intermediatepassing15-20 minutes4-12 players

Wall Pass Combination

Two-player combination drill teaching the fundamentals of give-and-go passing. Develops timing, weight of pass, and movement to receive in space behind defenders.

U11-U12U13-U14U15+

Setup

Set up a 20x10 metre channel with cones. Place one cone in the middle to represent a defender. Players work in pairs, starting at one end. Player A dribbles towards the cone, plays a pass to Player B (who is positioned to the side), then accelerates past the cone to receive the return pass from Player B. After completing the sequence, they swap roles and continue to the other end. Multiple pairs can work simultaneously in parallel channels.

Coaching Points

1Time the wall pass for when the defender commits or closes down
2Weight of the initial pass must be accurate for your teammate
3Accelerate past the defender immediately after playing the pass
4Return pass should be played into space ahead of the runner
5Communicate clearly, the wall player should call for the ball
6Use this in matches when defenders close down aggressively

Variations

✓Add a passive defender who applies light pressure
✓Progress to an active defender who tries to intercept
✓Include a finish at goal after completing the combination
✓Require the wall pass to be one-touch only
✓Add a third player for more complex passing combinations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wall pass in football?

A wall pass, also called a one-two or give-and-go, is when a player passes to a teammate then immediately runs into space to receive a return pass. The receiving player acts like a wall, playing the ball back first time to help their teammate beat a defender.

When should players use a wall pass in a match?

Use wall passes when a defender closes you down aggressively, when you have a teammate in a supporting position, and when space exists behind the defender to run into. Wall passes are particularly effective in central areas to break through compact defences.

How do I teach wall passes to young players?

Start without defenders, focusing on timing and weight of passes. Progress to passive defenders, then active defenders. Emphasise the importance of the initial pass quality and the explosive movement after passing.

What makes a good wall pass?

A good wall pass requires accurate passing from both players, explosive movement from the initial passer, perfect timing so the defender cannot intercept, and a return pass played into space rather than to feet.

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Related Keywords

wall passgive and goone-twocombination playpassing drillmovementattacking playpenetrating passesfootball patternscoaching drillstechnical trainingpassing sequences

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