Stoke Passing & Conditioning

Instructions/Setup:

This passing and mastery drill focuses on improving players’ passing and receiving techniques, while also incorporating conditioning. The players will work on various types of passes, such as short passes, long passes, and through balls, while moving between designated poles. This practice helps develop both technical and fitness levels simultaneously by focusing on receiving and distributing under pressure.

The drill setup consists of 4 poles, with 3 players occupying a pole each, and 1 spare pole. The players positioned at the bottom poles work between their designated pole and the empty pole. These players will be required to receive passes from the two players positioned at the top poles, who will work the ball back and forth. The players at the bottom should focus on moving quickly and positioning themselves to receive the ball while maintaining intensity throughout the drill.

Coaching Notes:

• Fluid Movement: Players must constantly adjust their positioning between the poles, using quick directional changes to receive and pass accurately under pressure.

• Passing Accuracy: Ensure players are focusing on proper passing technique. Passes should be weighted correctly, and players must communicate effectively with their teammates.

• Conditioning Focus: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a high work rate and moving quickly between poles to develop fitness as well as technical skills.

• Receiving Under Pressure: Players at the bottom must work on receiving the ball with a good first touch, making sure they can control and distribute quickly, even when fatigued.

Progression 1: Increase the Distance Between Poles:

Increase the distance between the poles to make the passing and receiving more challenging. This forces the players to adjust their passing and movement to maintain effective communication and ball control over longer distances.

Focus: Develops longer passes and encourages players to improve their fitness by covering more ground during the drill.