Mastering the Y-Passing Drill: 10 Game-Like Variations by Peter Schreiner

In this article, Peter Schreiner – globally recognized coach educator, author and expert in youth soccer – presents 10 variations of the Y-passing drill. This classic training method is used to develop passing, movement off the ball, timing, and communication. The Y-shape (also known as the “Y passing shape” or “Y drill”) holds special value in soccer training due to its tactical, technical, and cognitive benefits.

The Y-shaped passing drill (also known as the “Y passing shape” or “Y drill”) is a classic method for training passing, movement off the ball, timing, and communication. The Y-shape is especially valuable in soccer training for various tactical, technical, and cognitive reasons.

What are the benefits of Y shaped passing drills?

1. Reflects Real Game Situations

The Y-shape simulates typical build-up play sequences, such as:

1. Pass to the central player (holding or central midfielder)
2. Lay-off pass for support
3. Diagonal pass to the wing
4. Run into depth or the center

These sequences can be directly applied to in-game situations – for example, switching play from the center to the flanks or bypassing pressing.

2. Promotes Triangle Play

Forming triangles is one of the core principles of positional play.
The Y-shape trains exactly that:

1. Spatial awareness
2. Movement away from the ball
3. Creating passing angles

Players learn how to position themselves to always offer at least two passing options.

3. Combination of Technique, Timing & Movement

The Y-shape combines different technical and tactical elements:

1. Precise passing
2. Open body position for receiving
3. Coordinated runs
4. Pass timing and decision-making

This combination develops both ball skills and game intelligence – a holistic form of training.

4. Variability & Progression

The Y-shape is highly adaptable:

1. Simple passing patterns for beginners
2. More complex setups with defensive or time pressure
3. Integration of finishing, transitions, or small-sided games

Scalable from basic to advanced levels.

5. Low Effort – High Impact with Minimal Equipment

The drill is:

1. Quick to set up
2. Space-efficient
3. Possible with small groups

The Y-shape is not an isolated technical drill, but a complex, game-like training method that integrates many aspects of modern soccer: technique, tactics, cognition, communication, and positional play.

Peter Schreiner presents 10 variations in the Y-shape that teach passing techniques and combination play, culminating in a shot on goal. These forms are ideal for coaches looking to inspire beginners in soccer.

The videos are presented by the women’s team of SW Essen. They may not show technical perfection, but the players had great fun and were highly motivated. Coaches in high-performance soccer should focus on higher tempo, better precision, and sharper passes.

Notes on Organization and Execution in Training

1. Explain and practice the rotation (endless format!)
2. Short wait times through correct player distribution per position
3. Allow mistakes but correct them purposefully
4. Gradually increase difficulty (e.g., finishing, defensive pressure)
5. Promote understanding: explain the Y-shape in game-related terms (e.g., build-up via the holding midfielder)

Key Coaching Points for the Y-Shape

Technique

1. Clean inside-foot pass with pace
2. Body tension and foot positioning during lay-offs
3. Open body when receiving (field awareness)
4. First touch into playing direction
5. Pass to the correct foot of the teammate
6. Adjusting pass pace appropriately

Cognition & Decision-Making

1. Pre-orientation before receiving
2. Fast decisions: one-touch or two-touch?
3. Variability: pass to the right or left?
4. Identifying open spaces and passing lanes
5. Recognizing and adjusting to game tempo

Movement & Running Patterns

1. Active movement away from the cone
2. Body feint or separation before the pass
3. Dynamic deep runs after diagonal pass
4. Exact runs to the next position (for endless format)
5. Don’t stop – always prepare for the next action

Passing Drill 01 – Y-Shape with Ball Carry at Positions B and C

Setup:
Build a Y-shape with one cone and three mannequins, distance from A to B approx. 4–6 m, mannequins approx. 8–12 m away. Minimum five players, plenty of balls.

Sequence:

1. A passes to B, then moves to B’s position.
2. B carries the ball past the mannequin with the first touch and plays a sharp pass to C.
3. C does the same, carrying the ball past the mannequin and dribbles back to the start.
4. Repeat the same sequence on the left side.

Passing Drill 02 – Y-Shape – Ball Carry at B, Wall Pass at C

Setup:
Same as above.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and takes B’s position.
2. B carries the ball past the mannequin and plays a sharp pass to C.
3. C lays it off to B and completes a wall pass.
4. C dribbles back to the start.
5. Repeat on the left side.

Passing Drill 03 – Y-Shape with Wall Pass with B – Ball Carry at C

Setup:
Same setup.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and offers support to the side.
2. B lays it off to A and runs to position C.
3. A plays a sharp pass to C and moves to B’s position.
4. C carries the ball past the mannequin and dribbles back.
5. Repeat on the left side.

Passing Drill 04 – Y-Shape – Double Wall Pass – Dribble to Start

Setup:
Same setup.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and offers support to the side.
2. B lays it off to A and runs around the mannequin.
3. A plays sharply to C.
4. C lays it off to B and completes a wall pass.
5. C dribbles back.
6. Repeat on the left side.

Passing Drill 05 – Y-Shape – Double Wall Pass – Direct Pass to Start

Setup:
Same setup.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and supports to the side.
2. B lays it off to A and runs around the mannequin.
3. A plays sharply to C.
4. C lays it off to B and completes a wall pass.
5. C passes directly to a player at the starting point.
6. Repeat on the left side.

Passing Drill 06 – Y-Shape – Wall Pass with B – Ball Carry at C and D

Setup:
Same setup.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and supports to the side.
2. B lays it off to A and runs to C.
3. A plays sharply to C.
4. C carries the ball past the mannequin and passes to D.
5. D carries the ball past the mannequin and dribbles back.
6. Repeat on the left side.

Passing Drill 07 – Y-Shape – Opponent Behind B

Setup:
Same setup with at least six players.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and supports to the side.
2. B shields the ball from a defender, lays it off to A, and runs around the mannequin.
3. A plays sharply to C and becomes the defender applying light pressure.
4. The defender moves into B’s position.
5. C lays it off to B and completes a wall pass.
6. C dribbles back.
7. Repeat on the left side.

Passing Drill 08 – Y-Shape with Passing Triangle

Setup:
Same setup.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and supports to the side.
2. B lays it off to A and runs around the mannequin.
3. A plays sharply to C.
4. C passes to B.
5. B plays directly to D.
6. D carries the ball with the first touch and dribbles back.
7. Repeat on the left side.

Passing Drill 09 – Bypassing Line – Shot on Goal After Through Ball

Setup:
Same setup, with goal and goalkeeper, minimum six players.
Sequence:

1. A bypasses B and passes directly to C.
2. C passes to B and makes a run toward D.
3. B plays a well-weighted through ball to D and moves into C’s position.
4. D controls and shoots or finishes directly. Then dribbles back.
5. Repeat with pass from A to C.

Passing Drill 10 – Pressure on B – Pass to C – Pass to D – Shot on Goal

Setup:
Same setup, with at least eight players.
Sequence:

1. A passes to B and supports to the side.
2. B lays it off to A and runs to C.
3. A plays sharply to C, who positions openly. A becomes the defender applying light pressure.
4. Defender moves into B’s position.
5. C takes the ball toward D with the first touch and passes to him.
6. D controls and finishes.
7. Repeat the sequence with a pass from A to B.