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Soccer drills

Partner gate passing

Use this activity to work on passing through repeated decisions with the ball. Start with the simpler version, watch the first round, and adjust the space or pressure to match the players in front of you.

By ToopTime · Updated 2026-09-21U6–U8 · U9–U10
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At a glance
Players2–12
Starting spaceTwo-yard gate; partners 4–6 yards apart
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

Each pair has one ball and one gate between them. Partners stand far enough from the gate to receive comfortably.

How to play

Pass along the ground through the gate. Receive with control, look at the partner, and return. Count consecutive comfortable passes rather than maximum speed.

Make it easier

Widen the gate and bring players closer.

Add a challenge

After each pass, move a step sideways so the receiving angle changes.

What to watch for

The receiver waits flat-footed. Ask them to adjust behind the arriving ball and show where they want the pass.

Take it into a game

Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same passing decision without the activity’s extra conditions. Ask a player to describe one moment when it helped. Keep the next round simple if the skill disappears under pressure.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Look for space. Keep the ball within reach.

Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.

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