Dutch triangle: pass, return and pass into the run
The Dutch school (KNVB) triangle: inside-of-the-foot pass, back-foot control pushing the ball behind the cone and pass to the third point. The advanced version adds a first-time return and an angled pass into the run.
Step 1Pase y devolución
1 / 3
A pasa a B, que devuelve al primer toque; A ha dado un paso hacia el balón.
Objective
Inside-of-the-foot passing at match tempo, back-foot control behind the cone and a separation movement (check away and come back) before receiving.
Organisation
Three cones forming an equilateral triangle with 10-15 m sides (up to 20 m for seniors). Two or three players at each cone, one ball at the starting point. Players always follow their pass and join the back of the next cone's line.
Development
- 1Basic version: A passes with the inside of the foot to B, who has checked away two or three steps behind the cone and comes back towards the ball with momentum.
- 2B controls with the right foot pushing the ball behind the cone and passes right-footed to C; A follows the pass and joins the back of B's line.
- 3C completes the triangle by passing to A and the rotation runs continuously; after 3-4 minutes switch direction to control and pass with the left.
- 4Advanced version: A passes to B, B returns first time and shuffles back and to the right, mimicking the movement after a pass; A plays an angled pass into B's run.
- 5B passes first time to C and follows the pass; C starts the same sequence with A. With large groups, add a second ball from the opposite point.
Coaching points4
- Inside-of-the-foot pass, low and firm, as in a game: no soft passes.
- The back-foot control pushes the ball behind the cone, leaving the imaginary defender behind.
- Check away before coming to receive: two steps out and back with momentum.
- Constant communication: call for the ball and show the foot you want to receive on.
Common mistakes3
- Receiving on the cone without checking away first.
- Controlling with the near foot and staying square to the passer.
- Following the pass at half pace and arriving late at the next line.
Variations3
- Switch direction every 3-4 minutes to work the left foot.
- Add a second ball at the opposite point to cut waiting time.
- One-touch pass straight to the third point without a control.
Progressions2
- Full advanced version with first-time return and pass into the run.
- Passive defender on the cone forcing a genuine check-away to receive.
Regressions2
- 8-10 m triangle and free touches for younger players.
- Pass and control only, without the check-away, until the technique is clean.
Tips
- A different coloured cone for the starting point keeps the rotation clear.
- Insist on the ball going to the far foot even on short passes.