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Physical Education

Passing Patterns

Overview

Groups of students pass a ball in a set pattern, focusing on accuracy and weight of pass.

Learning Objective
Students develop accurate passing by repeating structured passing patterns in groups.

Resources needed

  • Ball or tied cloth ball
  • Markers

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Groups of 4 stand in a square, one at each corner.
  2. 2 Pass the ball clockwise around the square.
  3. 3 Count passes — try to reach 20 without error.
  4. 4 Change direction: anti-clockwise.
  5. 5 Try a diagonal pattern: pass across the square.
  6. 6 Move further apart for more challenge.
  7. 7 Add a second ball — two balls moving at the same time.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • One-touch passing only.
  • Players move to a different corner after passing.
  • Add a defender in the middle trying to intercept.
More information

Teach: pass, receive, weight, accuracy, move. Key phrase: 'pass to where your partner is moving, not where they are standing'.

Closer distances and slower pace for less experienced students. Focus on the technical action of passing.

Are passes reaching the target accurately? Are students positioning their body correctly to receive?

A tied cloth ball works for passing. Mark corners with stones. No painted lines or cones needed.

Students often pass to a standing partner. Teach them to pass into space ahead of a moving partner — the most important passing skill.

Passing patterns are used in professional football, basketball, and hockey training. The square pattern is a universal starting point.

Activity details
Primary Medium 20 minutes 5 minutes prep Small Group Outdoor
Topics
Passing Teamwork Coordination