U8–U10 · Coaching decisions
Adjust a ground pass to the receiver
Work out whether a pass misses because of direction, pace or timing, and help the passer make the next attempt easier to receive.
CSV opens in a spreadsheet. Record anonymous group observations and keep the file on your device.
What you might see
Some passes stop short while others force a partner to chase. Players may celebrate hitting a gate even though the receiver cannot use the ball.
Check the cause first
Direction is inconsistent
If the ball misses the receiving lane at several speeds, use a broad gate and a still partner first. Changing force alone will not fix an unclear target.
The pass ignores the receiver
If passes reach the lane but run beyond the partner, ask where the ball needs to arrive. Distance and a moving teammate change the useful amount of pace.
Set up a focused activity
Use six players in three pairs, three balls and six cones. Each pair has a separate 3 × 8 m lane and a 2 m gate across its centre. Leave 2 m clear around the lanes. Start partners about 5 m apart, facing each other; shorten this if comfortable ground passes are difficult.
Use this as a short part of your practice. Explain one stage, allow several attempts and pause to observe before adding the next stage. Include water and rest whenever needed.
Agree what counts
A useful pass travels through the gate and lets the partner control it within one comfortable step. The receiver shows a target with their position; no child acts as a goal for hard shooting.
Compare two deliveries
Each passer tries a gentle pass, listens to the receiver and changes the next one. Swap after five passes. Ask “Could you use it?” rather than counting gate hits alone.
Change one distance
Move one partner a little farther away within the same lane. Keep the gate wide. Ask the passer to change pace while preserving the ground route, then return to the original distance.
Pass to a ready partner
The receiver walks between two positions along the far end of the lane, stops and shows readiness. The passer waits, looks and delivers. Finish with the linked practice game to see whether the same care appears when choices are free.
One cue to try: Send a ball your partner can use.
Watch, then choose the next step
- Ball stays on the ground.
- Receiver controls within one comfortable step.
- Passer adjusts after receiver feedback.
If it is too difficult
Shorten the distance or use a gentle roll to establish what a playable arrival looks like. Restore a foot pass once the target is understood.
When the group is ready
Let the receiver move slowly into a clear receiving space. If accuracy collapses, return to a still receiver before adding further movement.
Record direction and pace separately. A short pass that is easy to control may be a better starting point than a powerful accurate pass that repeatedly runs away from the receiver.
Use the observation sheet to compare what you saw before and after one change. It is a coaching note, not a player score or a promised rate of improvement.
Take the next step
Build it into a complete practice
Pass Through Gates includes a full timeline, activity maps and player rotations. Choose the player count, equipment and duration before downloading.
Open Pass Through GatesFurther reading
Session Pitch wrote the worked example and decision steps above. These coaching resources informed the general principles:
- How to coach passing in football — A useful pass considers the receiving teammate and the situation.
- How to build a passing session — Space, numbers and scoring incentives influence passing decisions.
Reviewed 20 October 2026. Original guidance; not affiliated with or endorsed by the FA or FIFA. These examples have not been evaluated in live coaching sessions.