Some of the best ways to get players used to handling pressure situations are putting them in realistic situations. Some great ways to do this is by doing these give and go drills that require players to pass and move at the right times.
The right timing and space when passing
One of the most important things is when to pass…
If you want to do a give and go when a defender is between you and your teammate, you should pass when you’re about 2-3 yards from the defender.
If you pass when the defender is 4+ yards away you won’t be able to run past them to receive the ball in space or to feet.
Now, if you don’t plan on doing a give and go the space isn’t a big deal…
But, we’re hear talking about give and goes with your teammate behind the defender.
Therefore, in a give and go situation you need to make sure you pass at the right time, so that you can beat your opponent into the space to receive the ball.
Making runs across the backline
When making runs across the backline there are several options for the player making the pass.
Most players pass too soon and very vertical… If the player is making a horizontal run across the defense, a diagonal balls is a good choice.
You have to be patient… Not every pass needs to be the assist. Sometimes a diagonal ball into the corners is the best option and then that player who receives it can make the cross in.
2 ways to make your run
Again, let’s paint the picture…
If you’re dribbling at the defender with a teammate in behind them there are 2 places to make your run.
- Pass the ball on one side and run opposite
- Pass the ball and run on the same side [most youth players don’t learn this way]
Of these 2 ways, it’s not that 1 is better…
Both are needed at certain times.
The 2nd one where you run on the same side is probably more shocking to both the defender and your teammate.
What I see when teaching #2 is the 2nd attacker who’s receiving the first pass doesn’t know where to pass or lay the ball off…
The best place to lay the ball off is usually a soft pass 3-5 yards out in front of where your mate is running, so they can pass/shoot the ball one time or dribble.
“Players need to understand the importance of knowing space.”
Passing stationary vs on the move
2 great 2v1 give and go drills:
- The teammate without the ball is off to the side, creating a “wall pass” option. [easier for players because the 2nd attacker without the ball is open].
- 2nd is where the teammate without the ball is behind the defender [between the 2 attacking players]. The 2nd attacker without the ball needs to move lateral (left or right) to get open.
Start both of these drills with a pass from coach or another player to the first attacker…
Once this pass is made, the defender goes to put pressure on the ball.
When doing the 2nd drill it’s interesting to see that the players have a hard time passing while on the run vs passing while stationary.
Passing on the move is more efficient because you can get to the ball quicker on the return pass.
To help players become better at passing on the move in this situation try to give the player with the ball more space/time.
Time and space will give the ball carrier a chance to look up and decide what to do.
In addition the player dribbling will have the ability to build up speed before making the pass.
The hardest part of a give and go
The return pass is by far the hardest thing for players trying to complete a give and go.
The weight and accuracy needs to be right…
I would say that the weight is probably most important, even over accuracy.
If the pass is “accurate” but hit to hard the chance is lost…
You could argue that if the pass is too hard it’s not accurate, but I’m trying to make the point of who weight and “accuracy” are both important.
The weight of your pass
How hard or soft you pass the ball matters – a lot.
It gives your teammates time to adjust (thinking & reactions).
If you pass the ball to your teammate slow it gives them time to look up and decide who or where to pass.
In addition, they have time to make a 1 touch pass or shot vs having to control the ball.
On the other hand, there are situations when making hard passes are better.
When a defender is close by or when they need to get the ball quickly to switch the field before the other team can reset their shape.
The more you do give and go drills in training will help you in a real match situation.
Passing to feet vs into space
Passing to feet allows for your teammate to have the ball to either dribble, pass or shoot – right away.
When a player has the ball they are a threat in these three ways…
Defenders are more on edge when the opponents have the ball to feet.
On the contrary, a ball played into space allows for players to run onto it with speed or be able to look up easier.
Balls into space allow for you to have the option to shoot or pass using 1 touch.
Either way, it’s important for players to understand when to pass to feet or space.
Players who can recognize the different situations make their teammates better.
Therefore, practice as many ways as you can when it comes to give and go drills.
Players need to become better under pressure and learn to solve different problems on the pitch.
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