2. Passing & Receiving

Soccer is a team sport. Only in a few instances will individual play affect the outcome of the game. Rarely will you see a player simply dribble the entire opposing team and score a goal. Due to the nature of the sport, a team must work together in order to find success. For this reason, passing is the first and most important skill a soccer player must develop.

Passing

Short Pass
This is a highly accurate pass, struck with the inside of your foot. The short pass is used to progress the ball further up the field in a patient manner, as well as taking an opposing defender out of the play. To perform a short pass:

• Step and plant the non-dominant foot next to the ball
• Contact the center of the ball with the inside of the dominant foot
• Make sure the ankle is locked at a 90-degree angle
• Follow through with your dominant foot

Watch the instructional video below of how to perform a short pass

Long Pass
A long pass, although not always accurate will still help a team maintain possession of the ball. Being able to execute a long pass is an attribute a great player should possess. The long pass can help relieve pressure, isolate a player for a 1v1 situation, and create a goal scoring opportunity. To perform a long pass:

• Have an angled approach towards the ball
• Lean back slightly
• Contact the bottom half of the ball with the laces part of the shoe
• Ensure your ankle is locked
• Have a strong follow through for more power

Watch the instructional video below of how to perform a long pass

Receiving

In addition to being able to pass the ball accurately, a player must be able to receive and control the ball. Without appropriate receiving skills, the player will be more vulnerable to loss of possession. Receiving the ball effectively gives the player additional time and space to control the ball and prepare his or her next move. A player may use any body part, with the exception of arms and hands, to receive the ball. The foot, thigh, chest, and head are most commonly used to receive the ball.

• The main concept to keep in mind when receiving a ball is to absorb the ball’s momentum using the body. It is best to stay on the balls of your feet for better body fluidity.

Watch the instructional video below of how to receive the ball