Soccer Long Passing
Playing the easy pass is a commonly preached and effective way to play the game of soccer. While you have never made an error by playing a pass to an open teammate 5 to 10 yard away and moving into space.
However, developing long range passing gives you the ability to find teammates in all areas of the field. This has the effect of teammates having more creativity to make runs, knowing you are capable of finding them with a pass. Long range passing ability can also spread a compact defense, teams will need to defend with more width and depth if you can accurately pick out a pass from sideline to sideline, or 30 yards in front of you.
Technique
Long range passes should be driven and struck firmly. An under hit distance pass will either not find the target or result in an easy interception for the defending team. Driven passes should be struck with the following technique;
- Standing foot next to ball with toes pointing to target.
- Strike ball with laces, toes of kicking foot pointing downwards.
- Strike ball just below middle height.
- Follow through with toes pointing to target.
- Keep body square, hips and shoulders facing target after contact.
- Lead teammate with pass, 3 or 4 steps could be taken by the time your pass arrives at his feet.
Tactics
When it comes to long passing tactics simply refer to decision making. Do not force a long pass and if the best decision is a short pass then take that option and move into space. Factors that will make long passing the best option will be;
- No short options available.
- A favorable matchup elsewhere on the field. For example, if you are on the right sideline and you see your left winger squared up against a defender she can beat, play the ball to her and allow your team a 1 v 1 situation.
- Spreading the defense. If you are playing against a team that pressures the ball heavily to one sideline it can be difficult to find room. An example of this is illustrated in diagram A;
Diagram
In diagram A player X3 has possession of the ball with limited options as the defensive team pressures the ball side heavily. The best options are likely a pass out to X2 or X7 if he is capable of it. This will not only relieve pressure, but will also give a teammate possession with room to play. Over the course of the game successful long passing will likely spread the defense laterally, creating more room in the middle of the field and less pressure.
Action Plan
Practice long driven passing on a regular basis. You can practice alone by making 2-3 yard goals, or placing hoops on the ground to land a long pass in. Focus on the technical points above and practice long passing with both feet. Practice 30-50 passes with each foot. When with a team, practice long passing using the following drills;
Catch
Pair off and stand 20 yards away from your partner, score 1 point if you can pass and have your partner catch the ball without it hitting the ground. Add movement in as a progression, and play with 3 attackers versus a defender trying to intercept the pass.
Find the corner
- Play 3 v 1 in a 20 yard box.
- Mark a 2 yard box 10 yards outside the corner of the box.
- Number each corner 1 through 4.
- Play 3 v 1 keep away until coach calls a number 1 through 4. Upon a call an attacking player must run to that box, receive the pass and pass back into the box.
- Progress through stages of difficulty with defensive pressure. Get the rhythm of the drill established with a passive defender closing down but not tackling. Progress up to defenders tackling and intercepting passes but leaving the long pass unopposed. Build up to the defender defending full speed at all times, placing an emphasis on the long pass being played quickly to beat the defender.
