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U9 · Pass and move block · Week 3 of 6 · Four-player patterns
Four-player patterns
Join the Game to start, a four-player pattern, a long-short tally, a four-versus-two game and a pattern match.
- Pass, then moveAfter you pass, move to a new space straight away.
- Pass with weightPass firmly enough to arrive, softly enough to control.
- Know the next oneKnow who you will pass to next before the ball arrives.
The session in five lines
ArriveJoin the Game while you set up (8 min)
Four patternTechnical · a pattern of four (12 min)
Long-shortChallenge · a long pass, then a short one (8 min)
Four v twoOpposed · four keep it from two (12 min)
Pattern matchMatch · a four-player pattern before a shot (15 min)
812812155
Minutes per stage. The last block is the conditioned game or the closing game. The dashed block is for changeovers and water.
Kit
4 conesPlus 2 goals. Use small goals, or two cones for each goal. 5 ballsOne per group, plus a spare. BibsThree colours, for two teams and goalkeepers.
Different numbers?
| Players | Groups | Who plays |
|---|
| 6 | 1 | One group of six: 3v3 |
| 7 | 2 | 4 and 3 |
| 8 | 2 | 4 and 4 |
| 9 | 2 | 5 and 4 |
| 10 | 2 | 5 and 5 |
| 11 | 2 | 6 and 5 |
| 12 | 2 | 6 and 6 |
No more than eight players per adult. With nine or more, make a third group rather than leaving players waiting.
1Arrive
Join the Game while you set up
8 min
Kit2 goalsA ballBibs
Take a bib from the bag and join the game in progress. It starts at 1v1 or 2v2 and grows. The coach adds the block theme: pass, then move.
While the children play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: Who moved after passing?
2Four-player pattern
Technical · a pattern of four
12 min
PassMoveNext one
Kit4 cones for the corners of the areaA ball per group
Four players in a pattern. Pass, then run to the space the receiver left. Learn the pattern slowly, then speed it up.
Keep calling the same three points: pass, then move; pass with weight; know the next one.
Ask: Did you know who was next?
3Long-short tally
Challenge · a long pass, then a short one
8 min
PassMoveNext one
Kit4 cones for the corners of the areaA ball per pair
Pairs: a long pass, then a short pass, moving after each. Tally the pairs you complete. There is no timer.
Keep calling the same three points: pass, then move; pass with weight; know the next one.
Ask: Which pass was harder?
4Four versus two
Opposed · four keep it from two
12 min
PassMoveNext one
KitA space about 18 by 18 mA ball per groupBibs, two colours
4v2 in a square. The attackers move after every pass to give the passer an option. The defenders swap when they win it.
Keep calling the same three points: pass, then move; pass with weight; know the next one.
Ask: Who gave the passer an option?
5Pattern match
Match · a four-player pattern before a shot
15 min
PassMoveNext one
Kit2 goalsBibs, three coloursA ball
5v5, with goalkeepers. A team must pass between four different players before a shot. Rotate the goalkeeper every three minutes.
SafetyBalls only go toward the goal. Keep the area behind and beside it clear, and ask children to wait while others fetch.
Keep calling the same three points: pass, then move; pass with weight; know the next one.
Ask: Which four touched it?
Go deeper
Optional. The detail behind the three coaching points, for when you want more. Draft 1: starting points for a coach to adjust, not rules.
Being an option
Give the player with the ball a pass to play and a clear line.
What good looks like
- Stand where the passer can see you, with a clear line that no defender is in.
- Open your body to the ball so you can receive facing the pitch.
- After you pass, move to a new space straight away.
If you see this, try this
- Hides behind a defenderMove sideways until there is a clear line to the ball.
- Stands still after passingPass, then move: the next pass should be easy.
More detail
- Triangles make passing easy: three players with a short pass available on each side.
- Be an option ahead of the ball and an option behind it, so the passer always has two choices.
Ask the players
- Could the passer see you? Was there a clear line?
Change it
Easier: Fewer defenders, or a bigger area.
Harder: A smaller area, or defenders who press the passer.
Passing: weight and direction
The pass should arrive at a speed the receiver can control, on the side away from pressure.
Most useful in stage 2.
What good looks like
- Weight: the receiver can control it without breaking stride.
- Direction: to the receiver's back foot, the foot furthest from you, on the side away from the nearest defender.
- Move the ball out of your feet first, to create the angle for a longer pass.
If you see this, try this
- Too hard, and the receiver's touch bounces awaySofter, or earlier, so the receiver is not rushed.
- Too soft, and a defender steps inFirmer, and look at the defender before you pass.
More detail
- Longer passes need a bigger swing and a good strike through the middle of the ball. They also need a good first touch to match.
- Scan before the ball arrives, then choose the pass. There is often more than one good answer.
Ask the players
- Why that pass? What else was on?
Change it
Easier: More space and time on the ball.
Harder: Reduce the space, or add a defender who tries to intercept.
Keeping the ball
Stay close, move after you pass, and always give two options.
What good looks like
- Two touches or fewer, so the ball is safe.
- Move after you pass, to give another option.
- Spread out around the ball, so a defender cannot cover two players.
If you see this, try this
- Holds the ball too longLook before you receive, so the next pass is already planned.
- Everyone bunches togetherSpread out around the ball, so each pass has an angle.
More detail
- Count passes. Make a defender who wins the ball swap in.
- The FA suggests asking for a different type of pass each time to build variety.
Ask the players
- Who was free, and how did you spot it?
Change it
Easier: More players in the group, or a bigger area.
Harder: Fewer touches, a smaller area, or another defender.