Passing has two speeds. Inside foot passes are slow and accurate. Driven passes use the outside or laces and travel fast over distance. Kids need to know which to use when.
What you need: 1 soccer ball, 2 kids, a wall or fence, 20 feet of space.
Setup: Two kids 20 feet apart. One has the ball.
How to run it:
- First 5 passes: use the inside foot only. Plant, Open, Strike, Follow. Slow and accurate.
- Count the successful passes.
- Next 5 passes: use the outside of the foot for a driven pass. Same Plant, Open, Strike, Follow, but with the outside of the foot and more speed.
- Count the successful driven passes.
- Now do 5 mixed. Passer decides which to use based on distance and pressure.
What to watch: Which style has more errors? At this age, inside foot should be more consistent.
If they’re struggling: Reduce distance to 15 feet for driven passes. They’re harder over distance.
If they’ve got it: Increase distance to 25 feet. Driven passes are necessary at that distance.