Partner Pass and Move Warm-Up
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
The Partner Pass and Move warm-up is a foundational soccer passing drill for U6 to U10 players. Pairs share one ball and pass it around a busy grid, learning the three habits that anchor good passing: strike with the inside of the foot, get the body behind the ball to receive, and move the moment the pass is gone. With several pairs working in the same square, players also learn to lift their heads and dodge traffic.
Want more? See all our soccer passing drills or jump to U8 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark a 20×20 yard grid; scale the size up or down to fit your numbers.
- Pair the players up and give each pair one ball.
- Scatter the pairs inside the grid so every pair has some space to start.
How It Works
- Each pair passes only to their own partner while both players move around the grid.
- Every pass and every receiving touch must use the inside of the foot.
- After passing, the passer immediately moves to a new spot to offer a fresh angle.
- Keep all pairs working at the same time so the grid feels like real match traffic.
Coaching Points
- Check that both the pass and the trap use the inside of the foot with the ankle locked.
- Receivers should slide their body behind the line of the ball before it arrives.
- Passers must move after releasing the ball; standing still is not an option.
- Watch the weight of each pass: firm enough to travel, soft enough to control.
Variations
- Limit players to two touches, then one touch as they improve.
- Call out a distance change: pairs must stretch to long passes or squeeze to short ones.
- Add a gentle defender who tries to intercept any loose pass in the grid.