Line Passing Combination Warm-Up

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

This soccer passing warm-up drill gets a group of four combining while they travel the length of the field together. U10-U16 players rehearse the timing of passes and supporting runs in a repeating give-and-go pattern - a perfect opener for any passing-themed session.

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

Setup

• Place 4 cones in a line along the sideline, about 10 yards apart, to set the starting spacing.
• Put one player on each cone.
• The player on one end cone (Player 1) starts with the ball.

How It Works

1. Player 1 passes to Player 2, who plays it straight back to Player 1.
2. Player 1 then hits Player 3, who lays it back to Player 2.
3. Player 2 passes long to Player 4, who sets it back to Player 3.
4. Player 3 returns it to Player 4, who plays to Player 2 - and the pattern repeats.
5. The whole line walks, then jogs, downfield as they pass, holding the 10-yard spacing as best they can.
6. At the far end, groups wait for everyone to finish, then run the pattern back the other way. Repeat several lengths to build rhythm.

Coaching Points

• Crisp, clean passes with the right weight - firm enough to travel, soft enough to control.
• Lead the receiver slightly so they take the ball in stride moving downfield.
• Talk constantly: every player should know the next pass before it happens.
• Hold the shape - if the spacing collapses, the pattern collapses.

Variations

• Restrict everyone to two touches, then one touch, as the group warms up.
• Race the groups over one field length - clean passing at speed wins.
• Reverse the pattern midway on your whistle to test concentration.