Physical & Health Education — Soccer Passes

Subtopic: Push Pass (Age: 10 — Kenya)

What is a Push Pass?

A push pass is a short, controlled pass using the inside of the foot. The ball stays on the ground and moves quickly to a teammate. In Kiswahili you can call it "pasi ya kusukuma" or simply "pasi".

What you need
  • Football (size 3 or 4) — school ball is fine
  • Flat ground or school playing field (grass or turf)
  • Trainers or soccer boots, shin guards if available
  • Cones or markers (or water bottles)
Safety tips
  • Remove jewellery and tie shoelaces.
  • Check the area for holes or stones.
  • Keep good distance from other players to avoid collisions.
How to do a Push Pass — easy steps
  1. Stand side-on to the target. Non-kicking foot (plant foot) beside the ball, pointing to your teammate.
  2. Use the inside of your kicking foot (the broad, flat part).
  3. Keep your ankle firm and toes up slightly so the inside of the foot meets the ball.
  4. Push the ball forward with a short, controlled movement. Follow-through a little toward the target.
  5. Look at your teammate before and after the pass. Keep the ball on the ground.
Coach's cue words: "Step beside — inside — push — follow."
Picture of a push pass
You Team Inside of foot pushes the ball
Easy practice drills (10-year-olds)
  • Partner pass: Stand 3–5 metres apart. Pass back and forth. Count successful passes in 1 minute.
  • Passing to cone: Place a cone 4 metres away. Try to pass the ball so it stops near the cone.
  • Triangle keep-away (3 players): Two keep the ball from one defender using only push passes.
  • Moving pass: Walk slowly and pass to partner who moves into space. Practice receiving and pushing on.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
  • Ball flies high — keep ankle firm and toes up slightly.
  • Pass is too weak — step closer and follow through a bit more.
  • Misses partner — point non-kicking foot to the target before you push.
  • Looking down too long — glance up before passing to see your teammate.
Learning outcomes — by end of lesson
  • Can use the inside of the foot to push a short pass on the ground.
  • Shows correct body position: non-kicking foot beside the ball, ankle firm.
  • Passes accurately to a partner from 3–5 metres.
  • Plays safely and fairly with classmates.
Simple assessment (teacher)

Give each pupil 10 passes to a partner from 4 metres. Mark how many arrive at the partner's feet. Goal: 7 out of 10 or more.

Fun mini-game: "Pasi Relay"
  1. Make two teams in lines. Each player must push-pass to the next and run to the back.
  2. If the ball goes out, player must retrieve and pass again before the team can continue.
  3. First team to finish without mistakes wins. Encourages accurate push passes and movement.
Teacher tips (Kenya school context)
  • Use available space — school grass pitch or hard court is OK.
  • Make groups of 3–4 so all children get many touches on the ball.
  • Use local language phrases: praise with "Hongera!" or "Nzuri!" to encourage learners.
  • Link to teamwork and PE values: respect, fairness (heshima, haki).
Quick checklist for pupils

Plant foot beside ball • Use inside of foot • Push, don't kick • Follow through • Look for your teammate


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