Through-Ball Threading
Passing
Legend
- players
- opponents or partner
- ball
- core action
How it works
Thread a pass through two cones into a target area, simulating a through-ball behind the defensive line.
What you need
- cones
- soccer ball
Your focus
Threading passes through tight windows separates creative midfielders from average ones. This drill trains the precision, weight, and timing required to deliver a ball through a small gap at match speed.
Set two cones 2 yards apart as a gate, 12 yards away.
Place a target cone 8 yards beyond the gate.
Player strikes a pass through the gate, targeting the cone behind it.
Do 10 passes from straight on, 5 from a slight angle left, 5 from a slight angle right.
Score: 2 pts through the gate and close to the target, 1 pt through gate only.
Goal
You've nailed it when you thread the gate at least 8 of 10 times on the straight-on pass.
Helpful cues
- Thread, don't blast
- The weight of the pass matters as much as the direction
- Strike from a relaxed position, tension kills touch
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Widen the gate to 3 yards.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Move the gate further away (18 yards) or tighten to 1.5 yards.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.