Ryan Radcliffe, Head Boys & Girl’s Soccer Coach, Bearden HS, TN
You can see the full video on Glazier Drive: Passing Drills for Success
OVERVIEW
This video breaks down a 4v4+6 (one-touch) passing drill designed to simulate game-like conditions for high school soccer players. The coach runs this drill near the 18-yard box, about 25 yards out, using it as a visual anchor to help players understand where precise passing matters most on the field.
DRILL SETUP
The grid is roughly 25 yards long by 20 yards wide, positioned just outside the six-yard lines. It accommodates all 11 players — a goalkeeper plus 10 field players — making it ideal for squads of 22-24. Four players compete in the middle (4v4) while six neutrals work the outside. Outside players can represent center backs, wide players, and target forwards, mirroring a real game model.
TOUCH RESTRICTIONS
One-touch is the preferred setting at the high school level, though the coach recommends adjusting to two or three touches for younger or beginner groups. Expect chaos early — that’s by design.
KEY COACHING POINTS
- Body shape — players must be open to the field before receiving
- Scanning — knowing where to go before the ball arrives
- Weight of pass — adjusting pace to set teammates up for clean first-time touches
- Communication — talking through the chaos
- Preparedness — being ready before the ball comes
THE COACHING PHILOSOPHY
The core idea is simple: create chaos in a small area so that 11-aside feels easy by comparison. Mistakes are expected and welcomed as teaching moments. If players can move the ball quickly and cleanly under pressure in this drill, they’ll do it in a real game.