Why is Passing Important

For the Kids: Passing the ball can be a good option. When your path forward is completely blocked and you can't get through, passing the ball might be your only choice. Try to keep your head up when passing the ball so that you can see if your teammate is still there.

Coach's Corner: The best soccer players are often the best passers of the ball. At this age however, it's more important to learn the fundamentals of having ball control and dribbling. Many times having instinct and thinking ahead, etc are not something that 4, 5 and 6 year olds have in their toolbox. This is definitely a controversial topic in the soccer world - you'll hear some coaches state that kids MUST pass at least once before kicking it in the goal. This can often force kids to pass when passing is not necessary - resulting in them giving up the ball.

Passing Tips:

Develop vision - Vision is how well you can see potential passes. Effective passers have good technique and vision.
Master every type of pass - Many options open up when you learn every type of pass. As the child progresses through the HOVSA program, they will learn more kinds of passes and when to use them.
Use the through pass - To perform a “through pass” pass the ball ahead of your target into space. Your teammate will run to the pass.
Don't underestimate the simple pass - Retaining possession is as simple as finding open teammates close to you and passing the ball. Playing a simple pass is often your best option. Passing the ball around annoys and tires the defense, creating gaps that you can exploit.
Pass often - Many players dribble far too often. Dribbling is tiring, makes getting injured more likely, and allows defenders to get back on defense. Dribbling has it’s place, but passing is a better option in most situations.
Pass Fast - The faster you pass the ball, the less time the opposition has to mark you and your teammates. Good players make good passes fast. Making fast passes requires good awareness, passing technique, ball control, first touch, and vision. This skill takes time to learn.
Get a partner - If you are serious about improving your passing technique pass outside of practice. Find a partner that will pass with you on a consistent basis. You will improve your passing ability quicker than other players.
Master correct pace - Putting correct pace on the ball is tough to master but vital to improving your passes.

Why is Passing Important

Develop vision - Vision is how well you can see potential passes. Effective passers have good technique and vision.

Master every type of pass - Many options open up when you learn every type of pass. As the child progresses through the HOVSA program, they will learn more kinds of passes and when to use them.

Use the through pass - To perform a “through pass” pass the ball ahead of your target into space. Your teammate will run to the pass.

Don't underestimate the simple pass - Retaining possession is as simple as finding open teammates close to you and passing the ball. Playing a simple pass is often your best option. Passing the ball around annoys and tires the defense, creating gaps that you can exploit.

Pass often - Many players dribble far too often. Dribbling is tiring, makes getting injured more likely, and allows defenders to get back on defense. Dribbling has it’s place, but passing is a better option in most situations.

Pass Fast - The faster you pass the ball, the less time the opposition has to mark you and your teammates. Good players make good passes fast. Making fast passes requires good awareness, passing technique, ball control, first touch, and vision. This skill takes time to learn.

Get a partner - If you are serious about improving your passing technique pass outside of practice. Find a partner that will pass with you on a consistent basis. You will improve your passing ability quicker than other players.

Master correct pace - Putting correct pace on the ball is tough to master but vital to improving your passes.