The Through Pass in Modern Soccer

In modern soccer, the through pass is one of the most effective ways to gain space and break through the opponent’s defensive structure. While back and sideways passes primarily serve ball control and calming the game, true progress comes through vertical passes – passes that move the ball forward into dangerous areas.

Game Idea and Importance

The main goal of any team is to control the game through possession and bring the ball dangerously close to the opponent’s goal. Opponents try to prevent this by organizing compactly behind the ball. While it’s possible to maintain possession for long periods in this setup, it often results in little to no territorial gain.

This is where the through pass comes into play: it uses every available opportunity to bypass the opponent’s defensive block and shift the attack into a threatening zone.

Requirements for Successful Vertical Passes

To enable a through pass, dynamic ball circulation is essential. When the ball is moved forward quickly and on the ground, the opponent needs a few seconds to reorganize defensively. This short time window must be exploited: if the receiving player can control the ball cleanly and immediately pass it to a more advanced teammate, the opportunity for a decisive through pass opens up.

Key elements of a good through pass:

• Flat
• Driven
• Well-timed

Equally important is the receiver’s positioning – they must be open to the field and aware of their surroundings before receiving the ball to maintain the tempo.

Decision-Making in Game Play

Not every situation calls for a through pass. If the advanced teammate is under heavy pressure or the passing lane is blocked, a back or sideways pass is the better option. The priority is to avoid losing the ball in dangerous zones while maintaining possession.

Against aggressive pressing, a deliberate back pass may be necessary to regain control and restructure the build-up.

If the opponent consistently shifts toward the ball side, patience and switching play becomes essential. Constant movement wears the opponent down and eventually opens up spaces. Once a gap appears after a switch, the advanced player should actively move into it. Ideally, they receive the ball in an open stance, ready to turn or combine with a teammate in a quick one-two. Clear coaching cues like “one-touch” or “turn” help players orient themselves quickly.

Combining with the Through Pass – In Practice

Training Approach

Teaching the through pass should follow a structured progression. It’s best to begin with a technical drill focused on clean, flat vertical passing. This also serves as a warm-up and helps improve passing quality and spatial awareness.

Then move into a game-like drill, where the players apply what they learned in realistic scenarios. Zone-based or overload formats can be used to create targeted opportunities for through passes.

Conclusion

The through pass is a key element in breaking down defenses and creating scoring chances. It demands technical skill, tactical awareness, and perfect timing. Teams that train this consistently and integrate it into their match play gain a clear advantage in offensive play.