Passningen

Passningen, the definite form of passning in Swedish, refers to the act of delivering the ball, puck, or disc from one player to another in team sports. The term is used across football (soccer), ice hockey, basketball, handball, and volleyball, and it constitutes a core mechanism for advancing play and maintaining possession.

In football, passes vary in purpose and distance: short passes to keep possession, long passes to switch play, and through passes intended to release attackers behind the defense. The pass should have appropriate weight and timing; a well-placed pass reduces pressure and creates scoring opportunities. Variants include give-and-go sequences, crosses, and switching plays during build-up.

Technique and reception are crucial. Players typically strike the ball with the inside of the foot for accuracy in ground passes, while lofted passes use the laces or outside of the foot to place the ball in space. Receiving a pass requires balance, body orientation, and soft cushioning to control the ball under pressure. Vision and communication help identify runs and space.

Other sports rely on passes with different equipment and conventions. In ice hockey, passes are made with the hockey stick; in basketball, chest passes and bounce passes are common; in handball and volleyball, precise passing and setting are central to maintaining offensive fluidity.

Evaluation of pass play includes metrics such as pass completion rate, number of key passes, assists, and turnover risk. Coaching emphasizes spacing, timing, and decision making to improve the effectiveness of passningen. Historically, passing has evolved with tactical systems and improved training methods.