FineSoccer Kids 10

Welcome to the FineSoccer Kids Newsletter. Today's subject deals with what you should do after you make a pass.

Too many players think that as soon as they pass the ball, their job is done. However, the truth of the matter is that their job is just beginning!

To understand this, it's important to think about WHY people pass the ball. In my opinion, there is only one reason to ever pass the ball. The only reason to pass the ball is if the player you are passing the ball to is in a better POSITION than you. In saying that they are a better position than you, this could mean they are in a better position to score, or possibly a better position to keep possession of the ball or better for some reason. If you don't agree with this, then the question is, why would you pass the ball to a person in a WORSE position than you?

Once you have acknowledged that the reason you pass is to get the ball to a person in a better position than you, the first thing to do when you pass the ball is to realize that the only thing you really know is that the person you passed the ball to is in a better position than you. Since most people would say it's more enjoyable to have the ball than to not have the ball, the next decision is where can you go to put YOURSELF into a better position so that you can get the ball back. This isn't necessarily a case of always putting yourself into position for the NEXT pass but you have to start thinking one, two even three passes ahead and put yourself into a position to receive one of those passes.

One of the best ways to put yourself into a position to get the ball back after making a pass is to simply make a short (5-10 yard) sprint after each pass. By doing this, you will be changing your position enough that it might be advantageous for your teammate to play a wall pass or a double pass to you. While this might seem like a small thing to do, and you might even think you do this already, the next time you play in a small sided or full sided game, try to make a concerted effort to make a sprint after every pass and you will notice a big difference in your game.

This small tip can make a noticeable improvement in your game and if you can get your whole team doing this, your team will become much better

Any comments, questions or suggestions should be sent to kidscomments@finesoccer.com.

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Have a great day!

Lawrence