Foundation Session #1: The Passing Drill That Changes Everything

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Every Tuesday, you’ll get a complete, ready-to-use session plan that your players will love and that actually develops their football intelligence.

Today’s session focuses on passing and receiving on the move, the foundation skill that separates good players from great ones.

Why This Skill Matters

Most young players can pass when standing still. But football is a game of movement. The ability to:

• Receive the ball while moving
• Pass accurately while in motion
• Maintain rhythm and flow
• Read the movement of teammates

…separates players who can “do the drill” from players who can “play the game.”

Session Overview: Passing and Receiving on the Move

Warm-Up (10 minutes): Dynamic Ball Work

• Light jogging with ball touches
• Inside/outside foot touches while moving
• Quick stops and starts with the ball
• Change of direction with close control

Main Activity (25 minutes): Progressive Passing Circuit

Stage 1: Individual Movement (8 minutes)

• Players move freely in a 20x20 area
• Focus on first touch taking them forward
• Receive imaginary passes from different angles
• Emphasize body shape before receiving

Stage 2: Partner Passing (10 minutes)

• 15-yard distance between partners
• Player A passes to moving Player B
• Player B receives and immediately passes back
• Both players constantly moving, never static
• Switch roles every 2 minutes

Stage 3: Triangle Passing (7 minutes)

• Groups of three in triangle formation
• Pass and move to next position
• Focus on passing into space ahead of moving player
• Maintain rhythm and tempo

Small-Sided Game (15 minutes): 4v4 Pass and Move

• 30x20 yard area
• Goals on each end
• Condition: Must make 3 passes before scoring
• Players must be moving when receiving passes
• Reset if ball goes to static player

Key Coaching Points

For Passing:

• Look before receiving: Scan for next pass option
• Pass into space: Lead moving teammates
• Weight of pass: Match the speed of moving player
• Follow your pass: Move after passing to support

For Receiving:

• Body shape: Open to see field and next option
• First touch: Take you toward your next action
• Movement timing: Start moving before ball arrives
• Communication: Call for ball when in good position

Common Mistakes to Address

Static Receiving: Players stop to receive passes Solution: Encourage constant movement, even small steps

Poor First Touch: Ball goes away from intended direction Solution: Emphasize preparing body position before ball arrives

Late Passing: Holding ball too long Solution: Encourage quick decisions and one-touch when possible

No Communication: Silent players missing opportunities Solution: Demand verbal and visual communication

Progression Ideas for Next Week

1. Add pressure: Include passive defenders
2. Increase tempo: Faster passing rhythm
3. Vary distances: Mix short and long passes
4. Add conditions: Left foot only, maximum 2 touches

Session Wrap-Up

Finish with a quick discussion:

• “What made our passing better today?”
• “When was it easier to receive the ball?”
• “How can we use this in our next match?”

The Results You’ll See

After just 2-3 sessions focusing on this foundation:

• Players naturally check to ball instead of waiting
• Better first touches that set up next actions
• Improved team rhythm and flow
• More confident passing under pressure

Ready for More?

This is just one session from our systematic approach to player development.

Try this session this week and watch how quickly your players improve their passing rhythm and spatial awareness.

Need more sessions like this?

Check out our complete 328 Training Sessions library - every drill designed using 360TFT principles for maximum player development.

Want the complete systematic approach? The 360TFT Game Model provides 16-week development blocks that build on foundations like this.