It is important for your team to retain possession of the ball until a goal scoring opportunity becomes available. This can best be achieved by a series of sort passes.

• Use your instep for accuracy.
• Aim to deliver the ball just ahead of your team mate thus allowing for his movement.
• On striking your short pass try to immediately move into a position where you can receive a return pass.

While long passes run the risk of losing possession they are often the best way of creating goal scoring opportunities. The secret is to know how and when to deliver them.

• Strike the long passes with either the instep or the top of your foot, spreading your arms to give better balance.
• Only attempt the long pass when in the oppositions half of the field. Should you attempt it in your own half and lose possession you could cost your team a goal.

Recent changes in the laws of the game meant that goalkeepers cannot pick-up back passes from their own team players.

• Pass the ball back wide of the goalposts so that should the goalkeeper miss your pass it will not result in an own goal.
• Try to know which foot your goalkeeper favours and pass to him on that side.
• Use a cushioned header when possible, again wide of the goalposts, as this allows your goalkeeper to pick-up the ball.

A cross is a pass, usually into the penalty area, which is likely to result in an attempt on goal. Accuracy in delivery of the ball is vital as your team mates are unlikely to have much time or space in the penalty area.

• Before crossing always look-up and identify a team mate who is in the best scoring position.
• Strike the ball with the instep whilst leaning back which will result in the ball being elevated.