Long Passing Drills for Soccer & Football: Improve Distance and Accuracy
A well-timed long pass can change the direction of an attack, find a teammate in space, or help a team escape pressure. But hitting the ball a long way is only one part of the skill. A good long pass needs the right technique, suitable weight, accurate direction, and a clear purpose.
For young soccer and football players, long passing can feel difficult at first. The ball may go too high, fall short of the target, or drift away from the intended teammate. These are normal parts of learning. With regular practice and the right drills, players can gradually improve their technique and become more confident playing longer passes.
In this guide, you will find seven long passing drills that coaches can use in training sessions. Each activity includes a simple setup, instructions, and coaching points, along with ways to adapt the practice for different ages and ability levels.
What Are Long Passing Drills?
Long passing drills help players develop the technique and awareness needed to move the ball over greater distances. Depending on the activity, players may practise driven passes along the ground, lofted passes over opponents, or diagonal passes into open space.
Long passing is useful when a team wants to switch play, find a wide player, release a teammate running forward, or move the ball away from a crowded area.
However, a longer pass is not always the best option. Players also need to recognize when a short pass is safer or when keeping possession is more important than moving the ball quickly.
Good long passing practice should develop three things:
Technique: Learning how to strike the ball with a controlled contact.
Accuracy: Sending the ball towards a teammate or a specific target.
Decision-making: Knowing when, where, and why to play a longer pass.
For more general passing practice, you can also explore soccer passing drills.
Key Techniques for Better Long Passing
Before moving into the drills, it helps to give players a few simple coaching points. Avoid overloading beginners with too many technical instructions at once. Focus on one or two details, then build from there.
1. Get the body position right
Players should approach the ball with balance and a clear view of the intended target. The non-kicking foot should be placed beside the ball, pointing generally towards the target. The exact position will vary depending on the type of pass.
2. Make a controlled contact
For a driven pass, players often strike through the middle area of the ball with a firm, controlled action. For a lofted pass, the contact is usually lower on the ball to help lift it. The aim is not simply to kick as hard as possible but to produce the right flight and distance.
3. Use the arms for balance
A relaxed, balanced body position helps players coordinate their movement. The arms can help with stability, particularly when striking the ball over a longer distance.
4. Follow through naturally
After contact, the kicking leg should continue through the movement rather than stopping abruptly. Encourage players to stay balanced and recover their position ready for the next action.
5. Look before receiving
Long passing begins before the ball is kicked. Players should scan the field, identify the target and understand where their teammates are moving. Good awareness makes it easier to choose the right pass.
7 Long Passing Drills for Soccer and Football
These drills move from simple partner work towards more realistic match situations. Start with a distance that allows players to complete the pass with reasonable control. Increase the challenge when they are ready.
Drill 1: Partner Long Passing
Focus: Technique, distance and accuracy
Equipment: One ball per pair and cones to mark the passing area
Setup:
Arrange players in pairs, facing each other. Start with a manageable distance between them, then gradually move the cones farther apart as their control improves.
How to do it:
One player passes the ball to their partner.
The receiving player controls the ball and returns it.
Both players focus on making a clean pass towards their partner's feet.
After several successful passes, increase the distance slightly.
Introduce a mix of driven ground passes and lofted passes when players are ready.
Coaching points:
Encourage players to look up before passing.
Focus on clean contact rather than maximum power.
Ask the receiver to stay ready and move towards the ball when necessary.
Reduce the distance if passes become consistently difficult to control.
Progression: Challenge players to complete five accurate passes in a row before moving back another step.
Common mistake: Players often try to kick the ball harder when they struggle to reach their partner. Encourage them to improve their balance and contact first.
Drill 2: Four-Corner Long Passing
Focus: Passing accuracy, direction and movement
Equipment: Four cones and one ball
Setup:
Create a large square with a player at each corner. Adjust the size of the square to suit the age and ability of the group.
How to do it:
The first player passes diagonally across the square to another corner.
The receiver controls the ball and passes to the next player.
Continue the sequence so that the ball travels around the square.
Ask players to move into a good receiving position before the ball arrives.
Change the direction of the passing sequence after a few minutes.
Coaching points:
Encourage players to check their shoulders before receiving.
Ask them to open their body so they can see the next target.
Keep the ball moving without rushing the technique.
Look for passes that reach the receiver comfortably rather than passes that simply cover the distance.
Progression: Allow players to use two touches initially, then challenge more confident players to control and pass with fewer touches.
Common mistake: Players may stand still after passing. Remind them to stay alert and prepare for their next involvement.
Drill 3: Driven Pass or Lofted Pass?
Focus: Learning to choose the right type of long pass
Equipment: Balls, cones and target gates
Setup:
Create two target gates at different distances. Use one gate for driven passes and another for lofted passes. The gates should be wide enough for players to experience success while still requiring direction and control.
How to do it:
The coach calls out a target.
Players select a suitable type of pass for that target.
They attempt to send the ball through the gate.
Retrieve the ball and repeat from different starting positions.
Discuss which type of pass is more suitable for each situation.
Coaching points:
A driven pass can be useful when the ball needs to travel quickly through an open lane.
A lofted pass can help the ball travel over an obstacle or reach a teammate in space.
Encourage players to consider the distance, the target and any imaginary defenders.
Reward a sensible choice and accurate execution, not just a powerful kick.
Progression: Add a cone or mannequin between the player and the target to represent a defender. Players must decide whether to pass around, through or over the obstacle.
Common mistake: Players may attempt a lofted pass when a simple ground pass would be easier. Ask them to explain their choice before playing the ball.
Drill 4: Long Pass and First Touch
Focus: Receiving a longer pass and preparing the next action
Equipment: Cones and one ball per pair
Setup:
Place two players opposite each other, with enough room for a longer pass. Mark a small receiving zone around each player.
How to do it:
Player A sends a pass towards Player B.
Player B controls the ball with their first touch.
The first touch should move the ball into a useful position for the return pass.
Player B sends a longer pass back to Player A.
After several repetitions, change the receiving angle or the direction of the first touch.
Coaching points:
Encourage players to move into the path of the ball.
Use the first touch to prepare the next pass rather than stopping the ball unnecessarily.
Keep the receiving body position balanced.
Ask players to look up before taking their first touch whenever possible.
Progression: Add a passive defender who applies light pressure. The receiver must control the ball away from the defender before making the next pass.
Common mistake: A heavy first touch can make the return pass difficult. Reduce the passing distance and work on control before adding pressure.
You can develop this skill further with these soccer first-touch drills.
Drill 5: Long Passing Under Pressure
Focus: Composure, awareness and decision-making
Equipment: Cones, balls and bibs
Setup:
Mark a rectangular area with a passing zone at each end. Place two attackers in the central area and one defender between them. Adjust the space to match the ability of the group.
How to do it:
The attackers attempt to connect with a longer pass between the two end zones.
The defender tries to block the passing lane or intercept the ball.
Attackers move to create a clear angle for the pass.
After a set period, rotate the defender.
Encourage the attacking players to recognise when the passing lane is open and when they should keep possession instead.
Coaching points:
Scan before receiving and identify the defender's position.
Avoid forcing a pass through a blocked lane.
Use movement to create space for the receiver.
Focus on choosing the right moment to play forward.
Progression: Add a second defender or limit the attackers' touches. Only introduce these restrictions when players can perform the basic activity with confidence.
Common mistake: Players may try the long pass too early. Remind them that a short pass or a change of angle can create a better opportunity.
Drill 6: Switch the Play
Focus: Changing the point of attack
Equipment: Cones, bibs and balls
Setup:
Create a rectangular playing area with a target zone on each side. Position a small group of players in the middle and one or two wide players near the target zones.
How to do it:
Players begin by connecting a few short passes in the central area.
The coach signals for the team to switch the play.
A player looks for a longer pass towards a teammate in the opposite wide zone.
The wide player controls the ball and passes it back into the central area.
Repeat in the other direction.
Coaching points:
Encourage players to look across the field before receiving.
The wide player should create a useful passing angle and avoid standing directly behind a defender.
The pass should arrive where the receiver can move onto it.
Explain how switching play can move defenders and create space on the other side.
Progression: Add defenders to the central area. The attacking team must recognise when the middle is crowded and when switching the ball could open space.
Common mistake: Players may focus only on reaching the opposite side. Encourage them to consider whether the pass gives their teammate a useful next action.
Drill 7: Long Pass to a Moving Target
Focus: Timing, accuracy and passing into space
Equipment: Balls and cones
Setup:
Mark a starting area for the passer and a channel for the receiver to run through. The channel should provide enough space for the receiver to move towards the ball safely.
How to do it:
The receiver begins moving into the channel.
The passer scans the space and judges the timing of the pass.
The passer sends the ball into the receiver's path rather than directly behind them.
The receiver attempts to control the ball while continuing their movement.
Swap roles after several attempts.
Coaching points:
The passer should watch the receiver's movement before striking the ball.
The receiver should communicate and adjust their run to the flight of the pass.
Encourage players to judge the weight of the pass carefully.
A successful pass should give the receiver a realistic chance of reaching the ball.
Progression: Add a recovering defender who starts behind the receiver. This introduces a more realistic challenge without turning the activity into a full match.
Common mistake: A pass that is too far ahead can run out of reach. Start with a shorter channel and increase the challenge gradually.
How to Adapt Long Passing Drills for U8, U10 and U12 Players
Long passing should develop with the player. Younger children are still building coordination, balance and basic striking technique, so the goal should not be to make them kick the ball as far as possible.
U8 players: Keep the focus on contact and control
For U8 players, begin with shorter distances and a suitable ball. Partner passing and simple target gates are good starting points.
Use a distance that allows players to reach their target without straining.
Encourage a balanced approach and clean contact.
Use wide gates to build confidence.
Let players experiment with gentle lofted passes when they are ready.
Keep repetitions short and include plenty of opportunities to play the ball.
At this age, successful technique matters more than distance. If a player cannot reach a target comfortably, move the target closer instead of asking them to kick harder.
Explore more age-appropriate activities in our guide to football drills for U8 players.
U10 players: Build accuracy and consistency
U10 players can begin working with more varied passing distances and targets. They can also start recognising when a longer pass is useful.
Use partner passing with gradually increasing distances.
Introduce driven and lofted passing as separate challenges.
Practise passing to a teammate who is moving.
Ask players to scan before receiving and passing.
Add light pressure once they can complete the basic technique.
Keep the emphasis on accuracy and control. A pass that reaches a teammate in a useful position is more valuable than one that travels a greater distance but is difficult to receive.
For more age-specific training ideas, see our passing drills for U10 players.
U12 players: Introduce tactical decisions
U12 players can work on connecting technical execution with match situations. Alongside passing accuracy, encourage them to recognise space and choose the right moment to switch play or send a ball forward.
Practise diagonal passes into wide areas.
Use moving targets and receiving angles.
Introduce defenders to challenge the passing decision.
Ask players to identify open space before the ball arrives.
Include small-sided games where a longer pass can help the team progress.
Avoid making every pass a long one. Players should learn to judge the situation and choose between a short combination, a forward pass or a switch of play.
You can find more age-specific activities in our passing drills for U12 players.
Common Long Passing Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even experienced players can struggle with long passes when they rush their technique or focus too much on power. These are some common problems to watch for during training.
Kicking too hard
Why it happens: Players believe distance comes from power alone.
How to fix it: Bring the target closer and ask them to focus on clean contact and balance. Increase the distance once their passes become more consistent.
Sending the ball too high
Why it happens: Players get underneath the ball too much or lean backwards excessively.
How to fix it: Work on controlled contact and a balanced body position. Use a target zone to give players a clearer idea of the desired flight.
Keeping the head down
Why it happens: Players focus on the ball and forget to check where their teammate is positioned.
How to fix it: Encourage them to scan before receiving and identify the target early. Start without pressure, then introduce a defender when they are ready.
Passing to where a teammate is, rather than where they are going
Why it happens: The passer reacts too late to the receiver's movement.
How to fix it: Use the moving-target drill and encourage the passer to judge the receiver's speed and direction.
Choosing a long pass when a shorter pass is better
Why it happens: Players treat long passing as the goal instead of one option in a match.
How to fix it: Include decision-making in practice. Ask players to explain why they chose a particular pass and what other options were available.
For more work on accuracy and controlled passing, visit our guide to passing accuracy drills.
A 15-Minute Long Passing Training Session
You do not need an entire training session to work on long passing. A focused 15-minute block can give players useful repetitions while keeping the activity varied.
Minutes 1–3: Partner passing
Begin at a comfortable distance. Focus on balance, contact and accuracy before gradually increasing the space between players.
Minutes 4–6: Target gates
Ask players to pass through gates placed at different angles. Encourage them to look up and choose the correct direction before playing the ball.
Minutes 7–10: Passing to a moving target
Pair players up and practise sending the ball into a teammate's path. Switch roles regularly so that everyone works on passing and receiving.
Minutes 11–15: Switch the play
Finish with a small group activity. Players connect a few passes in one area before attempting to move the ball into space on the opposite side.
Throughout the session, give short, specific feedback. Rather than correcting everything at once, choose one detail for each player to work on. You can also finish by asking players what helped them make their most accurate pass.
How Often Should Players Practise Long Passing?
For most developing players, a short period of focused practice within regular training is more useful than a long session built around repeated maximum-distance kicks.
Coaches can include long passing once or twice during the weekly training schedule, depending on the team's overall workload and current needs. Players should also practise receiving the ball, moving into space and making decisions under pressure.
If a player is struggling with the technique, return to a shorter distance and build up gradually. If their passes are accurate in an unopposed drill, introduce movement or light pressure to make the practice more challenging.
The aim is to make long passing a useful part of a player's overall game, not an isolated skill.
FAQs About Long Passing Drills
How can I improve my long passing in soccer or football?
Start with partner passing at a manageable distance. Focus on balance, clean contact and accuracy, then gradually increase the distance. Once the technique becomes more consistent, practise passing to moving teammates and making decisions under pressure.
What is the difference between a driven pass and a lofted pass?
A driven pass travels on a flatter trajectory and is useful when the ball needs to move quickly through an open lane. A lofted pass travels through the air and can help players reach a teammate over an obstacle or into space. The best choice depends on the situation.
Can beginners practise long passing?
Yes. Beginners should start with shorter distances and simple partner exercises. As their coordination and striking technique improve, they can gradually move farther apart and try different types of pass.
Are long passing drills suitable for U8 players?
Yes, provided the drills are adapted to their ability. Use shorter distances, suitable equipment and simple targets. Focus on technique, confidence and control rather than maximum distance.
How do long passing drills help during matches?
They help players develop the technique and awareness needed to switch play, find teammates in space and move the ball away from pressure. The biggest benefit comes when players learn not only how to make a long pass, but also when to use one.
Should players practise long passing with both feet?
Yes, where appropriate. Start with the player's stronger foot to establish confidence, then introduce controlled repetitions with the other foot. Keep the target and distance manageable while they learn.
Final Thoughts
Long passing is about more than striking the ball over a long distance. Players need to control the technique, find the right target and understand how the pass can help their team.
Start with simple partner passing, introduce target-based challenges and gradually move towards drills involving movement and pressure. For younger players, keep the distances realistic and reward good technique. As players become more confident, challenge them to switch play, find moving teammates and make better decisions on the pitch.
Consistent practice, clear coaching and realistic match situations can help players develop long passing that is both accurate and useful in games.
