DEVELOPING THE REVERSE PASS
Diagram
(1)
In diagram (1), a circle (diameter around 20 metres), with 6 or 7 players on the
perimeter
A cone
is placed in the centre of the area, one ball, X1 in possession.
The player X1 moves with the ball, quickly as his control will allow, to go round
the cone, and then plays a reverse pass (a pass at right angles) to a colleague
on the edge of the area - in the diagram to X6marked (a)
Coaches should insist that X1's non kicking foot stays behind the ball, while
his kicking foot turns towards the ball from the ankle joint and smartly whips
the ball back at the right angle; he then follows the pass to replace X6
The ball must keep moving all the time and X6now takes the ball round the cone
and he plays a reverse pass to X5- marked (b) - and so the practice continues.
Practice
(2) To progress,
players should be encouraged to use their weaker foot i.e. in the diagram (1)
X1 would go round the cone to the left, and reverse pass to X3 using his left
foot.
Practice (3) Two lines X and Y, 30 metres apart
Two
sets of players A's and B's, behind line X, (A's) with a ball 
(A1) sets off running with the ball
Once he reaches the cone ?near to the half way mark, (B1) sets off
(A1) continues his run and as he reaches line Y, he reserve passes to (B1) (as
in diagram) - and they both continue on behind line Y and stay there
(A2) and (B3) repeat the practice
When all players are beyond line Y, they turn about and it is (B's) turn to have
possession, and reverse pass. Players should again use both feet in the practice.
Reverse Pass (continued) Diagram (1) 
In this practice there are 5 players in an area 20 metres x 15 metres, each player
behind a pair of cones (as in diagram 1).
(D) starts in possession of the ball and he goes on the outside of the cone placed
in the centre of the area, and then cuts the ball back between the cones where
(C) is waiting (pass a). On completion (D) takes (C's) place.
(C) takes the ball, first time, and he will bypass (D) on his run, move to the
outside of the centre cone and then reverse pass to (A) pass (b) and so the practice
continues, with as few stops as possible. COACHES SHOULD INSIST ON: - (1)
Accurate passing
(2) Quick movement, and good control after receiving the
ball
(3) THIS PRACTICE NEEDS TO BE QUICK AND DECISIVE.
PLAYERS MUST REACT QUICKLY ON RECEIVING THE BALL, AND SHOULD NOT OVERRUN THE CENTRE
CONE - SO THE FIRST TOUCH IS IMPORTANT.
(4) THE
REVERSE PASS SHOULD BE WORKED ON TILL PERFECTED
Diagram (2) 
In this practice, the area is 20 metres x 15 metres; one ball.
In the area 3 v 3 (A's + B's) with both sides having a player on the outside of
one of the sides i.e. (A5) and (A4) (B5) and (B4).
The practice is to retain possession and scoring by playing a reverse pass to
a player (of the same side) on the outer edge of the area.
So in diagram 2, (B's) interpass, and they score with a reverse pass from (B1)
to (B4).
To make the practice competitive,
the coach can award a point to the team that successfully plays a reverse pass
during the activity. | 
