Understanding passing patterns

Passing patterns are sequences of passes and movements designed to create space, manipulate the opposition, and forge goalscoring opportunities.

They can be practised in training sessions to improve team co-ordination, build technical skills and develop tactical awareness.

By practising these patterns, players learn to anticipate their team-mates’ movements and make quick, accurate passes.

When to coach passing patterns

Passing patterns can be used with players of all ages and skill levels, although their complexity may vary depending on the age and experience of the players.

While passing patterns can help improve technique for younger players, they aren’t the most exciting of challenges. Consider instead using simple passing patterns alongside more game-based activities – perhaps sandwiched between two small-sided passing games.

As teams get older and more experienced, the more they will understand ways of playing, and a team’s tactical identity. More complex patterns can be introduced, alongside specific passing patterns that match the way the team want to play.

At the more competitive level, passing patterns may be created and practised in order to target a certain weakness of the opposition.

An example passing pattern

An example pattern is shown in the diagrams. Make the size of the area relevant to your players. There are eight cones laid out and seven players used.

In fig 1, the passing pattern starts at one end of the area, replicating playing out from defence. The second player in the sequence, who received the ball first, receives again as the fifth player in the sequence. They are required to move to receive it.