The Long Pass
Developing players who can go over opponents, with accuracy and at speed
In order to deliver the awe inspiring 60m diagonal pass across two thirds of the pitch to a sprinting team mate at the perfect moment to break the off-side trap, a player must have the fundamental skill of accurately kicking a moving ball through the air. The dead ball equivalent is of course necessary for free kicks and corners.
As with ball juggling, hitting the cross bar is a dubious skill to develop, however they will practice it as it is popular, best to accept it and adapt the accuracy developed through 'cross bar' to refine corner and free kick passing.
White Grade
The player must be able to clear the cross bar of a goal from the edge of the penalty box. The ball is static before being struck.
Progressions to Black grade
The player must be able to land the ball with increasing accuracy over increasing distances until they can land a ball within a target area positioned diagonally from the performer. They must be able to do this with both feet, kicking a moving ball from the defensive third into the attacking third.
Challenge Game
As with shooting the early versions respond well to a 'round the clock' format.
Top tip
Young players find chipping the ball extremely difficult don't let them become discouraged by belabouring this challenge.
I will intro this challenge for beginner players by allowing them to use a flat cone as kicking tee.