Underload Passing Gate Channel

Pitch diagram

Objectives

• -Repeat accurate passing through tight gates
• -Improve first touch away from the gate
• -Add travelling passes on the move

Setup

1. 1A channel with three passing gates spaced along it in a 24 x 10 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3One ball per pair and a spare at the coach's feet.

Coaching instructions

1. 1Pairs travel down the channel passing through each gate in turn.
2. 2The receiver must control beyond the gate before returning the ball.
3. 3Turn at the end and work back down the channel.
4. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Common mistakes

• -Passing behind the moving partner
• -Stopping the ball dead at every gate
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early