Split-Pass Timing

Develop the partnership between passer and runner on a through ball: move the defender with circulation, then split the gap the moment it opens, weighted into the runner's stride.

Mark a 25x20 yard area with a score zone across the last 5 yards. Two attackers circulate the ball on the start line; one defender screens in the middle; a runner starts wide level with the defender. Spare players wait behind the start line.

1. The two passers move the ball between them along the line — the defender must shift across with each pass.
2. The runner stays onside (level with the defender), drifting to find a blind-side position.
3. When a passing lane opens past the defender, play the split pass into the runner's path.
4. 1 point if the runner controls the ball inside the score zone; the defender scores by intercepting.
5. 5 reps, then rotate: passer to runner, runner to defender, defender off.
6. The defender may not enter the score zone or stand within 2 yards of the passers.

• Move the defender first — two honest passes before you look to split.
• Disguise it: look at your partner, play the runner.
• Weight it into the stride — the runner should never break step.
• Runner: start your run as the passer's head comes up, not after the pass.

• The split is forced on the first pass straight into the defender — demand patient circulation until the lane is genuinely open.
• The through ball is overhit and dies in the zone alone — weight it so runner and ball arrive together.
• The runner stands flat-footed waiting — coach the curved, blind-side run triggered by the passer's eyes.

• Add a second defender to screen the zone (2 passers + runner vs 2).
• The runner must finish into a mini-goal after controlling in the zone.
• One-touch circulation between the passers.

• Make the defender passive — they can only intercept, not press.
• Widen the area to 30 yards so gaps are bigger.
• Let the runner start a yard ahead of the defender.

• The split pass must be played on the ground.
• The runner cannot enter the score zone before the ball is struck.