Category: Passing
Type: Drill
TEACHING THE FUNDAMENTAL SKILL OF PASSING
 Make sure to read Coach Lasher's useful tip: The fundamentals of passing
Have the players form two lines facing each other. One line goes down to their knees and holds the ball with both hands on the ground. The hands are safely together and BEHIND the ball. It is best if you demonstrate this technique before someone’s fingers are accidentally kicked.
The kicking players are to strike the ball moderately hard, without trying to kick the ball out of their teammates hands.
Coaching Points:
1. Break the skill into simple steps.
Show where to strike the ball
Show where to plant the non-kicking foot
Show the head down position (eyes-on-the-ball)
2. Make sure that the players take their time in “resetting” after each kick. It is more important that technique is perfected than they get done with the drill. A lot of the younger players view everything as a race or a contest.
3. Listen for the sound of a ball being struck correctly. This is a very over-looked cue in sports. A well-struck ball in any sport has a distinct sound to it. It is a very good way to get feedback on how a player is doing and once they recognize it, it is a powerful motivational tool that does not require “outside” (i.e. you the coach) intervention.
4. Make sure that both the dominant foot and the non-dominant foot are used. As the skill is acquired, try spending twice as much time on the non-dominant foot in order to build it up.
Once the fundamental technique is acquired, it is time to move on to actual passing. At this point coaches tend to amplify the lesson into both passing and receiving.
As the players get older, this is more and more appropriate since they have been exposed to both. In addition, you really need to be able to do both to effectively work the passing skill. However, at young ages, if you introduce a second skill you will dilute what you are trying to get across. In general, teaching one skill at a time is the better course of action at the younger ages.
A final reminder: I cannot stress this enough. Use of the non-dominant foot has to be stressed during each and every exercise.
Submitted by: Coach George Lasher
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