All Drills

Back-Heel Combination

passing advanced U14 U16+ Adult

12

Minutes

3

Players

2

Items

Objective

Use a back-heel to play a third-man runner in behind a simulated defensive line.

Equipment

  • balls
  • cones

Instructions

  1. 1

    Three players in a line: A (feeder), B (target), C (runner).

  2. 2

    A plays into B's feet. C makes a run beyond B.

  3. 3

    B uses a back-heel to redirect the ball into C's path without turning.

  4. 4

    C finishes or returns and rotates positions.

  5. 5

    Repeat 10 times then rotate.

Coaching Points

  • ✓ B must disguise the back-heel — no tell-tale look behind.
  • ✓ Back-heel contact point is the heel bone, not the Achilles.
  • ✓ C times the run to stay onside until B receives.

Variations

  • → Add a goalkeeper and full-size goal for C to finish into.

Related Drills

🎯 advanced

Third-Man Run

Combine short passes to release a third player in behind with a well-timed run.

passing U14 U16+ +1
15 min 3+
🎯 intermediate

Back-to-Goal Layoff

Receive with back to goal, hold up play, and lay the ball off to a supporting player.

passing U12 U14 +2
12 min 2+
🎯 intermediate

Combination Sequence

Execute a rehearsed 4-player passing pattern to build combination play fluency.

passing U12 U14 +2
15 min 4