Annual training plan · U9–U13

Week 28: Passing & Receiving – Side-Foot Pass

3 complete training sessions with 12 drills – created by licensed coaches. Open every drill in the easy2coach web app with one click.

This week’s focus

Week 2 of the winter preparation will also have a technical focus. After detailed work on dribbling in the first week, it now continues with passing and receiving the ball. In addition to the technical content, players' coordination skills continue to be trained.

Passing practice is done without pressure from opponents at first, in order to work on the technically clean execution of the passes. Only passes over short and medium distances are played. Once the movement patterns of the passing techniques are right and the passes reach team-mates accurately, time pressure and pressure from opponents are added.

Once your players execute the passing techniques cleanly and play the ball accurately to a team-mate even under pressure, the ball now has to be controlled. The main aim when receiving the ball is to take the ball directly into free space wherever possible. If pressure from opponents does not allow the ball to be taken in one's stride with the 1st touch, the aim is to control the ball with the foot furthest from the opponent.

When training the 1st touch, too, time pressure and pressure from opponents increase step by step, so that players learn to receive the ball and take it in their stride in a variety of ways. The focus is exclusively on controlling ground passes.

Author Luis Österlein

Session 1

4 drills

The side-foot pass is the most frequently used kicking technique for passing the ball. 2 reasons for this are that the ball can be played very accurately and that first-time passes are much easier than with other types of kick.

Nevertheless, there are match situations in which the better solution is to play the ball with the inside of the instep, the outside of the instep, a “toe-poke” or the heel.

The inside-of-the-instep kick is needed above all when the passing distance increases or the ball is to be played with swerve. For this, the ball has to be struck as far off-centre as possible.

The outside-of-the-instep kick can also be used for passes with swerve. In addition, the ball can be played with the outside of the instep, as with the toe, with virtually no backlift. For example, in a one-two.

Coaching points for this session
  • Demand two-footed passing
  • Accuracy comes before pace on the pass
  • Play the ball to the team-mate's front foot or into their path where possible
  • Pass to marked team-mates on the foot furthest from the opponent
Drill 1

Passing in a Square Variation I

15 min12 x 12 metres.

The passing sequence is always the same:

  1. The player on the ball passes to the next team-mate, who moves towards the ball.
  2. The team-mate lays the ball back, runs around the cone and receives the return pass of the one-two.
  3. Then that player passes to the next player.

After their second pass, the players always move on one cone station.

Variations:

  • The wall player plays the first pass first time. After rounding the cone, the second ball may be taken on with the first touch and then passed.

Note: The drill needs a certain amount of time to get going.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: A cone square measuring 12 x 12 metres.

Equipment: 4 cones.

Players: The starting position with the ball must be occupied by at least two players. From 10 players upwards, set up a second square.

Coaching points
  • The player waiting for the ball starts the counter-movement at the same moment as the passer's backswing.
  • The wall player matches the running speed to the speed of the pass.
  • Place the standing foot 30 to 40 centimetres to the side of the ball or level with it, no leaning back.
  • With the inside-of-the-foot pass the toes point upwards, the ankle is firmly locked and the upper body leans slightly over the ball.
  • Stand on the balls of the feet, lift the kicking foot slightly, strike the middle of the ball and then swing the leg through — do not arch the back. The same applies to the first touch and to taking the ball in stride.
  • Bring the opposite arm through: when passing with the right inside of the foot the left arm goes to the right hip, with the left inside of the foot the right arm goes to the left hip.
  • Coordinate the timing of the pass and of the start of the run; players often run faster than they pass.
  • Demand firm and accurate passes.
Drill 2

Alternating 4 vs 2

20 min
  • In one area the game is played 4 vs 2 for possession.
  • If the team with fewer players wins the ball, it plays it into the other area and follows it.
  • Two players of the team that previously had the extra players follow as defenders.
  • In the new area the 4 vs 2 for possession is now played for the other team.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark out two adjoining playing areas.

Equipment: Cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams of four players each. In one area the players are set up for a 4 vs 2; the remaining two players wait in the other area.

Coaching points
  • Look out for a quick transition.
  • Keep an eye on the workload — this small-sided game is very intensive.
Drill 3

Small-Sided Game - 2 vs 1 Overload

25 min15 x 12 metres
  • The game begins as a 2 vs 1.
  • As soon as a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play, a new player comes into the area and one player of the team with the overload leaves it.
  • This creates a 2 vs 1 for the new team.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark the playing area; two goals stand at the ends.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones and several balls.

Players: The players stand behind the goals; plus goalkeepers.

Coaching points
  • Watch for a quick, purposeful use of the overload.
  • Demand hard, placed finishes.
Drill 4

Passing in 4 vs 3

25 min
  • The respective attackers play a 4 vs 3 towards the opposition's two mini goals.
  • The task is to create goalscoring chances through secure combination play set up in width and in depth.
  • After a finish or after the ball is won inside the playing area, the team that was defending may start a 4 vs 3 towards the goals at the opposite end.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four cones mark out the playing area; there are two small goals at each end.

Equipment: 4 small goals, 4 cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams.

Coaching points
  • The defending team acts patiently.
  • It cuts attackers off from the play in order to create equal-numbers situations.
  • It steers the play as a unit.
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Session 2

4 drills

With the 1st touch, it is not only about getting the ball under control. It is also important that receiving the ball or taking it in stride creates ideal conditions for continuing the play. You can give your players the following tips for this:

  • Perform a body feint before the first touch to get away from your opponent. This gives you more space for your follow-up action
  • Scan before you receive the ball. This lets you take the ball into space and get away from opponents near you
  • Show for the ball in an open body position so that you can keep an eye on the play ahead of you and take the ball in your stride as quickly as possible
  • Under pressure, try to control the ball with the foot furthest from the opponent to prevent it from being intercepted
Coaching points for this session
  • Take the ball in your stride straight away
  • Scan and take the ball into space
  • Use body feints to get away from the opponent
  • Under pressure, control the ball with the foot furthest from the opponent
Drill 1

Passing with an Open First Touch

15 min20 x 15 metres
  • The ball travels anti-clockwise.
  • The players at the dummies show for the ball in an open body position.
  • They take the ball in their stride before playing it on.

Variations: Have the drill carried out in both directions of play.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Two poles and two dummies mark the four positions.

Equipment: 2 poles, 2 dummies and several balls.

Players: One player at each station.

Coaching points
  • Take the ball straight into the stride.
  • Show for the ball level with the dummy and do not come towards the passer.
Drill 2

Receiving and Taking the Ball in Stride + Shot at Goal

20 min
  • On the coach's call, Defender A sets off onto the pitch with the ball.
  • Defender A plays a firm pass to Attacker B.
  • Attacker B moves towards the ball immediately, takes it in their stride and tries to score.
  • If the defender wins the ball, the defender counter-attacks on the goal opposite.
  • The evaluation is which team scores the most goals.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Two goals stand at the ends.

Equipment: 2 goals and several balls.

Players: Pairs consisting of one Defender A and one Attacker B; the ball is with the defender. Plus goalkeepers.

Coaching points
  • Take the ball straight into the stride and pick up speed.
Drill 3

Taking the Ball in Stride and Shot at Goal

20 min32 x 15 metres
  • Play is 3 vs 3 in the central zone.
  • After a dribble over the zone line, the finish on goal may be taken unchallenged.
  • The rounds are kept short.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark out the playing area and the central zone; two goals stand at the ends.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams of three players each; plus goalkeepers.

Coaching points
  • Take the ball straight into the stride.
  • Get to the finish quickly and finish in the end zone with the first touch, at the latest with the second.
Drill 4

Transition Game from 1 vs 0 to 5 vs 4

25 minDouble penalty area
  • The drill starts with a 1 vs 0 and a finish on goal; a rebound shot is not allowed.
  • Immediately afterwards two opponents set off into the area with a ball for a 2 vs 1.
  • After every ball out of play or goal, two players per team set off into the area alternately until the game is 5 vs 4.
  • A short rest follows; in the next run-through the other team starts the drill.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark the playing area; two goals stand at the ends.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams of five plus goalkeepers.

Coaching points
  • Use the numerical advantage to combine quickly or to dribble through.
  • Demand immediate transition.
  • The defenders try to cover the space.

Session 3

4 drills

Besides game understanding, the use of space (making the game wide and big) and showing for the ball and getting free, effective combination play requires players who are technically well trained in ball control and passing. These two basic techniques come into their own even more when they are supplemented by tactical pointers.

In passing, the following can be coached in addition to the technical points:

  • Team-mate is free: play the ball to the front foot or into their path
  • Team-mate is marked: play the ball to the foot furthest from the opponent
  • Deceive opponents with passes against your running direction
  • Play the passes as firmly as possible. But without sacrificing accuracy

In ball control, the following can be coached in addition to the technical pointers:

  • Opponent behind: control the ball with the foot furthest from the opponent
  • Take the ball straight into your stride and into free space
  • Combine the 1st touch with a body feint to get away from your opponent
  • Scan before controlling the ball to spot possible follow-up actions
  • Use the 1st touch to prepare your planned follow-up action as well as possible
Drill 1

Passing in a Square - Passing into the Run

20 min
  • The red player plays the ball into the zone of the blue player, who has asked for it beforehand.
  • The blue player takes the ball on under control and plays it on to the next player — here to the yellow one.
  • The drill continues in this way.

Variations: After a few rounds, change the direction of play.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four zones are set up with 16 cones.

Equipment: 16 cones and balls.

Players: At least one player stands at each zone, at least two at the starting position.

Coaching points
  • Take the ball on with the outside foot and play it with that foot.
Drill 2

First Touch and Taking the Ball On in Space

15 min
  • To begin with, all players pass the balls to each other along the ground with at least two compulsory touches.
  • After that, passing is only allowed within the teams.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark the playing area.

Equipment: Cones and two balls per team.

Players: Three teams in three different colours.

Coaching points
  • Take the ball on at speed with the first touch.
  • Increase the pace on the passes.
  • Demand passes and touches with both feet.
  • Demand that the players coach each other.
Drill 3

Overload Game with Zones

25 min
  • In the outer zones two defenders play against one striker, in the middle zone it is played 2 vs 2.
  • The players try to play into the next zone.
  • If this works, one player of the team in possession pushes up from the previous zone into the next zone.
  • The ball can also be played straight into the final zone; in that case one player from the middle zone moves up immediately.
  • The players of the defending team stay in their zone.

Variations: The team in possession plays with an underload in the zones.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark the playing area, which is divided into three equally sized zones; there are two goals at the ends.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams with equal numbers; plus goalkeepers. In the outer zones there are two defenders and one striker each, in the middle zone two players per team.

Coaching points
  • Use the overload to combine quickly.
  • Use the overload to make the game wide and make the opponents run.
Drill 4

Small-Sided Game: 3 vs 3 + 1

25 min
  • The game is 3 vs 3 with one neutral support player playing with the team in possession.
  • The support player may not be challenged. To keep up the pace and intensity, the support player is given a touch limit — ideally one or two touches.
  • The remaining players have three touches; two are also possible.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: About ten cones mark out the playing area; two full-size goals stand at the ends.

Equipment: 2 full-size goals, 10 cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams of three plus one neutral support player.

Coaching points
  • Use the numerical advantage cleverly.
  • Finish quickly.
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