Soccer
Passing
Passing Pattern A — Triangle Rotation
Soccer drill for passing training sessions
A structured passing pattern to develop quick combination play and movement off the ball.
What This Drill Improves
This soccer drill is best for beginner players who need focused work on passing. It works well with 9 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.
Setup
Set up 3 cones in a triangle, 10 m apart. 3 players per triangle, 3 triangles running simultaneously.
Instructions
- Player A passes to B and follows pass.
- B lays off to C who switches direction.
- Pattern continues — each player always follows their pass.
- Run for 3 minutes then reverse direction.
Coaching Points
✓ Weight of pass must match the run.
✓ Players should be moving before they receive.
✓ Communication — call for the ball.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Players standing still after passing instead of creating a new angle.
- Passes played too slowly, allowing defenders to recover.
- Receivers taking their first touch into pressure.
Progressions: Make It Harder
→ Add a central player to play as a link.
→ Introduce a time limit per cycle.
→ Make one player a ghost — pattern must work without them.
Regressions: Make It Easier
Walk through the pattern first, then build up to game speed.
Use larger targets or more space to help players succeed early.
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