Game version
Square game: five or more players keep the ball in a square against two middle players. A middle player who touches the ball swaps with the passer who lost it, so everyone keeps playing.
Passing Square Under Pressure
Keep the ball in a square against two defenders, using scans and quick angles.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Mark a 12-yard square with an attacker on each side and one inside.
Core: Two touches. Beat your own best passes.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- 5 or more players
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, 4 cones, 5 or more players
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Passing & Receiving
The steps
How it works
- Mark a 12-yard square with an attacker on each side and one inside.
- Two defenders try to win the ball, walking pace at first.
- Attackers scan before receiving and pass in two touches or fewer.
- Play 2-minute rounds and count passes in a row.
Coaching point
Look before it arrives.
Safety: Stay on your feet and play the ball, not the player. No slide tackles; any live challenge is only with a coach watching.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (three touches), Core (two touches), More (one touch). Beat your own best passes.
Story
You are keepers of a treasure, passing it around to keep it safe.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best passes. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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