A worked practice for your team
Time a pass to a moving receiver
Recognise when a moving teammate is ready, so the pass arrives into a usable route rather than behind their run.
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 arrives before the ball or has to turn back for it. First check whether the server sees the movement; then check whether the pass is released while the receiving lane is still open. A faster pass does not solve every timing problem.
Set up the space and roles
Make two separate 10 × 14 m areas with four corner cones each. Keep a clear 2 m buffer around each area; neighbouring areas therefore need a 4 m gap. Put one ball and three players in each area. A serves, B receives and C shows the next target from the far side. Begin at walking pace.
Keep the rotation clear
In each trio, 1 serves, 2 receives and 3 observes the onward route; rotate to 2/3/1, then 3/1/2. Use the same role order for 4/5/6. All six play in the final game.
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
Walk the receiving route without a ball. B moves diagonally into view, pauses to show readiness and points to a comfortable receiving space. A identifies when the route becomes available; C stands clear of the route.
03:00–08:00 · 5 min
Prepare the movement
A plays a comfortable ground pass to B after B has moved and settled. B controls and passes to C. C returns the ball to A. After each sequence, players walk to the next role outside the ball path. Keep the passing distance short enough to avoid chasing.
08:00–17:00 · 9 min
Focused practice and role changes
Let B keep walking as A passes. A should release into the visible route before B passes the receiving point. C observes whether B can continue in the same direction. Use three rounds: work for 2 minutes 40 seconds, then take 20 seconds to rotate A → B → C → A. If the pass repeatedly arrives behind B, slow the movement before changing distance.
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 in the larger area, scoring when a teammate receives a controlled ground pass across an end line. Run three 2 minute 40 second games with 20 seconds between them to reset, breathe and change the starting player. Allow stopping to receive; notice whether moving receivers offer a usable window without the coach calling.
28:00–30:00 · 2 min
Reflect and choose the next step
Ask the receiver which delivery was easiest to use. Repeat the timing task if the route is clear but the release remains late; work on pass weight only if timing is already consistent.
Watch for a useful change
- Receiver moves into the passer’s view.
- Pass arrives while the route is available.
- Receiver continues without reaching back.
Make it easier
Let B stop at the receiving point and wait for a clear signal before the pass.
When ready
Let B choose between two diagonal routes before A releases. Keep the decision early enough for a comfortable pass.
Ask the receiver which delivery was easiest to use. Repeat the timing task if the route is clear but the release remains late; work on pass weight only if timing is already consistent.
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 Meet the Moving PartnerCoaching principles and further reading
A receiver can help the passer by making their movement and intended receiving space clear.
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.