There are many different types of passes in soccer. We will cover each of them below.
A backheel is a special pass where the passer uses the back of the foot to pass the ball to a teammate behind them. This move has become more popularized as some of the best professional players utilize the pass.
A through pass is a pass that splits two defenders and connects with a teammate running behind the defense while remaining onside. This is a very effective pass on the attack and is difficult to execute against a disciplined sweeper and group of fullbacks.
A give and go pass, or wall pass is a two v one situation. One offensive player sends a pass laterally or forward on an angle to a teammate and then immediately runs past a defender into space. Like a direct rebound from a wall, the receiving teammate hits a one-touch pass back to reconnect with the first teammate who originally had the ball. A give and go pass is a perfect example of the effectiveness of off-ball movement.
A long pass is one that covers a large portion of the pitch. It is usually sent from the defensive line or defensive midfielder up to the attacking penalty box, or across the field to switch play.
A forward pass is a direct pass to a teammate that advances the ball toward the attacking goal.
A one-touch pass is a pass where a player receives the ball from a teammate and with one touch sends it on another teammate. One-touch passing requires control and strong field vision.
A hospital pass is slang for a pass that doesn't have enough power behind it and is intercepted by the defense.
A back pass is a pass back towards the goalkeeper rather than forward towards the attacking goal.
A cross is a type of pass from deep in the attacking area on the sidelines, in towards the penalty box. A cross can often lead to a volley or header goal. It is a dangerous situation for the defense, who must at once keep their eye on the ball in flight while also marking space or an attacker.