Try the Cross Pass
Practice cross passes in pairs using a ball and cones, focusing on accuracy, timing, and communication while moving across the field safely.
Step-by-step guide to Try the Cross Pass
Step 1
Find a partner to practice with and stand together at one end of the play area.
Step 2
Set up a lane by placing two parallel lines of cones about 6–10 big steps apart.
Step 3
Pick who will start as the passer and who will start as the runner.
Step 4
Warm up by jogging slowly around the outside of the cone lane for one minute.
Step 5
Practice a stationary cross pass by standing still and using the inside of your foot to pass diagonally to your partner.
Step 6
Repeat the stationary pass until each player has completed six clean passes.
Step 7
Practice moving cross passes by walking diagonally across the lane and passing to your partner as you reach the middle of the lane.
Step 8
Call your partner’s name or shout “pass” before you kick to practice clear communication.
Step 9
Aim each pass to land near your partner’s feet or chest so it is easy to control.
Step 10
Switch roles every two minutes so both players practice starting and receiving.
Step 11
Count how many accurate cross passes you make in a row and try to beat your best score.
Step 12
Cool down by walking slowly and stretching your legs for one minute.
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have cones to set up the two parallel lines about 6–10 big steps apart?
Use rolled-up socks, water bottles, shoes, or draw parallel lines with chalk to mark the two parallel lines of cones about 6–10 big steps apart.
My child keeps missing or kicking too hard during the moving cross pass—what should we try?
Have them repeat the stationary cross pass using the inside of the foot until they complete six clean passes, aim each pass to land near the partner's feet or chest, and call the partner's name before kicking to improve accuracy and communication.
How can we adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children shorten the lane to about 3–5 big steps, let them walk while practicing the stationary cross pass and use a larger soft ball, while older kids can widen the 6–10 step lane, jog during moving cross passes, and compete by counting consecutive accurate passes to beat their best score.
How can we extend or personalize the Cross Pass challenge after we've practiced the basics?
Add target zones in the lane for aimed passes, require passers to use their weaker foot, turn the two-minute role switches into timed mini-games to improve consistency, and record your best streak of accurate cross passes to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Try the Cross Pass
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Facts about soccer passing drills for kids
⚽ Many goals in professional matches start from a well-placed cross, so practicing crosses can lead to real scoring chances.
🎯 Top players often complete about 80–90% of short passes — accuracy in practice makes a big difference in games.
🗣️ Simple verbal cues like “time”, “away”, or a player’s name speed up decisions and keep teammates safe.
🟠 Training cones are used in almost every soccer drill to mark space, targets, and safe movement paths.
🏃 Practicing cross passes builds timing, teamwork, and movement skills while keeping players active and aware of safety.
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