Passing Diamond Rotation

Build clean passing technique and an open, directional first touch, with players following their pass to keep the pattern moving.

Four cones in a diamond, 8–10 yards apart, a player (or small queue) at each cone. Ball starts at the bottom cone.

1. Pass around the diamond in one direction; every player follows their pass to the next cone.
2. Receive with an open body and take a directional first touch before passing on.
3. After a minute, reverse direction so both feet get work.
4. Add a second ball going the opposite way once the rhythm is set.

• First touch out of the feet, in the direction you are passing next.
• Pass with the inside of the foot, ankle locked, weight it to arrive on the move.
• Open the hips before you receive so you can see the next cone.
• Communicate — call the name before you play the pass.

• Players pass and stand still admiring it — pass and move immediately to the next station.
• Tempo drops because receivers wait flat-footed — demand movement to meet the ball.
• First touch goes backwards or dies under the body — set the touch in the direction of the next pass.

• Two-touch then one-touch only.
• Add a second ball travelling the other way.
• Receive across the body and play a one-two with the next cone.

• Make the diamond smaller.
• Allow three touches.
• Use one ball at a steady walking pace.

• You must follow your pass every time.