Ajax Passing Patterns

Instructions/Setup:

This technical passing drill is built around a 5-pole setup—four poles forming a square and a fifth placed deeper in the center. Players work the ball around the square using a series of forward passes and 1-2 combinations. After each pass, players follow their pass to the next position, ensuring constant rotation and movement.

The pattern is initially played in one direction. Once the ball completes a full circuit and returns to the starting point, the pattern is reversed, encouraging players to adjust their angles, timing, and awareness.

Coaching Notes:

• Body Shape Before Receiving: Encourage players to check their shoulder and open up to receive on the back foot, ready to pass forward.

• Quality of Combinations: The 1-2 with the central player should be quick, sharp, and with minimal touches. Emphasize clean execution.

• Timing of Pass: Players must recognize when to release the ball—especially when combining with the central player—ensuring the movement and pass are synchronized.

• Weight of Pass: Passes should be firm but controlled, giving teammates the best possible chance to play forward without breaking stride.

• Tempo & Rhythm: Maintain a consistent flow. Too slow and it loses intensity; too fast and the technique drops.

• Follow Your Pass: Reinforce the habit of moving immediately after playing to simulate game-like transitions and movement off the ball.

Progression 1: One-Touch Only:

Restrict all passes to one touch around the grid.

Focus: Increases tempo and demands higher technical execution and awareness of positioning.