3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup
Passing warm-up, bounce pass, first touch, movement, technical drill
Drill Quick Glance
Drill Objective
This soccer drill sharpens short-range passing, encourages constant movement after the pass, and prepares players physically and mentally for training. It reinforces clean technique and fitness through repetition.
3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup
Passing warm-up, bounce pass, first touch, movement, technical drill
A technical soccer warm-up drill that develops passing accuracy, first-touch control, and continuous movement through a sequence of bounce passes and quick rotations.
Drill setup-
Field Size: Two 5-yard gates set in a line, spaced 3 yards apart using cones or training sticks.
- Adjustments:
Narrower gates for passing accuracy
Wider spacing for increased movement and fitness
- Players: 3 per station
2 players on one end of the cones (one with the ball)
1 player on the opposite side
- Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2 on the opposite side and immediately follows the pass.
- Player 2 returns a bounce pass and then moves around the cone to receive a return pass between the closer gate from Player 2.
- Player 2 then passes a ball to Player 3 on the opposite side of the area, and Player 2 immediately follows the pass.
- Player 3 returns a bounce pass and moves around the cone to receive a return pass between the gate from Player 3.
- Players should remain active and alert, constantly rotating and maintaining rhythm.
- Continue for 60- 90 seconds before switching directions or rotating players through different groups.
- Weaker Foot Only: All passes and touches must use the weaker foot.
- One-Touch Bounce Pass: Receiving player must return the ball with one touch.
- Add a Fourth Player: Increase complexity with more rotation and decision-making.
- Timed Competition: See how many successful sequences can be completed in 60 seconds.
- Gate Progression: Move the gates further apart to incorporate longer passes and greater fitness demands.
This warm-up drill promotes good habits early in the session, reinforcing technical quality and getting players mentally and physically prepared for higher-intensity work.
- Sharp, Accurate Passes: Focus on hitting the target with proper weight.
- Crisp First Touch: Players must cushion the ball and prepare for the next action.
- Quick Movement After Passing: Players should sprint or shuffle around the cone with purpose.
- Body Positioning: Position the body for a quick return pass and stay light on feet.
- Communication: Verbal and visual cues help maintain rhythm and spacing.
Drill Equipment
Drill Ages
- 9 - U9, Under 9, 9 and Under
- 10 - U10, Under 10, 10 and Under
- 11 - U11, Under 11, 11 and Under
- 12 - U12, Under 12, 12 and Under
- 13 - U13, Under 13, 13 and Under
- 14 - U14, Under 14, 14 and Under
- 15 - U15, Under 15, 15 and Under
- 16 - U16, Under 16, 16 and Under
- 17 + - U17, U18, U19, U20, and Older
- Passing - Soccer Passing Drills
- Receiving - Soccer Receiving & Turning Drills
- Warm-up - Soccer Warm-up Drills
3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup
Tagged- PASSING WARM-UP
- BOUNCE PASS
- FIRST TOUCH
- MOVEMENT
- TECHNICAL DRILL
Chris Johnson