Diamond Passing: Pass and Follow
Players pass around a diamond of cones and follow their pass to the next cone. A simple pattern to teach receiving on the back foot and playing on.
- Age
- U9–U14
- Players
- 5–8
- Duration
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Low
- Area
- 18 × 18 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Analytical
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Passing, Receiving / first touch
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:PassingDirectional first touch
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
The diamond is a classic passing pattern for young players because it forces them to receive with an open body and play in a new direction every time. Following the pass keeps everyone moving and teaches the habit of 'pass and move'. Once the basic pattern flows, add a wall pass or a second ball to raise the tempo.
Objective
Teach players to receive with the back foot, open their body and pass on in a new direction with good rhythm.
Organisation
- Four cones in a diamond, 12 m between opposite cones (9 m for U9–U10).
- One player on each cone and two at the starting cone. One ball to start.
How it works
- The first player passes to the next cone (anticlockwise) and follows the pass to that cone.
- The receiver controls with the foot furthest from the passer and passes to the next cone.
- Continue around the diamond. After 90 seconds, change direction.
- When the group is ready, start a second ball from the opposite cone.
Coaching points
- Before receiving, step away from the cone and then towards the ball.
- Receive on the back foot with the body open to the next cone.
- Two touches: control out of your feet, then pass.
- Follow your pass at speed and slow down before the next cone.
Progressions
- Wall pass: the player at each cone plays a one-two with the receiver before the ball moves on.
- One-touch passing around the diamond.
- Two balls at the same time.
Regressions
- Smaller diamond and unlimited touches.
- Players stay on their cone instead of following the pass.
Variations
- Pass across the diamond (skip a cone) on the coach's call.
Key principles
- Open body shape.
- Pass and move.
- Weight of pass.
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