The Passing Name Game

The objective of this soccer drill is to help young players improve the speed of play by thinking a step-ahead of the play.

Soccer Drill contributed by: Chris Johnson

Soccer Drill Info:
This is for ages U10, U12. Run this soccer drill with at least 4 players but no more than 12. This soccer drill should last approximately 15 minutes on a 0. Make sure you have the following equipment: cones, .

Setup:

Form a circle with each of the players on your team. Only start with one ball.

Instructions:

To play the name game, the player with the ball passes to a player. Before the receiving player receives the pass, they must yell the name of the player they are going to pass to. Upon the next player receiving the ball, they must yell the name of the player they are going to pas to.

This is designed to make the players think a step ahead of the play. Make sure that each player has at least 2 touches on the ball; one touch to receive the pass, and the other touch to make the pass.

Encourage players not to make a pass back to the player they received the pass from, and to pass to different people each time.

Variations:

• Create a grid and play the same game as above except players are free to move about the grid.
• Add a second ball.

Coaching Points:

• Remind players to be thinking ahead to determine who they want to pass to.
• Good First Touch
• Quality pass

Focus:
Technical Passing, Technical Receiving, Tactical Communication