Short Passes

Short passes are the most common way of passing the soccer ball and top players can make dozens of successful short passes in a single match. The act of kicking the ball to actually make the pass is very straightforward and with a bit of reading, watching and practicing you will have mastered it in no time.

Then you’ll need to know how to pick a pass and learn to make the right decisions about where to pass

the ball. So read ahead and follow my step by step guide and you will soon be able to make the perfect short pass.

To kick the ball;

1) Place your non-kicking foot next to the soccer ball

2) Lean slightly forwards so your head is over the ball

3) Take a short backswing with you kicking leg

4) Kick the ball with the side of your kicking foot

To make the right decision;

1) Decide whether you are passing to attack or to simply keep possession

2) Choose a player you want to pass to

3) Make sure the player you want to pass to is in space

4) Kick the ball at the right pace depending on how close your player is to you

TOP TIP: PRACTICE PASSING BETWEEN TWO CONES TO IMPROVE ACCURACY

So there you have it: you know how to make the perfect short pass. Now all you need to do is to put it into practice. Soon you’ll be able to thread the ball through tight gaps, read the game and set up attacks.

Long Passes

Long passes are less commonly used, but can also be very important as they play a big part in the games of some top players and set up attacks much more quickly.

To start with this will be more difficult than the short pass, but just follow this step by step guide and you should be able to play the perfect long pass in no time.

To kick the ball;

1) Take a short run up

2) Place your non kicking foot next to the soccer ball

3) Lean back slightly so the ball will go up in the air

4) Take a back swing with your kicking leg

5) Bring your leg forward and get your foot underneath the ball

6) Drive through the ball with your laces to get power

To make the right decision;

1) Be certain a long pass is a better option than a short one

2) Choose a player to pass to who is some distance away

3) Make sure you are able to kick that far

4) Make sure they are in space or that you can play the ball ahead of them for them to run onto

There’s the steps: you’ll be passing like Beckham in no time! Now you can pass the soccer ball, why not try penalties?