1. Don't be Soft
A common misconception in passing the soccer ball is that a soft pass is better than a more forceful pass. This is just not true. First, a soft pass takes too long to get the target, which makes it harder to complete. Second, a crisp pass is actually easier for the receiver to control because it has less movement and more straight-line accuracy. So, make that pass crisp and clean, and your receiver will thank you.
2. Insider Information
The most common and easiest way to pass in soccer is to use the inside of the foot. This part of the foot gives you the most control and accuracy on the pass. The point of contact between the foot and soccer ball is between the ball of the toe and heal. With this pass, think of your foot like a hockey stick when you strike the ball. One drawback of the soccer pass is that you can't get as much power behind the shot with the inside of the foot.
3. Passing Patterns
There are a few common pass patterns in soccer. One is the give and go. Just like the name suggests, you pass the ball to a teammate, and she almost immediately passes it back to you. Another pattern is the overlap, where one player runs to the middle of the field as a decoy, while another heads down the sideline for a long pass. Finally, there is the two-short, one-long pattern, where there are two short passes to distract the defense and another player heads down the sideline or open area for the third and longer pass.
4. Control Issues
One of the most common mistakes in passing the soccer ball is not attaining enough control of the pass when it comes your way. Too many times, a player worries about the defenders and forgets about the soccer ball. To gain proper control, a person needs to catch the ball with his foot. As you receive the ball, let your foot give way and cushion the impact of the soccer pass. If a player's foot is too rigid, the pass will bounce away, resulting in a turnover to the other team.
5. Against a Wall
To perfect a consistent passing motion, use a wall to take practice kicks. Mark specific spots on a wall you would normally pass the ball to. Stand away from the wall at varying distances, strike the soccer ball firmly and hit those targets. This is good way to practice on your own, but the best way is to grab a friend or teammate and kick the soccer ball to each other. Start by kicking it to each other from a stationary position, 10 yards apart. Then, move farther apart and, after mastering the basic passing motion from a distance, start passing the soccer ball to each other on the run.
A common misconception in passing the soccer ball is that a soft pass is better than a more forceful pass. This is just not true. First, a soft pass takes too long to get the target, which makes it harder to complete. Second, a crisp pass is actually easier for the receiver to control because it has less movement and more straight-line accuracy. So, make that pass crisp and clean, and your receiver will thank you.
2. Insider Information
The most common and easiest way to pass in soccer is to use the inside of the foot. This part of the foot gives you the most control and accuracy on the pass. The point of contact between the foot and soccer ball is between the ball of the toe and heal. With this pass, think of your foot like a hockey stick when you strike the ball. One drawback of the soccer pass is that you can't get as much power behind the shot with the inside of the foot.
3. Passing Patterns
There are a few common pass patterns in soccer. One is the give and go. Just like the name suggests, you pass the ball to a teammate, and she almost immediately passes it back to you. Another pattern is the overlap, where one player runs to the middle of the field as a decoy, while another heads down the sideline for a long pass. Finally, there is the two-short, one-long pattern, where there are two short passes to distract the defense and another player heads down the sideline or open area for the third and longer pass.
4. Control Issues
One of the most common mistakes in passing the soccer ball is not attaining enough control of the pass when it comes your way. Too many times, a player worries about the defenders and forgets about the soccer ball. To gain proper control, a person needs to catch the ball with his foot. As you receive the ball, let your foot give way and cushion the impact of the soccer pass. If a player's foot is too rigid, the pass will bounce away, resulting in a turnover to the other team.
5. Against a Wall
To perfect a consistent passing motion, use a wall to take practice kicks. Mark specific spots on a wall you would normally pass the ball to. Stand away from the wall at varying distances, strike the soccer ball firmly and hit those targets. This is good way to practice on your own, but the best way is to grab a friend or teammate and kick the soccer ball to each other. Start by kicking it to each other from a stationary position, 10 yards apart. Then, move farther apart and, after mastering the basic passing motion from a distance, start passing the soccer ball to each other on the run.
