close
LOGINSoccer Coach Weekly is the largest digital soccer resource for youth coaches, trusted by 50,000+ coaches, teachers and parents every month.
Get access to
- 2,500+ drills and games
- 650+ ready-made practice plans
- Expert coaching advice
- Training sessions for players from U6 to U17+.
Back-heel passing
Using the heel allows players to disguise their intentions and fool their opponents by facing one way and passing the ball in the opposite direction.
What this session is about
- Passing.
- Making play unpredictable.
What to think about
- Players need good vision to be aware of what’s around them.
- Place non-kicking foot next to ball.
- Take kicking foot over and in front of ball.
- Strike through middle of ball backwards with the middle of the heel.
- Weight and timing of pass so receiving player doesn’t break stride.
Set-up
- Split players into pairs with 1 ball between two.
- Playing area depends on age and number of players.
| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-15 minutes | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15-20 minutes | 10 minutes |
What you get your players to do
- In pairs one player dribbles around a grid and the other follows. On the coach’s command the dribbling player back-heels the ball. Now the roles are reversed.
- Increase the pace.
- Now players back-heel using their weaker foot.
Development
Using new pairs, the players, in two rows, line up opposite their partner who is about 10m away.
The dribbling player runs towards their partner. After about 5m, their partner starts running towards and past them, collecting the back-heel pass.
Both players run to their opposite cones and the drill is repeated, beginning with the player on the ball.
Repeat using weaker foot.
Related Files
Game situation
Play 4v4 on a pitch approx 30x20m with one goal on each side of the pitch. One team attacks the goals across the width of the pitch, the other attacks the goals down the length of the pitch.
After a goal is scored the teams switch to attacking the other pair of goals. When a goal is scored or the ball leaves play, pass a new ball onto the pitch.
Encourage players to try using the back-heel throughout the game.
What to call out
- “Try the technique slowly at first”
- “Too much/not enough power”
- “Call for the ball”
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Subscriber Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Newsletter Sign Up
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Latest Issue
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
