Hidden Player Drill


Field size: 30 yards by 20 yards

Number of players: full team, three players in each group

Age range: 10-12

Description: Players in groups of threes stand in a straight line about 30 yards in length, one player stands in the middle and acts as the defender, but can only move to the side and not forward or back. The defender is tries to block the passes.

Players on the ends try to pass the ball back and forth without letting the player in the middle win the ball. The player positioned behind the defender makes runs to the right or left to receive the ball.  The defender won’t really be able to see which way the attacker behind them is moving.

Players try to make passes in two or three touches.  Players have to learn to control the ball out in front of them so they can easily make the next pass, and not control the ball right under their feet but ‘out of feet’.

This drill helps get players used to making passes back and forth without a player right on top of them or too close to them. They instead have to time their passes and move laterally to get open. If the drill is too difficult at first then have the defender just play at half speed until the players get the hang of the drill.

Equipment needed: Cones and practice vests.