before adding complexity.

Constraints That Teach

Time limits, scoring zones, or movement restrictions sharpen intent and force quicker decision-making.

Repetition With Purpose

Instead of 50 identical passes, sessions encourage meaningful variation - different partners, distances, and intended outcomes.

Match-Relevant Transfer

Each week includes opportunities to use passing in real contexts through small-sided games or transition-based activities.

This approach ensures passing becomes meaningful because it’s always connected to actual game situations and outcomes.

Your Role as Coach

Passing is easy to over-coach. Resist the temptation to correct every imperfection immediately.

Your focus should be creating windows of clarity: brief moments where a player sees a better choice, adjusts their technique, or adapts their timing - and then repeats that improvement until it becomes automatic.

Most importantly, remind them that great passing isn’t about hitting a target once successfully.

It’s about executing accurately, repeatedly, under pressure, when matches are on the line.

That’s when passing becomes the heartbeat that drives everything else.

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model