Make sure that the passer sees and recognizes the request. Proper weight on the pass, so that it reaches the receiver, but doesn t come at such a high speed that it can t be handled, is important. Stress timing the pass so that the ball and receiver reach the cone at approximately the same time. In the simplest form of the thru-ball pass the receiver will make a bending run, initially around a static defender, and then receive the ball. Again this pass is to space.
Space is exploited by the person making the run and causes the defense to adjust.
This sequence is repeated for as many times as the coach wants and then is reversed so each player gets to make the bending run and the thru-ball pass. Receiver must open up to the field of play. This is a difficult concept at times, particularly in this drill. The receiver naturally has their back to the field of play unless they turn their hips as they receive the ball and face back in towards the field. Play with numbers up on offense and have the players make bending runs throughout the field and receive the ball.