Blind-Side Check and Slip Pass

Set-up

Set up a rectangular grid approximately 50 feet long by 33 feet wide using four cones to mark the corners. Place one tall marker (such as a garden cane, a small bin, a coat stand, or a weighted bag) roughly in the centre of the grid. If you have only two players, one will be the passer and the other the runner. If you have three, one can act as a static defender near the marker, or simply wait for their turn. The passer stands at one end of the grid with the ball, while the runner begins positioned directly behind the tall marker, out of sight of the passer.

What you need

• Ball
• Cones
• 1 tall marker

The ground: 50 × 33 ft (about 15 × 10 m). The space and equipment check lists every drill that fits the ground you have.

How to run it

1. Set up. A grid about fifteen steps by ten with a tall marker or bag in the middle.
2. Start behind. The runner begins behind the marker where a defender could not see them.
3. Go together. The run and the pass start at the same moment.
4. Into space. The pass goes ahead of the runner, not to their feet.
5. No breaking stride. If they have to stop or reach, the weight was wrong. Say so and go again.
6. Ten each. Ten from each side, swapping roles halfway.

Coaching points

• The run starts from behind the defender, where they cannot see it
• The pass is weighted to be run onto, not stood still for
• Both move at the same moment — a late run meets a dead ball

What to watch: Both move at the same moment. A late run arrives at a ball that has already stopped.

Common mistakes

• Late Run: The runner starts their movement after the passer has already played the ball. This results in the ball stopping dead before the runner arrives, forcing them to break stride or retrieve a stationary ball, negating the purpose of the through-pass.
• Pass to Feet: The passer aims the ball directly at the runner's feet rather than into the space ahead of them. This causes the runner to slow down, stop, or reach awkwardly to control the ball, disrupting their momentum and the flow of play.
• Visible Start: The runner begins their movement from a position where the passer or an imaginary defender can clearly see them. This defeats the "blind-side" element, making it easier for a real defender to anticipate and intercept the pass.
• Incorrect Weight on Pass: The pass is either too hard, sending the ball far beyond the runner's reach, or too soft, causing the runner to outrun the ball. Both scenarios prevent the runner from collecting the ball in stride and maintaining momentum.
• Lack of Simultaneous Movement: The passer and runner do not initiate their actions at the exact same moment. If the pass comes too early, the runner isn't ready; if the run starts too early, the passer may not be prepared to deliver, leading to a disconnected play.

What good looks like

A good target: Pass arrives in the runner's stride, without them breaking step, on 7 of 10 attempts.

• The runner consistently starts their movement from behind the marker, out of the imaginary defender's sight.
• Both the runner's movement and the passer's kick begin at approximately the same instant, showing coordinated timing.
• The pass travels into the open space ahead of the runner, rather than directly to their feet.
• The runner is able to collect the ball without needing to break their stride, stop, or make a significant adjustment.
• The ball's weight allows the runner to meet it comfortably at their running pace, neither overrunning it nor having to wait for it.

Progressions and variations

Making it harder

• Level 1: Start with a slower pace, focusing purely on the timing of the run and pass, and ensuring the ball arrives in the correct space.
• Level 2: Increase the tempo of both the run and the pass, encouraging quicker decision-making and execution while maintaining accuracy.
• Level 3: Introduce a second tall marker or a passive "ghost" defender (another player who stands still) near the first marker to make the runner's starting position slightly more challenging to hide behind.
• Level 4: After the pass, the passer must perform a quick recovery run or a defensive shuffle back to a designated cone, simulating a transition phase.
• Level 5: Widen the grid slightly and challenge the passer to make a longer, more precise pass, increasing the difficulty of weighting the ball correctly.
• Level 6: Add a simple follow-up action for the runner, such as taking one touch and then shooting at a small target or dribbling around a cone immediately after collecting the pass.
• Level 7: Introduce a light, passive defender who jogs slowly towards the pass's target area as the ball is played, forcing the passer to consider the defender's presence and the runner to accelerate faster.
• Level 8: Require the runner to execute a specific skill move (e.g., a feint or shoulder drop) before making their run, adding an element of deception.

Alone, with a sibling, or in a group

• Solo: play a pass off a wall, run past a tall marker on the blind side and collect the return.
• Sibling: one checks away and back around the marker while the other times the slip pass.
• Co-op: three players rotating, a passive defender added once the timing is right.

For the parent running it

• One player disappears behind the marker's shoulder while the other slides the ball into the gap. Timing is everything here.
• Focus on quality over quantity. It's better to have 5 well-executed attempts than 10 sloppy ones. If frustration sets in, take a break.
• Keep it positive and fun. Use encouraging language and celebrate good passes and runs, even if they aren't perfect.
• Emphasise communication. Encourage your child to call for the ball or signal their run, even if just to you. This builds good habits.
• This drill is excellent for building synergy between players. Don't rush into full-speed play; allow time for the timing to click.
• Integrate this drill as part of a longer practice session, perhaps after a warm-up and before a small-sided game, to practice game-like scenarios.

On their own: Pass off a wall, run past a tall marker on the blind side and collect the return in stride.

Safety

• Ensure the playing area is clear of any obstacles beyond the cones and marker to prevent trips and falls, especially as players will be running at pace.
• Remind players to be aware of their surroundings, particularly if multiple players are present, to avoid collisions during runs or when retrieving the ball.
• Monitor for signs of fatigue, as repetitive sprints can lead to muscle strains. Encourage regular water breaks and proper warm-up.
• If using a makeshift tall marker like a garden cane, ensure it is firmly planted or weighted down to prevent it from falling and causing injury.

More on training safely at home: Safety at Home.

Why it matters

This drill is fundamental for developing attacking combination play, particularly in tight spaces around the opposition's defensive line. It teaches players how to create and exploit space through intelligent movement off the ball and precise, weighted passes, feeding directly into effective penetration and goal-scoring opportunities.