Parallel and diagonal passing patterns

Setup

1. Cones for a 3-1 in the attacking half: fixo (F), two alas (L and R) and a pivot (P). A keeper in goal.
2. Balls stacked with the fixo. Spare players queue behind F.

How it runs

1. Parallel: F plays to L; P comes wide and L plays the ball straight down the line to P.
2. Diagonal: P plays across the face of goal to R, who attacks the second post and finishes.
3. After each finish, rotate: F to L, L to P, P to R, R to the back of the queue.
4. Run it 6 times down the left, then 6 down the right.

Coaching points

• Parallel ball: firm, on the ground, along the line into the runner's path.
• Diagonal: play it across the 6 m line, in front of the second post.
• Time the second-post run: arrive as the ball arrives, not before.
• The receiver of the parallel ball checks the keeper's position before the diagonal.

Common mistakes

• P coming wide too early and standing waiting.
• The diagonal played behind the runner.
• R arriving early and running past the ball.