Passing Techniques
Football passing techniques are vital for keeping possession and controlling the game, and many parts of the foot can be used. The simplest and most accurate method for short distance passes is to use the inside of the foot, which presents a large flat surface to the soccer ball. The instep is used for long ball passing, the heel can be used to pass behind us, and the outside of the foot can be used to pass the ball quickly to the side of us, or to bend the ball to pass it around an opponent. Passing drills are important for sharp, accurate play, and to learn effective use of space.
The simplest and best technique for short passes is illustrated in the photograph. The head is over the ball, the body is well balanced, and the ball is kicked with the inside of the foot which is the flattest part of the foot. Sometimes this technique is used for short-range shots at goal, and even for taking penalties, because of its reliability. The disadvantage is the lack of power.
The passing technique shown here is used for short passes, but corner kicks, crosses and long balls played over fifty or sixty metres into your opponents’ penalty area are also passes if they reach one of your own players. The long ball tactic can be highly effective if your team has tall players with strong heading ability, or fast forwards, who can run behind the defense, but there is a high risk of giving the ball away. Accurate short passes with supporting runs into space allows a team to keep possession, and build an attack.
There are many soccer drills for passing skills, and one of the most enjoyable is a 3-5 a-side game played within a small area, say 1/4 of the pitch. Using a confined area forces players to keep moving into space. Many passing drills are illustrated in Soccer Academy, the football coaching software that includes high quality video demonstrations, 3D animations, photographs and illustrations.