Soccer Edition 118

Welcome to the Soccer Newsletter. Today's subject deals with straight runs and straight passes.

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Too often you see straight passes (in this case, straight means a pass that is parallel to the sideline) made to a straight runner (again, this means a run that is parallel to the sideline). The problem with a straight pass to a straight run is that everything has to be perfect for the pass to succeed because there is no room for error. If the pass is too hard, it will go over the end line. If it's too slow, the runner has to slow down and most likely wont be able to get the ball.  See Diagram 1 for an example of a straight pass to a straight run

Diagram 1

The alternative is to play a diagonal or curved ball to a runner making either a diagonal or curved run. By doing this, if the ball is hit too far, the runner just slightly changes the arc of the run and can still receive the ball in full stride. Same thing if the ball is hit too slowly.  See Diagram 2 for an example of a diagonal ball to a curved run

Diagram 2

There are certainly times when a straight ball to a straight run work but as a general rule, the diagonal choices work better.

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Have a great day!

Lawrence