NUMBER

29

The Diamond Passing Drill

Soccer is all about passing the ball. To be able to play well as a team, all players need to be able to pass the ball accurately and on time. This week, Ajax Cape Towns Craig Rosslee demonstrates a unique passing drill. It focuses on passing over a distance of 15 metres. Developing your passing game will help you keep possession and improve your chances of scoring goals. It is important that passing becomes second nature to your players. It is the foundation of the game.
xiii

1
xx xx
1

2
xx xx
1

3
xx xx
1

xi

xi

xi

xii
3 4 2

xii
3

xiii
4

xiii
2

xii
3 4

DIAGRAM KEY:
Ball Movement of players Movement of ball Cones Goalkeeper Player number
15 metres

xii

xiii

xiii

xii

xii

xiii

xi 15 metres
5

xi

xi

G Xi

xx xx

xx xx

xx xx

Organizing drill 1
Set up 5 cones 15 metres apart in a diamond formation as shown in Diagram A. Place one player at cone 2. Place one player at cone 4. Place one player on either side of cone 3. Split the rest of the squad evenly at cones 1 and 5. Place one ball at cone 1 and one ball at cone 5 to start the drill. Both sides do the drill at the same time, i.e. at cones 1 and 5

Practising the drill

This drill is all about focusing on the correct weight and speed of the pass. The passing sequence is as follows: player (xi) passes to player (xii) who controls the ball and turns to the outside and passes to player (xiii).

The same sequence is taking place at cones 5, 3 and 4 Remember when receiving and turning with the ball, players must do this at top speed so it is as in a game situation. Player (xiii)s then dribbles the ball around the outside of cones 2 and 4 respectively and finishes at the back of the queue as shown in Diagram A. Players now move in rotation. Player (xi) moves to cone 3, player (xii) moves to the outside cones 2 and 4, and the next person in line at cones 1 and 5 steps up to start the drill again. Players must move off the cones to receive the ball (i.e to check their runs). Checking means they move away from the space they want to run into and then check into that space to receive the ball. Run this drill for three minutes and then change the

direction of the drill as shown in Diagram B. The drill runs the same as previously.

The one-two variation on the drill (diag c)

Instead of immediately dribbling with the ball, player (xiii) now plays a one-two to player (xii), who then passes the ball back to player (xiii) when he has run around the outside of the cone. Player (xiii)s must receive the ball in his stride and go to the back of the queue as in the previous drill. They must end up at cones 1 and 5 respectively. Run this drill for three minutes and then change the direction of the drill (similar to diagram B)

Coachs Note:
Players must be quick and light on their feet when

passing. Make sure players check the ball to create time for themselves as in a real game. Players must communicate when passing the ball (to ensure accuracy). Ensure the strength (weight) of the pass is correct according to the distance. Demand consistency and accuracy, and keep the ball on the ground. Once the passing is at a level that you are satisfied with, you can add some variations to this drill. Encourage players to be creative when receiving the ball. They can turn with the inside or outside of the foot. Dropping a shoulder or being really quick with the touches is a sure way to fool the defender but make sure the players keep the passing at the highest quality as this is the focus of the drill. Make the drill one touch for advanced players.