Quick answer
The give-and-go, also called a wall pass, is a two-pass combination: you pass to a teammate, move into space behind or beside the defender and receive the ball back. It works because it beats a defender without dribbling. Learn it in three parts: pass, move, receive. Practise 8 repetitions each way with a partner before adding a defender.
Key takeaways
- The pass is only half the move. The run after the pass makes it work.
- Use a firm, flat pass so your partner can return it in one touch.
- The receiver of the first pass should return the ball into the space, not to your feet.
- Scan the defender's position before you pass, so you know which side to run.
- Practise on both sides of the body.
- Start without a defender, then add a passive one, then a live one.
What is a give-and-go in floorball?
You pass to a teammate and instead of staying where you are, you run past the defender to receive a return pass. The defender has two problems: they must follow the ball and follow you. I often tell players that the pass is a question you ask the defender: do you follow the ball or me? The answer opens space. In Sweden the same idea is called väggspel, or wall play, because your teammate acts like a wall that returns the ball.
How do you play a give-and-go step by step?
| Step | Player A (passer) | Player B (wall) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Scan | Check the defender and the free space | Show the blade on the floor |
| 2. Pass | Firm, flat pass to B's blade | Receive or play first-time |
| 3. Run | Sprint into space past the defender | Look at A's run |
| 4. Return | Hold the blade down for the return | Pass into A's path, ahead of A |
| 5. Continue | Take the ball and pass or shoot | Move to a new position |
Which give-and-go drills should you do?
- Two players, no defender. A and B stand 4 m apart. A passes, runs past a cone placed 2 m to the side, and receives the return. 8 reps each way. Cue: pass, then sprint.
- One-touch wall. B returns the ball first-time. A runs along a line of cones. 8 reps each side. Watch for: B pushing the ball behind A.
- Passive defender. A defender stands between A and B and moves slowly. A uses the give-and-go to pass the defender. 6 reps each, then swap.
- Live 2v1. A and B attack a defender with a goal behind the defender, or a line to cross. The defender tries to intercept. 2 minutes, swap roles.
- Solo wall version. With a wall or a rebounder, pass from 2 m, run one step across and receive the return at a new angle. 20 reps on each side. The Extreme Floorball Passer Pro (€149) is good for this, since it returns the ball predictably.
Coach Erik's tip: Shout GO out loud in practice the moment the ball leaves your blade. It makes the run automatic.
When should you use the give-and-go in a game?
Use it when a defender is directly in front of you, when you have no space to dribble, or when you want to reach a shooting position quickly. It works well near the boards because the boards (50 cm high on a full rink) can also act as a wall, but a teammate is more reliable. A give-and-go is also the foundation for combinations like the triangle and the overlap. See 12 passing drills and passing and scanning for more on seeing the space before you play.
What equipment helps?
You can practise the pass-and-run pattern alone with a rebounder such as the Extreme Floorball Passer Pro (€149) or the Extreme Floorball Passer (€129). Both are made in Europe, and designed in Sweden and tested for maximum durability. The Extreme Floorball Tiles 8-Pack (€79) gives you a smooth patch of floor. Find them in the passing and stickhandling collection.
How do you add variations to the give-and-go?
Once the basic version works, small changes make it harder to defend and more useful in games. Try one variation per week and keep the rest of the drill the same.
| Variation | What changes | Cue |
|---|---|---|
| Run behind the defender | You pass and run to the far side of the defender | Go behind, not around |
| Run in front of the defender | You cut across the defender's line | Cut sharp |
| Fake the pass | You show the pass, then dribble past | Sell the pass |
| Return with the backhand | The wall returns on the backhand | Blade flat |
| Two wall players | You pass to either teammate and run | Scan before you pass |
Each of these makes a defender think. The best defenders read your eyes and your hips, so look at the space you plan to run to rather than at the teammate. Most players I coach look at the wall player every time, which tells the defender where the ball is going. Keep the touches simple and the movement sharp. A final tip for teams: agree on a signal for a give-and-go in training games, for example a shout of wall. It makes players aware of options, and they begin to use them without a signal later. The related skill of seeing space before you receive is covered in passing and scanning.
How do you coach the give-and-go with a simple checklist?
A give-and-go has four moments, and each can fail on its own. Use the checklist below with a partner or a coach, and rate each moment out of 5 after a 10-minute session. The lowest score is your focus for the next session.
| Moment | What good looks like | Typical fault |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The pass | Firm, to the receiver's stick side, before the defender can step in | Soft pass that the defender reads |
| 2. The run | First step starts as the ball leaves your blade | Watching the pass instead of moving |
| 3. The return | Receiver plays it into the space ahead of you, one touch | Return aimed at your feet |
| 4. The finish | You receive in stride and shoot, or play on, within two touches | Stopping the ball dead |
Run it as a 2 v 1 for 6 minutes: two attackers, one passive defender who gradually becomes active. Do 5 rounds, then swap roles. Cue: "Pass and go, do not wait." Watch for: both attackers standing still after the first pass. The movement is what beats the defender, not the pass itself, so tell the passer to name the run out loud ("go!") until it becomes a habit.
Common mistakes
- Standing still after the pass. Fix: sprint the moment the ball leaves your blade.
- Weak first pass. Fix: pass firm and flat so the wall can return in one touch.
- Return to the feet. Fix: the return should go ahead of the runner, into space.
- Running in a straight line behind the defender. Fix: change direction slightly so the defender cannot track you.
- Only forehand. Fix: practise passing on the backhand too.
FAQ
What is a give-and-go in floorball?
A two-pass combination: you pass to a teammate, run into space and receive the return pass. It beats a defender without dribbling.
What is a wall pass?
Another name for a give-and-go. The teammate acts like a wall that returns the ball.
How do I practise a give-and-go alone?
Use a wall or a rebounder. Pass from 2 m, run one step across and receive the return at a new angle. Do 20 reps per side.
Where should the return pass go?
Ahead of the runner, into the space they are running to, not to their feet.
When should I use a give-and-go?
When a defender is in front of you and you have no room to dribble, or when you want to reach a shooting position quickly.
How many give-and-go repetitions should I do?
Start with 8 repetitions each way with a partner. Then add a passive defender, then a live defender.
Summary
The give-and-go beats a defender with two passes and a run. Pass firm, sprint, receive in space and keep practising it on both sides. Visit the Passing hub for the next step.
