One of the most important things in soccer to know is the give and go. The reason is because you will/should use it often, whether you’re a defender, midfielder or forward. Let’s learn below what parts of the field you’d do this and also watch some video with drills so you can practice. Note: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
What is a give and go in soccer
Another term for the give and go is ‘ pass and move ‘ …
It’s when a player with the ball gives [passes] to a teammate and immediately goes [moves / makes a run].
The other player who receives the ball can either pass it back or keep it.
Watch the give and go unopposed drill ⇓
When to use it
It can be used anywhere, but there are places that are more common.
3 main places to do a give and go:
- Out wide – either in the defensive, middle or attacking third of the field.
- Around the 18 yard box
- In the middle third
You must learn to take risks in games to put the other team under pressure
When a player has the ball wide, they can pass it to the middle and immediately go/move down the line to either receive the ball again or create time & space for the middle player.
Around the 18 is a great place to give and go because it’s hard for the defense to stop it, allowing you to get in behind the defenders.
Drills to practice the give and go
Anytime you have a 2v1 is a perfect opportunity because if an accurately weighted pass is made at the right time it can’t be stopped.
Unopposed practice drills like this [10 sec vid] are great for building confidence and skill before going against defenders.
2v1 drill [opposed] where a teammate is behind the actual defender.
The teammate [2nd attacker] has to move left or right to get open to receive the ball and pass back.
The first attacker is the one who does the ‘give and go ‘ ⇓
“Players need to practice game-like situations so they get used to being under pressure.”
Two of the best ways to work on the give and go under pressure are 2v1’s [easier] and 2v2’s [more challenging].
2v2 give and go drill ⇓
In a private 1:1 lesson there are many ways to have players work on a give and go…
This video of a Texas Tech player working with me during the Summer shows 2 situations where you see the movements.
On the move vs stationary
When players ages 12 and under are learning how to do give and go’s they perform better when passing in a stationary position.
If you do a drill where the player receives the ball in a stationary position they usually stay still, then pass and move.
Players need to learn both… So give them more space away from the defender to allow them to dribble forward and pass while moving.
Passing on the move is more of a challenge vs being still.
Practice using different surfaces of the feet
Learn to be natural using both feet and different parts of the feet. In other words, being able to use the outside and inside of the feet to pass.
3 ways to get good repetition:
- partner
- wall
- rebounder
Check out my favorite rebound net which you can use to pass on the ground and in the air, improving volleys.
If money isn’t a problem get the larger rebounder… The reason it’s better is because you’ll get more reps due to not missing as much.
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