North South East West
In this fun and competitive passing drill, teams work in different directions within the same grid, scoring points by maintaining possession and playing it from one target player to another.
Passing Drill – North South East West
Set Up The Drill
Set up a 30×30 yard grid using small cones. Split the players up into two teams and put them in different color bibs. For the purpose of this activity description, we’ll call the teams “red’ and ‘yellow’. Have a supply of balls ready to help facilitate quick restarts.
Instructions
Select two ‘target players’ for each team. The 2 blue team target players start outside the grid on opposite sides; one on the north side and one on the south. The 2 red team targets players do the same but on the west and east side of the grid. All remaining players start inside the grid.
Teams compete for possession of the ball and score a point by maintaining possession and playing the ball from one of their target players to the other. Play for a designated amount of time or until a certain amount of points is scored and then switch out the target players.
Progression
Add a touch limitation (i.e each player can take a maximum of 2 or 3 touches every time they receive).
Coaching Points
- Utilize who space within the square to help your team maintain possession of the ball.
- Create diagonal passing lines and angles for your teammates.
- Look before you receive the ball (scan the field).
- Look to open your hips up and play forward whenever possible.
- Transition quickly upon loss or gain of possession.
Top Tip:
If teams are struggling for success add a neutral player in the middle of the grid who always plays for the team in possession of the ball.