Long Diagonal Pass Into a Box
Pairs play long diagonal passes of 30–40 m between two 4 × 4 m boxes. The receiver must control inside the box and move the ball out with the second touch.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 4–16
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Low
- Area
- 40 × 30 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Analytical
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing, Receiving / first touch
- Tactical: Switching play
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:PassingReceivingDirectional first touch
- Tactical:Switching play
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Pass
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
Switching play with one long pass is impossible without the technique to strike and receive it. This pattern isolates both: a clean strike through the ball with the laces, and a first touch that kills the ball in a small box. Distances depend on age and level.
Objective
Strike accurate long passes and control them inside a small target area.
Organisation
- Two 4 × 4 m boxes on a diagonal, 30–40 m apart (25 m for U13–U14).
- Pairs, one in each box. Several pairs work in parallel across the pitch.
How it works
- Pass long to the partner's box; the partner controls inside the box and returns the ball the same way.
- 10 passes with the right foot, 10 with the left.
- Point for each ball controlled inside the box.
Coaching points
- Non-kicking foot beside the ball, slightly behind.
- Lean back a little and strike through the lower half with the laces.
- Receiver: move into line early and cushion with the surface that suits the flight.
Progressions
- Receiver must control and pass to a third player in a nearby box.
- Driven passes only (low trajectory).
Regressions
- Shorter distance and a bigger box.
Variations
- Play the switch after a short pass from a teammate (combine with a lay-off).
Key principles
- Strike through the ball, receive to play.
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