3 Passing Warm-Ups That Aren’t Boring
Passing exercises are still a valuable way to start a training session, but the challenge for coaches is making sure repetition doesn’t become routine. If players know exactly where the next pass is going, exactly where they have to move, and exactly what the picture will look like every time, the technical work can quickly lose its intensity and purpose.
In this MSC Breakdown, we look at three passing warm-ups that can be delivered in short 8–10 minute blocks. Each exercise starts with a relatively simple passing action before adding new movements, distances and combinations. The objective is to keep players technically sharp while constantly giving them a slightly different problem to solve. Rather than chasing perfection, we want tempo, movement, communication and players who can adapt as the picture changes. If you enjoy the exercises, please click here for our 30 High Tempo Passing Warm-Up eBook and use code: MSCPRESEASON, for 10% OFF!
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Exercise 1: Combination Play to Finish
Players work in two groups with a mini goal positioned at the end of each passing sequence. The exercise begins with a short bounce pass before the receiving player combines again with a teammate and finishes by passing into the mini goal. Players then rotate quickly to keep the tempo and repetition high.
The exercise can progress through different combinations, including give-and-go actions, turns and changes of direction. The mini goal provides an important end point because players move from short, sharp combinations into a longer forward pass. Encourage quality on both sides, quick movement after every action and accuracy when playing out of the combination.
Exercise 2: Moving Triangle Passing
Two groups begin with a simple triangle passing sequence, following their pass and maintaining a steady rhythm. Once the players are comfortable, the positions and distances begin to change so the passing picture is no longer completely predictable.
The final progression has both groups working simultaneously with two balls moving through the area. Players now have to scan, adjust their movement and occasionally change the timing or number of touches to avoid the other group. That little bit of chaos is intentional. Rather than stopping the exercise to create a perfect picture, challenge players to recognize what is happening and solve problems while maintaining the tempo.
Exercise 3: Combination Play into Space
The third exercise combines short passing actions with a longer pass into space. Players initially work through a simple passing sequence before the final player accelerates forward to receive beyond the combination.
Progressions can include a give-and-go, an overlap or an additional combination before releasing the runner. The key detail is the final pass: rather than constantly passing into feet, players must judge the weight and timing required to find a teammate moving at speed. Change the combination every few minutes to keep players engaged and, where possible, connect the movements and passing actions to the tactical theme of the session.
