At the 2018 World Cup, there was an average of 775.8 passes per game. Passing is a key element of football and as you get older and climb the football pyramid, you will need to improve your passing ability. Mastering your short passing is a key element of football.

If you cannot make a short pass, then it will be difficult for you to move the ball on the pitch. Passing not only moves the ball toward the goal, but it helps your team keep possession and away from opponents.

The objective of short passes is to keep them low and to quickly get the ball to your teammate. Short passes reduce the risk of giving the ball away. Long passes increase the chance of losing the ball. These tips will help you improve your short passing.

Posture

Approach the ball at an angle of around 30 degrees. Your body should be upright but slightly leaning into the pass to give it power.

Positioning

Place your support foot (the foot not kicking the ball) around a few centimetres to the left of the ball, if you’re right-footed vice versa if you are left-footed. Your support foot should be pointing towards the player you are passing to. Your ankles should also be facing the player the ball is being passed to.

Connecting with the ball

Use the instep of your foot to make full contact with the centre of the ball. Bring your foot/leg all the way through and don’t stop once contact is made. Your supporting leg should have a slight bend to give you stability.

Follow-through

Your follow-through will determine how much pace and power is in your short pass. A light follow-through means there is little power in the pass while a strong follow-through means there is more power in the pass.

Practice makes perfect

To practice your short passing, find a wall and pass your football into the wall with your right foot. Receive the ball and pass it once more. Do this as many times as you can to practice short passes with your right foot. After you have done a substantial amount with your right foot, use your left foot to do the same.