Barcelona line passing: four cones, one-two and long pass
Four cones in a line 5-10 m apart. The two central players peel off their cones sideways in opposite directions to offer a passing line and the ball travels from one end to the other with three combinations: short pass, long pass with lay-off and one-two.
Step 1Pared con el central cercano
1 / 3
El 2 se descuelga hacia abajo; el 1 pasa y recibe la devolución al primer toque.
Objective
Move off the cone (imaginary defender) at pace and in coordination with the other midfielder to receive facing play and progress the ball with a short pass, a long pass or a one-two.
Organisation
Four cones in a straight line 5-10 m apart depending on age (the two central cones can be replaced by mannequins). One player per cone; with more players, two at each end. Ball at one end. Rotate positions every 2-5 minutes.
Development
- 1Combination 1, short pass: the end player (1) passes to the nearest central player (2), who has peeled off the cone sideways; the other central player (3) peels off to the opposite side and receives from 2; 3 passes to the far end (4).
- 2Player 4 restarts towards the other end with the same sequence; the central players change side on every ball: the first decides and the second adjusts to the opposite side.
- 3Combination 2, long pass: 1 skips to the far central player (3), who lays off first time to 2, and 2 plays to the end (4).
- 4Combination 3, one-two: 1 plays a one-two with the near central player (2), moves forward a few metres and passes to 3, who has already peeled off; 3 finishes with 4.
- 5Work each combination for 3-4 minutes, then let the central players choose the combination on every ball.
Coaching points4
- Peel off the cone at high tempo and just before the pass, not long before.
- The two central players coordinate: opposite directions so the passing line stays open.
- Receive with the far foot and the body open towards the next player.
- Low, firm passes; the long pass driven and no higher than waist height.
Common mistakes3
- Both central players moving to the same side and blocking each other.
- Receiving standing still on the cone instead of on the move.
- The lay-off after the long pass played backwards instead of towards the advancing teammate.
Variations3
- Replace the central cones with mannequins to make the movement more realistic.
- Limit to two touches, then one.
- Let the central players choose the combination on every repetition.
Progressions2
- Add a defender pressing one central player to force the short/long read.
- Increase the distances to 12-15 m and demand driven low long passes.
Regressions2
- 5 m distances and free touches for the youngest players.
- Short-pass combination only until the central players' movement is automatic.
Tips
- Explain that the cone is a defender on your back: you must move away from it to receive.
- With eight players, set up two parallel lines and rotate between them.