Five cones in a cross shape: one in the middle, four around it at a distance of 5–10 metres. One player at each cone. The ball starts from an outer cone and is played to the middle player. The middle player takes a directional first touch and with it plays a pass to a new outer cone, not back to where the ball came from. Then the passer and the middle player rotate positions: the passer runs into the middle, and the middle player takes the now free outer position. So there is a different player in the middle on each round. Adjust the distances according to the players’ age and skill level.
The middle player checks over their shoulder before the ball arrives and knows the passing target before the first touch. The first touch goes away from the direction of the incoming ball and leaves the ball in a playable position. The length of the touch matches the space: far enough to be able to play the pass, close enough to keep the ball under control. The non-kicking foot is behind the ball when passing, with contact made with the middle of the ball using the inside of the foot. The weight of the pass allows the receiver to control it with one-touch.
Cross passing with rotation is a football drill on TacticsBoard. Category: Passing, First touch. Age group: U10+. Browse more football drills or create your own for free.