Home > Drills > 3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup

3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup

Passing warm-up, bounce pass, first touch, movement, technical drill

Drill Quick Glance
Age: 9+ Field: 10X10
Players: 3+ Focus: PASSING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 54
Published: 5/8/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
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
  1. Field Size: Two 5-yard gates set in a line, spaced 3 yards apart using cones or training sticks.

  2. Adjustments:

    Narrower gates for passing accuracy

    Wider spacing for increased movement and fitness

  3. Players: 3 per station

    2 players on one end of the cones (one with the ball)

    1 player on the opposite side

Drill Instructions
  1. Player 1 passes the ball to Player 2 on the opposite side and immediately follows the pass.
  2. Player 2 returns a bounce pass and then moves around the cone to receive a return pass between the closer gate from Player 2.
  3. Player 2 then passes a ball to Player 3 on the opposite side of the area, and Player 2 immediately follows the pass.
  4. Player 3 returns a bounce pass and moves around the cone to receive a return pass between the gate from Player 3.
  5. Players should remain active and alert, constantly rotating and maintaining rhythm.
  6. Continue for 60- 90 seconds before switching directions or rotating players through different groups.
Drill Variations
  • 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.
Drill Coaching Points

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 Drill Topic
Soccer Drill Titled: 3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup
Tagged:
  • PASSING WARM-UP
  • BOUNCE PASS
  • FIRST TOUCH
  • MOVEMENT
  • TECHNICAL DRILL
Published by: Chris Johnson

SoccerXpert Newsletter

Subscribe to the SoccerXpert newletter for hand-picked soccer drills, tips, and videos delivered straight to your inbox.