Wall Pass Games

DESCRIPTION

A) Warmup (not shown)

Split players into 2 groups. Receivers (without a ball) position themselves in space around the circle. Passers (with ball) dribble around, passing to a static receiver and receiving a return pass, then pass to a different receiver. Play for 3 mins then switch roles.

Make sure players are communicating (calling/pointing) to each other.

B) Game (shown in image)

Position players + lots of balls around the circle or playing area. If there is no GK, use a small goal/cones and put a no-go zone in front of it.

Stages:

1. Pick 1 attacker (ATT), who must enter the playing area, wall-pass to [3] receivers around the D, then score in the goal.
2. Same as above, but with 2-3 ATT simultaneously passing/attacking, each with a ball. Make sure players are communicating (calling/eye contact/pointing) before they pass.
3. Add in [1] defender (DEF), who must clear balls out of the circle.
4. ATT must keep possession in the playing area for [1] min before they can score. ATT can keep possession by exchanging balls, or wall-passing to receivers outside the circle.
5. 2v2 duel in the circle, one ball in play. Use wall-passes to receivers to keep possession. Whichever side has the ball after [1] min can score.

Progressions:

• Defenders can themselves try to score after stealing.

Variations:

• Vary number of defenders for more/less experienced players, i.e. 2v1, 2v3 etc.
• ATT must pass to certain receivers, or a certain number of receivers.

COACHING POINTS

These activities practice wall-passes as a tactic for keeping possession.

Designed for U10s. For older players, start the game at stage 2-3.

Change-it:

• If defenders are winning the ball too easily > fewer defenders
• If there aren't enough wall-passes > fewer defenders / no defenders
• If some helpers aren't engaged: all attackers must wall-pass to them. 

Feedback:

• What is a wall pass?
• How is it useful? (demonstrate using it to eliminate a defender versus wall-passing in front of a defender)