Why Is Passing Important in Football? Passing in Football

Passing In Football

A pass is when a player kicks the ball to another member of their team. Passes can also be executed with the head or chest if directed well but are most frequently made with a player’s feet. A pass is completed if the receiving player is able to control the ball enough to dribble or pass.

Why Is Passing Important in Football?

A ball kicked to a teammate can travel faster than a player running and dribbling the ball to the same spot. Passing allows a team to transfer the ball among different players and move it down the field, all while maintaining possession. Passing can help a teammate get out of a tight situation if they are surrounded by one or more defenders. Finally, passing to open space allows an offensive teammate to run onto the ball and maintain forward momentum.

Teams that pass the ball well are more likely to create scoring opportunities. For example, the great Spanish club FC Barcelona adopted a pass-first game that led them to dominate the European club tournaments. The FC Barcelona-style attack passes the ball so much during the game that players often only take one or two touches on the ball before finding an open teammate.

Football Passing Positions

Often, players with superior passing abilities play the midfield position. A player that connects passes between the defense and attack is known as a linkman. To become a good passer, Football players need to develop their field vision, ability to anticipate plays and move into space, and control of the ball to complete passes with the right amount of power.

Types of Passes

There are many different pass types in Football:

• Backheel Pass
• Through Pass
• Give and Go Pass
• Long Pass
• Forward Pass
• One-Touch Pass
• Hospital Pass
• Back Pass
• Cross

Assists

If a pass leads directly to a goal by the player that received the pass, it is referred to as an assist. Assists are recorded throughout the game and season to measure individual passing ability. While not as glamorous as goals, assists are an important part of a team’s ability to score.