Ladder Square: Pass and Follow
Four ladders form the sides of a square. Players pass to the next corner and follow their pass through the ladder with a different footwork pattern on each side.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 8–16
- Duration
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 15 × 15 m
- Type
- Integrated
- Approach
- Analytical
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing, Receiving / first touch
- Physical: Coordination
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:PassingReceiving
- Physical:CoordinationBalance
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
This warm-up combines the coordination of ladder footwork with passing and receiving. Because the player must look up and pass after the ladder, the footwork cannot become automatic and slow. Change the pattern on each side so players meet several coordination demands in a few minutes.
Objective
Combine quick footwork with accurate passing and receiving on the move.
Organisation
- Square of 15 × 15 m with a ladder along each side and a player at each corner (two at the starting corner).
- With more players, two squares.
How it works
- Pass to the next corner, then go through the ladder to that corner.
- Side 1: one foot in each square. Side 2: two feet. Side 3: lateral steps. Side 4: in-in-out-out.
- 2 minutes each direction; then two balls at the same time.
Coaching points
- Eyes up as you leave the ladder, ready to receive.
- Pass firmly to the receiver's front foot.
- Quick, light steps; do not watch your feet all the time.
Progressions
- Two-touch, then one-touch passing.
- Add a second ball at the opposite corner.
Regressions
- Use only two ladders and simple running steps.
Variations
- Use hoops or flat markers instead of ladders.
Key principles
- Feet fast, head up.
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