The give-and-go creates a new receiving position. The Cruyff turn changes direction. Ask players to identify the space they intend to use before they execute the movement.
Time the arriving player
In cutback work, the receiver watches the wide player and arrives to meet the backward pass. Keep the approach and retrieval routes separate.
01
Give-and-go passing (one-two)
Link a give-and-go pass with a supporting run.
Group: 2–12 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 ball per pair available; groups of 3 or more share one active ball and leave spares outside the area Time: 6–9 minutes
Set up: One player starts with the ball near the lane entrance. The partner stands four yards ahead and slightly to one side. An odd player joins a trio and replaces the receiving partner after each sequence.
Pass to the partner and jog forward on the open side.
The partner cushions the ball and returns it into the runner’s path.
The runner receives, slows down and returns to the start together with the partner.
Swap roles after every sequence and try the other side.
Coach’s cue: Pass before you run. Return the ball where your teammate can meet it.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Use walking pace and allow two touches for each pass.
Harder: For experienced pairs, the runner calls the clear return side before the first pass. The partner angles the body and returns into that path in one or two controlled touches; compare early and later release timing without rushing the runner. Change sides only between repetitions, never across a live pass.
Keep it safe: Only one sequence runs in each lane; return along its outside edge. Keep the ball on the ground; no heading or body contact. Use a clear, level area and pause for water or discomfort as needed. Leave spare balls and personal equipment outside all movement and shooting paths. For mixed ages, form pairs by a comfortable passing distance and pace, not age alone. Use the easier entry point first; a player may stay there while another uses the optional progression. No contact or forced speed.
02
Cruyff turn
Sell a pass or shot, then turn away by taking the ball behind the standing leg.
Group: 2–12 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 age-appropriate soccer ball per player Time: 5–10 minutes
Set up: Give each player a ball and a personal 4-by-4-metre patch with extra space between players. Rehearse the feet without a ball first; players must already stop and turn a slow dribble. No pairs or defender are needed, so odd numbers work unchanged.
Dribble two small touches, place the non-kicking foot beside the ball, and shape as if passing forward.
Use the inside of the other foot to draw the ball behind the standing leg; turn the hips and follow the ball into the opposite direction.
Stop after two exit touches, reset in the same patch and try the other foot. Work for 20 seconds, then pause to watch one partner demonstration without exchanging balls.
Coach’s cue: Show the pass before the turn. Take the exit touch into space.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Start with a stationary ball and walk the turn in two parts.
Harder: Keep the same patch and add a convincing look and shoulder shape before the turn, followed by a sharper controlled exit.
Keep it safe: Leave room for the ball and body to turn without reaching another player. Keep the plant foot comfortable; do not force a twisting knee or cross the legs at speed. Stop for a loose ball; no defender, tackling or race.
03
Cutback finishing
Time an arrival to meet a backward ground pass from a wide player near the end line.
Set up: Use two cones as a 3-metre target goal, four cones for a 16-by-12-metre area, and two for wide-server and central-finisher starts. The wide player starts several metres out from the end line; the finisher starts farther from goal. One feeder starts with the ball; at most three others wait outside the side boundary. No goalkeeper. Check a clear collection area behind the cone goal.
The feeder passes to the wide player, who controls and carries the ball toward the end line outside the goal mouth.
The finisher waits, then moves into the central space as the wide player looks up and passes backward along the ground, away from the end line.
The finisher takes a settling touch if needed and shoots low through the cone goal. Stop, collect the ball, and rotate feeder to wide player to finisher; the finisher rejoins the feeder queue. Practise from the other side too.
Coach’s cue: Look up before the cutback. Arrive with the pass; do not wait on the goal line.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Move the starts closer and rehearse the pass and timed arrival before adding a shot.
Harder: Try a first-time finish after the pass and arrival are consistently controlled, or vary the finisher’s starting position while keeping one runner.
Keep it safe: Check a level, clear surface, footwear and run-off before starting. Keep waiting players and spare equipment outside every active and return path. Match the challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Pause or use the easier option when control deteriorates. Keep every service and finish low; no aerial crosses, heading, goalkeeper or contested rebounds. Shoot only when the target and collection area are empty; stop the next sequence until the ball is returned and everyone is ready.
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Questions coaches ask
Are these advanced tactical sessions?
These are focused fundamentals. Use them within a broader practice that reflects your team’s formation, experience and coaching goals.
Should I insist on the Cruyff turn in a game?
Teach the movement first. In game situations, let players choose a suitable turn rather than forcing one move regardless of the defender or space.
Where can I build a practice for my team?
Try the free practice generator for soccer. It uses 10 starter activities per sport. Coach adds the full drill library, saved and editable plans, team calendars and AI coaching help.