Passing and receiving are fundamental skills in soccer, enabling effective ball movement and teamwork on the field. Understanding when and where to pass, and how to receive the ball under various conditions, is crucial. The more you watch and play soccer, the better you’ll become at recognizing these key moments.
Not all players excel equally at all aspects of passing and receiving. As you train and play, you’ll identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Mastering these skills will significantly elevate your game.
Looking to improve your passing and receiving? Get a 7-day free trial of the Techne Futbol app and explore targeted drills to enhance these skills! Get 10% off your first purchase using code BLOG.
Here are three types of passing and receiving you will need in a game, and tips to excel at each:
1. Short Passes and Receiving in Tight Spaces
When surrounded by defenders, the ability to execute quick, accurate short passes and control the ball under pressure is essential. This skill is vital for maintaining possession and creating space. The more comfortable you are with the ball at your feet and using all surfaces of both feet, the better you’ll be at navigating tight spaces and finding teammates.
Drills to improve short passes and receives:
One-touch passing drills: Insides in and out
Quick two-touch passing: 2 Touch Insides: Switch Feet
Rondo exercises with your team or a group of friends are another great way to practice this skill.
Players to watch who excel at this: Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
2. Long Passes and Receiving Over Distance
The ability to accurately send and control long passes is crucial for switching the play and advancing the ball quickly. This skill is often used by midfielders and defenders to exploit space and catch the opposition off guard. It requires strong technical ability and excellent vision to execute successfully.
Individual drills to improve long passes and receiving
Long-range passing drills
Receiving the ball out of the air
Cross-field passing exercises are another great way to work on this skill.
Players to watch who excel at this: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current)
3. Through Passes and Running onto the Ball
Executing through passes and running onto the ball requires precise timing and coordination between teammates. This skill is essential for breaking defensive lines and creating scoring opportunities. It involves both the passer’s ability to read the game and the receiver’s ability to anticipate and make the right runs.
Drills to improve through passes and running onto the ball:
Through Passes and Running Onto The Ball - Figure 8s Inside R
Through Passes and Running Onto The Ball - Figure 8s Inside L
Timed runs and through ball exercises
Combination play in the final third
Players to watch who excel at this: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)
A huge aspect of passing and receiving is confidence. You can’t be afraid to make a mistake. Read more on how to build soccer confidence. At the end of the day, your confidence will come from the work you put into training. Work on the drills above and go through the Passing and Receiving section of our new session that goes live each week in the Techne app. Mastering these skills is fun and will greatly enhance your ability to contribute to your team’s success!