Instructional Inside of the Foot (Push) Pass and Receive

INSTRUCTION AND DRILL:  INSIDE OF THE FOOT (PUSH) PASS AND RECEIVE

Youth Soccer Coaching Manual for an Instructional Soccer Program

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 Introduction

The inside of the foot or “push” pass and its corresponding receive (“trap”), represent the most basic pass and receive in soccer.  (“Trapping” is generally no longer a term that is used because it implies bringing the ball to a dead stop instead of setting it up for the next move.) Although they are a little awkward at first, for the Instructional Soccer Program they provide the highest level of control for passing and receiving for beginners. This is because the inside of the foot conforms to the outer curve of the ball.  (Note:  For 3- and 4-year-olds, the instep drive is actually easier to introduce first.)

Demonstration

The foot is turned at the ankle and the leg is rotated at the hip so that the toes are pointed to 90-degrees to the outside. Balance is maintained so that the leg can swing freely at the hip. An analogy can be made to use of a putter in golf. An actual putter could be used in a demonstration with a reference made to miniature golf. The foot must be off of the ground so that the ball may be contacted dead center.

#11 - Inside of the Foot

#11 – Inside of the Foot

Like the instep drive, the point of the direction of the non-kicking (or “plant”) foot will roughly determine the path that the kicked ball will take.

The corresponding receive of the pass is the simple acceptance of the ball with the inside of the foot. Again, the foot needs to be off of the ground so that the ball may be contacted dead center. It should be shown that the foot must not be lifted so high that the ball can go under it. (A slightly advanced demonstration would provide for receipt of a faster-paced ball by showing the foot held out in front and the leg being relaxed as the ball is received in order to take the pace off of the ball.)

Drills

Inside of foot pass and receive, left and right, with parent. (Short, then expand distance.)

Inside of foot pass and receive, left and right, with teammate. (Short, then expand distance.)

Dribble and then inside of foot pass to teammate who receive; re-set and other player goes.

Challenge – as above, but from some distance, alternate players back-peddle to reset.

In triangle – one ball – players pass and receive ball around.

In triangle – one ball – player passes to one player and receives ball back; player passes to other player and receives ball back; rotate.

Challenges – “Personal Pass” – dribble, push pass out in front, sprint, retrieve, dribble. (line-to-line); dribble at standing parent (who has their legs spread), push pass through legs, sprint around, retrieve (“nutmeg”).

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW TO TEACH THIS SKILL, SEE:  Introduction to Passing…

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© Copyright, John C. Harves