5v2 Angle of Support Passing Drill

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

The 5v2 is a soccer passing drill for U9–U16 players and one of the best tools there is for teaching support angles. Five players on the outside of a tight square try to string ten passes together while two defenders hunt the ball - every pass tests weight, angle, and first touch.

Browse the full passing drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U13 players.

Setup

• Mark a square grid of 10×10 to 12×12 yards, sized to your players' skill level.
• Put 2 defenders in bibs inside the grid.
• Spread the other 5 players around the outside of the grid.
• Keep spare balls close by so the drill never stops.

How It Works

1. The 5 outside players keep the ball away from the 2 defenders.
2. The defenders stay inside the grid and try to intercept or break up passes.
3. The outside group scores by completing 10 consecutive passes.
4. After a set time or a turnover routine of your choice, rotate the defenders.

Coaching Points

• Support angles: outside players slide along their lines to open a passing lane before the ball arrives.
• Weight and angle of every pass - firm, on the correct foot, away from the defender.
• Quality first touch that sets up the next pass.
• Stay on your toes and offer support early; talk constantly.

Variations

• Limit the outside players to two touches.
• Swap the defenders every time the outside group reaches 10 passes.
• Award a bonus point for a splitting pass between the two defenders.