Pass, Follow and Receive

Coaching objective

Players deliver a firm, accurate pass, receive across the body, and immediately follow their pass to support the next action.

Setup

• Place two cone gates 12–18 yards apart.
• Split players evenly behind the two gates.
• Start with one ball at one end; add a second ball once the rhythm is clean.

Rules and scoring

• Pass through the opposite gate and follow the pass.
• The receiver takes the first touch outside the gate, then passes back to the other line.
• Work for 60–90 seconds, rest briefly, and repeat with a new receiving foot or touch limit.

Coaching cues

• Check the far shoulder before receiving.
• Open the hips and receive on the back foot.
• Play a firm pass along the ground.
• Move immediately after the pass.
• Call the receiver’s name and show a clear target.

Detailed coaching points

• The first touch should prepare the next pass rather than simply stop the ball.
• Ask players to arrive behind the ball early so their body is balanced at contact.
• Increase the distance only when players can keep the ball on the ground and inside the gate.
• With two balls, demand scanning so players know when the next ball is arriving.

Common errors and corrections

• Receiving square with both feet facing the passer.
• Standing after the pass instead of following it.
• Passing behind the receiver or with too little pace.
• Looking down throughout the entire action.

Progress the drill

• Use one-touch passing.
• Add a second ball from the opposite end.
• Require the first touch with the outside foot before the return pass.
• Add a passive defender in the middle who screens the passing lane.

Simplify the drill

• Move the gates closer together.
• Widen the gates.
• Allow the receiver to stop the ball before passing.
• Use only one ball and remove the time pressure.

What to measure

• Passes travelling through the target gate.
• First touches that prepare the next action.
• Time between passing and supporting movement.
• Frequency of scanning before the ball arrives.