62: Grow Coach Newsletter
Football Coaches: Develop your Coaching Craft.
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Here is What to Expect:
Coaching Craft: Wall Passing
Full 60-Minute Practice: 3 x practices to encourage wall passing combinations
"The ball moves faster than any player. If you pass quickly and move, you will always be one step ahead of the opponent.” - Pep Guardiola
Mastering the Wall Pass: Unlocking Tight Defences
In the game of football, few skills are as elegant and effective as the wall pass. Also known as the "one-two," this simple yet sophisticated manoeuvre can slice through the tightest defences, creating opportunities where none seemed to exist.
As a coach, teaching your players to execute the wall pass with precision and confidence can elevate their game and add a new dimension to your team's attacking play.
Why Is the Wall Pass Important?
The wall pass is a fundamental skill that emphasises quick thinking, sharp movement, and precise passing. It’s a vital tool for maintaining possession under pressure, breaking defensive lines, and creating space in crowded areas of the pitch.
In modern football, where defences are organised and compact, the ability to execute a wall pass can be the difference between a stagnant attack and a dynamic, goal-scoring opportunity.
Key Coaching Points for Wall Passing
Communication: Players must communicate effectively, using verbal cues or eye contact to signal their intent.
First Touch: The initial touch should set up the pass, ideally moving the ball into space to facilitate a quick return.
Movement: The player receiving the first pass must move quickly into space to receive the return pass.
Accuracy: Both passes need to be precise, with the right weight and direction to maintain the flow of the move.
Speed: The entire sequence should be executed at pace to catch defenders off guard.
3 Tactical Considerations for Wall Passing
Positioning: Players should be aware of their positioning relative to defenders and teammates to maximise the effectiveness of the wall pass.
Timing: The timing of the pass and the run is crucial; too early or too late, and the opportunity is lost.
Support: Other players should provide support and options in case the wall pass is not on, ensuring the team retains possession.
Common Faults and Mistakes
Poor Communication: Failing to signal or misreading signals can lead to misplaced passes. Try to make eye contact with the receiver of the wall pass, and point using your hands where you would like the ball to be played.
Static Play: Not moving after the initial pass makes it easy for defenders to intercept the return. Play on the front foot and lend the ball to a teammate before attempting to get it back.
Overcomplication: Trying to force a wall pass in unsuitable situations can lead to loss of possession. Sometimes use the wall pass set up as a disguise to dribble.
Lack of Precision: Inaccurate passing can break down the move and put the team under pressure. Stay focussed, use a big surface to make contact with the ball. Punch the ball into the receiver and make sure the pass is played to the correct side of the receiver and it is playable to help continue the attack.
Types of Wall Pass
1. Pass Back to Run Forward
Description:
In this variation, Player A passes the ball to Player B and immediately sprints forward into space. Player B then plays a return pass into the path of Player A’s run. This is the most common type of wall pass and is often used to break through a defensive line.
When to Use It:
Against High Pressure: When a defender is closing down Player A quickly, passing back to Player B and running forward can help Player A escape the pressure.
In Tight Spaces: When operating in congested areas, this type of wall pass can create separation from defenders.
To Exploit Space Behind the Defense: If there’s space behind the defensive line, this pass can be used to send Player A through on goal.
Example Situation:
A winger is being tightly marked near the sideline. They pass the ball back to a central midfielder and immediately sprint down the line to receive a return pass behind the defender.
2. Pass Forward to Receive Back
Description:
Here, Player A plays a forward pass into the feet of Player B, who is positioned ahead. Player B then lays the ball back to Player A, who has moved into a new position to receive the return pass. This variation is useful for maintaining possession and creating angles.
When to Use It:
To control possession: Player A can use this pass to break lines of pressure and receive the ball higher up the field.
When Under Pressure: If Player A is being closed down, this pass can help them recycle possession and reset the attack.
Example Situation:
A Fullback receives the ball into their feet during the build-up phase, passes forward to a Winger, and then runs beyond their marker to receive the ball back in a more dangerous position.
3. Diagonal Wall Pass
This variation involves a diagonal exchange of passes between two players. Player A passes the ball diagonally to Player B and makes a straight run into space. Player B then returns the ball into the path of Player A’s run. This type of wall pass is particularly effective for changing the angle of attack.
When to Use It:
To Break Lines: Diagonal passes and straight runs can disrupt a flat line, as defenders are often less comfortable dealing with diagonal movements of the ball.
In Transition: When counterattacking, diagonal wall passes can quickly cut through lines to catch defenders off guard.
Example Situation:
A central midfielder plays a diagonal pass to a striker and makes a straight run into the half-space. The striker returns the ball, allowing the midfielder to drive toward goal or play a through ball.
Thought Provoking Questions
How can you create space for a wall pass in a tight area?
What cues can you use to anticipate a teammate's movement for a wall pass?
How do you adjust your body position to receive and return the pass quickly?
In what situations might a wall pass be the best option to beat a defender?
How do you decide which type of wall pass to use in a given situation?
When might a diagonal wall pass be more effective than a straight one?
Final Thoughts:
The wall pass is a timeless skill that can be adapted to suit any style of play. By mastering its variations—whether it’s the classic pass back to run forward, the strategic pass forward to receive back, or the dynamic diagonal wall pass—your players can become more unpredictable and effective in breaking down defences.
Encourage them to practice these variations in training, experiment with different scenarios, and develop the awareness to choose the right option in the heat of the game. With these tools in their arsenal, your team will be well-equipped to outmanoeuvre any opponent.
"Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is." - Johan Cruyff
Wall Passing | Practice Ideas
Technical Practice | Wall Passing to Score
⚽️ Created On: @tacticalPad
Aim:
To work on the Wall Pass into a scoring opportunity.
Set-Up:
In a 30 Wide by 20-deep space arrange the field as shown above.
👕 Teams: ⚫️ Attackers, 🔴 Attackers, (C) Server
How to Play:
Ball 1 ⚽️ - ⚫️s v 🔴s Race to Score using a wall pass off their support player to shoot at the mini goal 🥅. Must be beyond the dashed line to score.
Ball 2 ⚽️ - Both players continue their runs around the goal they shot at. The players then receive a diagonal pass from the coach for a 1st time finish into the goal 🥅.
The shooting player becomes the next wall passer.
🚧 Constraints:
🏆Reward: A head start in races to 20 goals in total. Teams get to shoot their first ball before the opponent if they win a round.
👨🏫 Review: Quality of the pass, Timing of the run, Composure to finish
🚫 Restriction: 1st Time finishes only.
Wall Passing | Combine and Score
⚽️ Created On: @TacticalPad
Aim:
Using wall passes to score
Set-Up:
30 by 20 Space split in half. Place 3x manikins diagonally across the pitch space.
2x Large Goals 🥅 one at each end of the pitch.
👕Teams: ⚫️s Attacking Team, Add a 🟢 Gk in each goal 🥅.
How to Play:
⚽️1️⃣: 1st ⚫️ in the line plays a wall pass with the central ⚫️. The central player sets up the 1st player to finish on goal 🥅
Then: The shooter becomes the next setting player. The setting player makes a run behind the manikin to receive the next ball ⚽️
⚽️2️⃣: Coach (C) serves a ball down the side of the pitch for the setting players run 🏃♂️. This player shoots on goal 🥅.
♻️Players rotate positions they:
1️⃣ Play a wall pass and shoot, Then 2️⃣ Become the set player, 3️⃣Then shoot on goal 🥅 at opposite end of the pitch.
🚧 Constraints:
🏆Reward: First player to achieve 3 consecutive double finishes
👨🏫 Review: Speed of movement, use of first touch, quality of finish
🚫 Restriction: time limit to get through the sequence
5v3 | Wall Passing | Rondo
⚽️ Created On: @TacticalPad
Aim:
Spotting opportunities to pass through the pressure and secure the ball.
Set-Up:
Pitch Space: 20 (L) by 20 (W). Plus a central box around 5 (L) by 5 (W). Each corner of the pitch has either a small escape gate for the defending team or a mini-goal.
These are targets to dribble or pass into when the defenders win back the ball.
👕 Teams: 🔴 Attackers, ⚫️s Defenders
How to Play:
The main playing area is 4x🔴s v 2x⚫️. Each team has a player in the central box.
1x🔴 is fixed inside of the central box for outside 🔴s to play off. 🔴s can swap this player as and when they see fit.
1x⚫️ must defend from the inside of the central box and 2x⚫️ chase the ball
⚫️s can swap places as they see fit.
Attacking Team: 🔴s keep possession and score by passing into the 🔴 in the central box and then out to a different player or a wall pass around a defender with the central player.
Defending Team: ⚫️s win possession and score by dribbling into a corner of the pitch or scoring into a mini goal. When ⚫️s win the ball the central player is free to join in.
🚧 Constraints:
🏆Reward: Wall Passes around opponents to achieve bonus goals for the attacking team.
👨🏫 Review: Decision-making to stay on the ball or share it.
🚫 Restriction:
"The pass is the first step to playing well. If you pass well, you move well, and if you move well, you play well." - Xavi
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