intervallpass

Intervallpass, translated as interval pass, is a training drill used in team sports, most commonly in football (soccer) and handball. The drill focuses on delivering passes within recurring time windows to improve tempo, spacing, and decision-making under fatigue. It is typically implemented with two or more lines of players arranged along a passing lane or in small patterns such as triangles. A coach or timer signals fixed intervals, for example every 5 or 7 seconds. The objective is to complete a sequence of passes within each interval, keeping the ball moving quickly and arriving at a designated target or the next player.

In practice, participants may use one- or two-touch passing and may encounter various targets: fixed receivers, moving targets, or gates placed along the passing path. Variations include adjusting the number of players, the number of balls, and the interval duration. Some setups require different types of passes in successive intervals, or incorporation of running movements between touches. Adding defensive pressure or passive defenders can increase difficulty and realism.

Purpose and benefits: intervallpass aims to develop pace of play, anticipation, communication, and endurance. It trains players to maintain a high tempo while sustaining accuracy and technical quality. The drill can function as a warm-up, a conditioning component, or as part of a larger practice sequence focused on passing technique and team coordination.

Variations and adaptations: coaches tailor interval length, complexity, and defense level to skill level, training goals, and sport; the drill is scalable from youth to professional contexts.