A worked practice for your team
Move out of a blocked passing lane
Help an off-ball receiver recognise when a defender screens them and move far enough to become available.
ZIP includes the printable coach card, all three SVG diagrams, timeline and practice data. Extract the folder before opening the card.
Check the problem
The receiver calls for a pass from directly behind a defender. The passer either forces the ball through or waits indefinitely. More calling will not open a lane; the receiver must change the angle.
Set up the space and roles
Make two 10 × 14 m areas with four corner cones and a ball in each. Keep 2 m clear around every area and a 4 m gap between neighbours. Each trio has a server, receiver and walking screen. The screen starts between server and receiver and stays at least 1 m from both; there is no tackle or body contact.
Keep the rotation clear
Server → receiver → screen → server at each planned break. Number the two trios 1–3 and 4–6. In the final game use 1/3/5 against 2/4/6 so both groups meet different teammates.
See the practice in three steps
Schematic views, not to scale. Player numbers match the roles below. Dark arrows show passes, dashed green arrows show movement and solid green arrows show carries. Use the written dimensions when marking your area.
1. Starting positions
2. The decision and movement
3. Game application
Your complete 30-minute plan
Briefing, planned role changes, water and reflection are included. Add rest or stop when needed; shorten active play rather than rushing a transition.
00:00–03:00 · 3 min
Check, explain and walk the layout
Place the ball still and look from the server’s position. The receiver walks sideways until the server can point to a clear ground route. Notice that one small step may still leave the same blocked line.
03:00–08:00 · 5 min
Prepare the movement
Keep the screen still. The receiver moves left or right, shows readiness and receives a gentle ground pass. Return the ball by a clear route and reset. Swap roles after three deliveries so everyone sees the picture from the server’s position.
08:00–17:00 · 9 min
Focused practice and role changes
The screen can walk laterally before the pass. The receiver changes angle without running toward the ball or crossing the screen’s body. Once a clear route appears, the server passes and the screen stops. Work for 2 minutes 40 seconds and use 20 seconds to rotate roles; complete three rounds. If no lane appears, let the server move sideways with the ball too.
17:00–19:00 · 2 min
Water and reset
Pause for water and check the playing area. Prepare the 20 × 25 m game area with a clear 2 m outside buffer, reusing the same cones. Extra rest takes priority; shorten the next playing block if needed.
19:00–28:00 · 9 min
Use it in a game
Play 3v3 on the larger area, aiming for a controlled pass to a teammate across an end line. Use three 2 minute 40 second rounds with 20 second resets. Keep defending to space protection and ground-pass interceptions. Observe off-ball movement after a passing lane closes; do not stop every blocked pass.
28:00–30:00 · 2 min
Reflect and choose the next step
If a player moves but remains on the same line, compare the old and new view from the ball. Repeat until the movement changes the available route, not merely the receiver’s distance.
Watch for a useful change
- Receiver notices the screened position.
- Sideways movement creates a genuinely new angle.
- Passer waits for a clear route instead of forcing it.
Make it easier
Keep the screen fixed and let the server point to a visible receiving space.
When ready
Allow the screen to change position while the ball carrier takes a controlled touch; the screen still stops once the pass begins.
If a player moves but remains on the same line, compare the old and new view from the ball. Repeat until the movement changes the available route, not merely the receiver’s distance.
Need a different group size or duration?
The worked example above uses the stated numbers. The related complete session has its own checked customizer, maps and rotations.
Open Play Beyond PressureCoaching principles and further reading
Changing the receiving angle can reveal a passing route that was previously screened.
Public sources reviewed 20 October 2026. Session Pitch created this worked example, timing, role instructions and diagrams; it is not a reproduction of the linked sessions. No FA or FIFA endorsement is implied. Live coaching effectiveness has not been evaluated.