Breaking the Defensive Line | Pass-and-Move Combination Drill

Overview

• A 5-player drill on a 30m x 30m field where the goal is to break in behind the defense with a pass
• Sharpens passing accuracy, off-the-ball movement, and decision-making under pressure all at once
• A core technical drill you can use with any age group, from young players all the way up to the top level

Objectives

• Build the habit of splitting the gaps in the defensive line with an accurate pass
• Use off-the-ball movement to give your teammates an easy passing angle
• Develop the read to pick the best passing lane in an instant, out of several options
• Learn to stay composed and choose the right pass even when there’s pressure on the ball

Setup

The first player starts on the ball and uses his teammates’ movement to open up a passing lane in behind the defensive line.

１）The player on the ball plays the first pass and the receiver takes it

２）The passer moves sideways or forward to open a passing lane for the receiver

３）The receiver slides a pass into the gap and in behind the defense

４）Once that ball in behind comes off, move straight into the next action (a shot or another pass)