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Passing Football is a team game. Playing as a team requires each player to be able to pass the ball well. Through passing, a team can quickly counterattack from defense, maintain possession in midfield, and set up opportunities to score. The key to good passing, once the technique is perfected, is repetition.   Athlete Readiness The beginner player tends to play with their head down, looking at the ball, and so is rarely able to look for a teammate before passing. The player usually uses the toe or awkwardly tries to pass with the inside of the foot. A player at this level can kick successfully in the correct general direction, but rarely to a teammate.   The intermediate player is able to locate and make eye contact with the intended receiver before passing. The player uses the inside of the foot for short passes and the instep for longer passes. A player at this level still finds some passes difficult to master; i.e., outside of the foot, chipped, and one-touch passes. In addition, the player is deliberate and predictable when passing in a game and will not disguise or fake passes.     Teaching Passing Make eye contact with the intended receiver. This is the starting point for successful passing. Go through the technique with an imaginary ball first to correct the action. Ask player to bend their knee when passing. Place the player's foot on the ball, so they know what part of foot to contact the ball with.   Coaching Tips Always begin teaching passing with the side of the foot first. Have the receiver stand close, then as the passing gets better, move further away. The inside of the foot can be used for short push passes. The ball is struck firmly, with the foot following through in the direction of the intended receiver.     Teaching the Inside-of-Foot "Push" Pass     Passing Static (Dartfish)     "Square up" so player, ball and target are in a straight line. Place "plant foot" about 4 inches from the side of the ball, pointing toward the target. The direction the plant foot points is important, because that is the direction the hips will face. Try it. Or, have the player face the target and back of the ball, whichever the player prefers. Plant foot can be toward the middle. Head is over the ball, eyes looking down, both knees slightly bent. Teach proper motion by first having the player place their striking foot flat against the back of the ball, about 5 inches above the ground, and pushing the ball toward the target, following through toward the target. This is a push and follow through, not a jab. Think of a tennis serve. However, jabbing a one-touch pass is okay. Be sure ball contact is with toes pulled up (i.e., foot parallel to the ground) and the ankle locked. Make contact with the arch, below the ankle bone, and follow through toward the target so the ball has top spin. Have player do the same, except start one step back from the ball — player, ball and target are in a straight line. This step provides power to the pass. If the pass goes into the air, it means it was struck too low.     Key Words Head Up Look At Your Teammate Push The Ball Firmly Follow Though With Your Foot Toe Down Firm Strike   Coaching Tips When passing, encourage lower ability players to pass with the side of the foot. When practicing, try and encourage the use of both feet. The nonkicking foot is always alongside the ball. Players must check where they are aiming before striking the ball. Remind players to always keep their eye on the ball when striking. The instep can be used to send longer passes.

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