The Importance Of Teaching The Through Pass

The through pass is an effective way of passing the ball - doesn't matter if you're a young or seasoned soccer player. A good through pass puts the receiver in a good position and can deceive many an opponent. If the ball is passed in front of an opponent, this gives them some satisfaction, since the longer the ball remains in that position, the more chances it takes for the defending team to get its bearings back together.

When coaching youth soccer, take note that the through pass can be difficult to teach. It holds great value in every offense, as it can deceive most defensive schemes. Execution can be very tough to perfect, as the team needs to cooperate in creating space in which to play the ball, and you shouldn't be obvious with the direction of the through pass. The pass should not just be deceptive, but also accurate, and timing is very important (as is good pacing) so that the ball reaches the player as he arrives, giving him a chance to shoot while in motion.

Soccer Drills

Through passes usually equate to sure goals, which means more practice is needed to get this technique right. Direct passing is much more popular with youth players of all ages, and for most young soccer players, teaching the through pass could take some time. It is especially hard for children aged 10 and below to grasp the concept of passing the ball in an open space as a moving teammate catches it. But if they do, it will be worth it.

The Importance Of Teaching The Through Pass

We have some soccer drills for young players that will help them get started on the through pass. Start at an area about 25 yards in length, and work with three players on your team in strategizing the setup of the through pass. Two of these players will stand with the ball on one end, while the third will set himself up at the opposite end. For the players with the ball on their side, have them run together across the area, while one of them plays the ball in such a way that it reaches the other end simultaneously. The player with the ball would then play it across to the third player. This improves your player's accuracy and timing - two things that are essential in a successful through pass. It is best for your players to use the inside foot to make the pass, and the more they do so, the more they can develop accuracy. This is a great way to give your players a feel of passing to an open space instead of the usual direct passing.

The success of a through pass depends on several factors, such as the pitch condition. This is especially important, as wet soccer fields lead to a faster, livelier ball when played on the ground. The opposite would apply if the ground is sticky, so chipping a pass or playing a firmer ball would be a good way around this. Another important factor is the wind, and so is the size of the field. It is easier to play a ball into the opposing field if the pitch is narrow, while wider fields allow for more creative passing.

Creating an opportunity for a through pass is easier with constant movement, especially up front. Soccer is not just about moving with the ball, it's also about moving without the ball. There should be at least two players who can run forward to work at the back of the opposition, while the rest would depend on the accuracy - something that can be developed with regular practice.

The Importance Of Teaching The Through Pass