They only pass one way
Every pass goes to their stronger side, and defenders have worked it out
Why it happens
- Most children have a stronger side and use it every time.
- Drills always run the same way, so they never practise the other side.
- Passing the weaker way feels clumsy, so they avoid it.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Now try it the other way.”
- “Both hands on the ball, both ways.”
- “Brilliant pass on your weaker side!”
✗ Not this
- “That was rubbish, do it properly.”
- Only ever running drills left to right.
- Making a big deal of mistakes on the weaker side.
The drill ladder
Move a group up a level only when they hit the "ready for next level" sign. It's fine for groups to be on different levels.
Walking passing square
How it works
- Set a 5m square. One player on each corner, the spare player in the middle.
- Players walk the ball around the square, passing to the next corner. Change direction on the coach's call.
- Then add a rule: the receiver must call a name or “here” before the ball is passed.
Coaching points
- Hands up and out as a target before the ball comes.
- Pass to where the receiver is going, not where they are.
- Catch, then turn the eyes to the next player straight away.
Ready for the next level when: The ball goes round 10 times without a drop, in both directions.
Switch sides walk
How it works
- Pairs walk forward side by side and pass across.
- After every pass, the passer jogs round behind their partner to the other side.
- Now every second pass is on your other side. Speed up to a jog.
Coaching points
- Both hands on the ball, both directions.
- Swing across your body, fingers point at the target.
- Slow and accurate on your weaker side first.
Ready for the next level when: Players pass cleanly on both sides at a jog.
Stairs passing
How it works
- Four players line up like stairs: each one a step behind and to the side of the next.
- The front player starts with the ball and passes down the stairs. Every pass goes back to the next player.
- Walk forward keeping the stair shape, pass along the line, then come back the other way.
Coaching points
- If you can see the passer's back, you're in front. Drop back.
- Short, flat passes to the next stair.
- Keep the shape when you walk. Don't run ahead.
Ready for the next level when: The group passes along the stairs and back at a jog without a forward pass.
Wide buddy walk
How it works
- Ball carrier walks forward. Two support players walk alongside, one each side, about 5 big steps away.
- The coach calls “left” or “right”. The carrier passes that way and the group re-forms around the new carrier.
- Speed up to a jog. Then let the carrier choose the side.
Coaching points
- Five big steps wide, and slightly behind the ball.
- Support players keep their hands up as a target.
- When the ball moves, the shape moves with it.
Ready for the next level when: Groups keep their width and shape at a jog for the length of the pitch.
Other-side bonus touch
How it works
- A normal touch game.
- A try scored straight after a pass on the passer's weaker side is worth two points. Players tell the coach which is their weaker side first.
- Swap teams every few minutes.
Coaching points
- Praise every weaker-side pass, even a wobbly one.
- Support players move to both sides of the ball.
- Keep the area small so there are lots of passes.
Ready for the next level when: Passes are going both ways in the game without reminders.
Common coaching mistakes
- Always running drills in the same direction.
- Correcting every wobbly pass on the weaker side. Praise the try.
- Only practising weaker-side passes standing still.
- Expecting it to change in matches before it changes in training games.