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U9 · Pass and move block · Week 4 of 6 · Revisit
Give and move
Piggy in the Middle to start, one-two-move, a shape tally, a bounce-pass game and a rotating 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
ArrivePiggy in the Middle while you set up (8 min)
One-two-moveTechnical · one-two, then move on (12 min)
Shape tallyChallenge · tally the shapes you make (8 min)
Wall gameOpposed · three attackers, one wall (12 min)
Rotate moveMatch · rotate positions (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
Piggy in the Middle while you set up
8 min
KitA ballCones for a square
As children arrive, groups of three play piggy in the middle. The child who loses the ball goes in the middle, and a fourth arrival makes 3v1.
While the children play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: Who moved after passing?
2One-two and move
Technical · one-two, then move on
12 min
PassMoveNext one
Kit1 coneA ball per pair
Pairs, with cones as defenders. Pass, run past the cone, take it back, then move on to the next cone. Keep it flowing.
Keep calling the same three points: pass, then move; pass with weight; know the next one.
Ask: Where did you run after passing?
3Shape tally
Challenge · tally the shapes you make
8 min
PassMoveNext one
Kit4 cones for the corners of the areaA ball per group
Four in a square. Each time the ball goes round and everyone has moved, tally one shape. Try for ten. There is no timer.
Keep calling the same three points: pass, then move; pass with weight; know the next one.
Ask: How many shapes did you tally?
4Wall game
Opposed · three attackers, one wall
12 min
PassMoveNext one
Kit1 goalA ball per groupBibs, two colours
3v2 with a goal. One attacker is a wall: they pass back first time so the others can run on. Swap the wall each go.
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: Who was the wall?
5Rotate move
Match · rotate positions
15 min
PassMoveNext one
Kit2 goalsBibs, three coloursA ball
5v5, with goalkeepers. Every three minutes call rotate: positions swap and the goalkeeper changes. Watch the movement after each pass.
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: Who moved after passing?
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.
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.