Mastering the Art of the Through Ball: Key Drills and Techniques for Young Soccer Players (Part 1)
, by Adam Zawati, 4 min reading time
A well-executed through ball can break defensive lines and create immediate goal-scoring chances. For young players, learning to deliver accurate and timely through balls is critical for improving their tactical vision. In Part 1, we’ll explore essential techniques and drills to master timing, weight, and direction for this crucial pass.
Mastering the Art of the Through Ball: Key Drills and Techniques for Young Soccer Players (Part 1)
A well-executed through ball can break defensive lines and create immediate goal-scoring opportunities. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modrić, and Lionel Messi have mastered this skill, turning it into a lethal weapon that gives their team a critical edge. For young players, learning how to deliver accurate and well-timed through balls is essential to elevating their tactical vision and understanding of the game.
In Part 1 of this guide, we’ll cover the basic techniques of delivering a through ball, focusing on key factors like timing, weight, and direction, followed by some specific drills that players and coaches can use to develop precision and creativity.
1. Understanding the Through Ball: The Basics
A through ball is a pass designed to bypass defenders, played into the space behind them for an attacking player to run onto. It’s different from a regular pass because it’s more about delivering the ball into a useful area rather than directly to the player's feet.
Key Elements to Keep in Mind:
- Timing: The pass must be released at just the right moment, often just before or as the forward is making their run behind the defenders.
- Weight: The pass needs to be weighted perfectly. Too strong, and it will run out of play; too weak, and defenders will intercept it.
- Direction: The ball needs to be played into a space where the forward has an advantage, forcing defenders to turn and chase—a situation that makes it difficult for defenders to win back the ball.
2. Types of Through Balls
Mastering the art of through balls involves learning the various types and when to use them effectively. Here are two primary types of through balls used in matches:
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Straight Through Ball: Usually played between two central defenders or just wide of them. It’s best suited for quick counter-attacks where the forward is already in motion.
- Technique: Use the inside of the foot to keep the ball low and driven. The key is accuracy over power.
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Diagonal Through Ball: This pass is angled into the path of an attacker, often used to find wingers or outside forwards running into space.
- Technique: Use the inside or outside of the foot to curl the ball around the defender, aiming to place it into the space where your teammate is running.
3. Drills to Improve Through-Ball Accuracy
Building precision and confidence with through balls takes practice. The following drills focus on decision-making, timing, and execution to help players improve their through-ball technique.
A. The "Gates" Drill
Objective: To help players perfect the weight and direction of their through balls by aiming for specific areas.
- Set up two small cone “gates” approximately 20 yards apart.
- Place a line of attackers on one side of the field and defenders on the opposite.
- A midfielder receives the ball at the top of the formation. The objective is to play a through ball between the gates for a forward making a run to receive it.
Coaching Points:
- The midfielder should scan the field before passing and recognize the right moment to release the ball.
- Encourage forwards to time their runs to avoid being offside and to meet the ball with controlled pace.
B. Small-Sided Through Ball Game
Objective: Practice through-ball techniques in a match-like situation with a specific focus on splitting defenses.
- Create a small-sided field (40x30 yards) with two mini-goals.
- Play 3v3 or 4v4 with the rule that goals can only be scored after a through ball is played. This encourages players to look for creative passing opportunities.
Coaching Points:
- Teach players to anticipate movement and find spaces between defenders.
- Encourage off-the-ball movement, as the receiver must make well-timed runs to maximize the through ball’s effectiveness.
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