Give-and-go soccer drill (wall pass)
The give-and-go drill is a 2v1 exercise in which a player passes to a teammate, runs past the defender and receives the return pass in the space behind. It trains the wall pass, also called the one-two: the timing of the first pass, the sprint and the one-touch return.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Give-and-go: setup diagram
At a glance
| Detail | For this drill |
|---|---|
| Ages | U8 to U12 (ages 7 to 12) |
| Players | Groups of 3 or 4 |
| Space | 12 x 20 yd (11 x 18 m) |
| Equipment | One ball per group; 4 cones; 2 extra cones for a line to dribble over |
| Time | 10 to 12 minutes |
| Skill | Passing and receiving |
Change the size of the area to fit your group: bigger makes it easier for the player with the ball, smaller makes it harder. Everyone who goes out comes straight back in, and nobody runs laps.
How to run it
- The defender stands in the middle of a 12 by 20 yard channel. The “wall” player stands at the side, level with the defender.
- The attacker dribbles at the defender. When the defender steps toward the ball, the attacker passes to the wall.
- The attacker sprints past the defender on the side away from the wall player.
- The wall player passes first time into the space behind the defender. The attacker runs onto it and dribbles over the end line.
- Rotate: attacker to wall, wall to defender, defender to attacker. Start with a defender who only walks, then make it live.
- When it is live, the attacker may also keep the ball and dribble past if the defender moves to block the pass.
Coaching points to say out loud
- “Draw the defender in first.”
- “Pass and sprint.”
- “Wall: one touch, into space.”
- “If the wall is covered, keep it.”
Make it easier or harder
Easier
The defender stands still as a cone with arms, or you replace the defender with a cone for the first few turns.
Harder
Play 2v1 freely to an end line, with no fixed wall position. Then 2v2, where a give-and-go is worth two goals.
Common mistakes
- Passing too early, from too far away. The defender simply turns and runs with the attacker.
- Passing and then admiring the pass. The run starts the moment the ball leaves the foot.
- The wall stopping the ball before returning it, which gives the defender time to recover.
Why it matters in a game
The give-and-go is how two players beat one defender anywhere on the field. Our lesson on the one-two adds the reading: use a teammate to go around pressure, but check that the return pass is still open.
The lesson that teaches it: A Wall Pass, or Keep It.
Do it at home
A wall is the perfect partner. Put a cone down as the defender, pass against the wall at an angle, sprint past the cone and meet the rebound.
Questions about Give-and-go
What is a give-and-go in soccer?
A two-pass move: you give the ball to a teammate, go past your defender, and get it back. It is also called a one-two or a wall pass.
What age can learn the give-and-go?
From about U8, once players pass accurately over 5 to 10 yards. Before that, 2v1 games teach the same idea more simply: dribble or pass.
Why does the first pass need to be late?
Because the defender must be committed to the ball. If they are still far away they can turn and cover the runner.
Lessons that teach this idea
- A Wall Pass, or Keep It (7v7 lesson)Use a teammate to go around pressure, but check whether the return is still open.
- A Return Pass Is a Choice (9v9 lesson)Time a support run and use the return only when the defender leaves its lane open.
- Wall Pass or Keep It (Futsal lesson)Read the defender before choosing a return pass.
- Two Against One: Carry or Pass (9v9 lesson)Watch whether the defender approaches the ball or stays with the teammate.
Related drills and guides
- 2v1 to goal (drill)It trains the main decision of attacking with an extra player: dribble at the defender, then pass if they come to you or keep going if they do not.
- Wall passing (drill)It trains a firm, accurate pass and a clean first touch with both feet, because the wall always gives the ball back.
- Triangle passing (drill)It trains passing to the correct foot, an open body shape and moving right after the pass.
- Rondo 3v1 (drill)It trains quick passing, support on both sides of the ball and a first touch away from pressure.
- Give-and-go (soccer term)Pass, run past the defender, get it back
- 2v1 (soccer term)Two attackers against one defender
- Striker in soccerThe player who finishes chances
- U8 soccer drills for 7 and 8 year oldsTen drills for 7 and 8 year olds: dribbling, 1v1, first passing and 3v3
- U10 soccer drills for 9 and 10 year oldsTen drills for 9 and 10 year olds: rondos, first touch, 2v1 and first goalkeeping
- U12 soccer drills for 11 and 12 year oldsTen drills for 11 and 12 year olds: 4v2 rondos, possession, defending in pairs and finishing
- Soccer passing drills for kidsPassing drills in teaching order: pairs, triangles, give-and-go and rondos
- All passing and receiving drillsPassing to a teammate, then moving to help again.
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.