Football is primarily an invasion game. Each team tries to invade the others area with an end of objective of scoring a goal. To achieve this end objective, the team in possession must at some point progress their attack down the pitch to get the ball into an area to try and score.

Of course, it isn't always possible or desirable to just pass the ball forward. For example, there will be times in a game when the play will have to go backwards or sideways because the opposition have made it difficult to pass the ball forward and by keeping possession, a better forward passing option may present itself. There will be other times, when there are no, or limited targets to pass the ball forward to and by passing forward in this situation possession will likely be given to the opposition.

Therefore, before a team can pass the ball forward they will need forward targets or forward runners to pass to. Very often one forward pass will need to be linked to support for the player receiving the ball, which may be followed by another forward pass to another target or forward runner. Except for when a goalkeeper kicks the ball long, how many times do a team who have possession in a deep defensive area, pass the ball forward more than 50 yards and regain possession? Rarely. The ball has to be worked forward to areas of the pitch where the forward pass can be at it's most effective.

But there are occasions when a team defending win the ball, when a quick forward pass to a forward running target can expose the opposition. Because the attacking team will have committed players forward to their attack that when they lose possession, this transition in play could present the opportunity for a quick counter attack, which with a quick forward pass to a forward running target, can exploit the oppositions lack of defensive cover.

In a football match, it is much easier to pass backwards, or even sideways, than to pass forward. The opposition team are happy to see the ball being passed in front of them, as this allows them time to get organised behind the ball and to make it difficult for the ball to be passed forward to areas that can hurt them.

Therefore, it is important that time is spent preparing and coaching sessions that focus on forward passing and forward runs and forward targets. The two skills are linked, after all a player can't pass forward effectively if they have nothing to pass forward to.

Forward Passing

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Forward Runs

The following are considered the key technical coaching factors to improve forward passing and forward runs:

• Understanding what areas of the pitch offer the greatest chance of success and failure for a forward pass - A forward pass from a centre half to a midfield player who is tightly marked 20 yards from their own goal and in a central position can be a risky thing to do. But a forward pass from a midfield player to a tightly marked forward 20 yards from the opposition goal carries little risk and a great chance of success.
• Head up to assess passing options -The player on the ball should be encouraged to look forward, with the objective of thinking about passing forward if it is possible.
• Decision on the correct technique for the forward pass - The distance of the forward pass, the position of the defenders and the position the passer is on the pitch will all be factors in selecting the correct forward passing technique.
• Accuracy, timing and weight of pass - Whatever forward passing technique is selected, the player will also have to consider the accuracy, timing and weight of the pass.
• Decisions on first time forward passes, control and pass or whether to pass forward or pass backwards or square before passing forward - The best forward pass is very often the quick forward pass, preferably played first time. This gives the defenders very little time to react or recover. If this is not possible, the player on the ball may well have to control the ball and then make a forward pass. But there will be times, when the ball can't be passed forward and the best passing option may be to pass sideways or backwards to create a different opportunity for another player to pass the ball forward.
• Straight forward passes for diagonal forward runs and diagonal forward passes for straight forward runs - Except when the ball is passed to feet to a forward target, a good rule for passing forward to forward running targets is straight forward passes for diagonal forward runs, or diagonal forward passes for straight forward runs.
• Timed runs to provide targets for the forward pass - Players who make forward runs will need to be aware of timing their forward runs to meet the forward pass.
• Pre movement away from the area the player wants to make the run - This is linked to the timing of the runs. Players will need to be aware and be coached on the need to sometimes make pre movement away from the area they want to make the forward run into, before making a timed forward run. The reason for this pre movement, is to effect the defenders position by attracting them away from the area where the forward runner actually wants to make the forward run into.
• Making forward runs to create space for other players - Often a player will make a forward run, not to receive the ball, but to drag defenders into areas that can be exploited by another player making a forward run into the space created.
• Forward targets for forward passes - There are times when the ball might need to be passed to feet to a forward target player who is facing the play. This would then require support from the passer or other players for the player receiving the ball.
• Support for the passer to provide options - Whilst the player on the ball might look to pass the ball forward, they will also need supporting players to provide not only forward passing options, but also so the ball can be passed sideways or backwards, before being passed forward.
• Communication between players - Players will need to communicate, not only verbally, but with hand signals, eye contact and body language.
• Use imagination with the runs and passing - Clever forward passing and forward runs requires the players to use their imagination and to be daring and bold, particularly in attacking areas of the pitch.

The practices you will see in this section are suggested practices, they aren't definitive. Why not use these as a basis for ideas and design, save and share your forward passing and forward runs sessions and games with Coaches Chalkboard?