Drill Library
Drills That Actually Work
440 grassroots and youth football drills — each with an animated diagram, a clear set-up and the coaching points that matter. Filter to what your session needs. No fluff. We go again.
440 drills
Possession4v2 Rondo
The classic keep-ball square — sharp passing under pressure, with two defenders hunting the ball.
PassingY Combination to Finish
A set passing pattern — pass, give-and-go, third-man run and finish. Builds automatic combinations.
Possession3v3 + 2 Wide
Two neutral wide players give the team in possession the overload — find the free man and use the width.
Finishing1v1 to Cutback Finish
Beat your man on the wing, drive to the byline and cut it back for a striker arriving on the spot.
PressingPressing Triggers 4v4 + 2
Teach the team when to press as a unit — the back-pass and the loose touch are your triggers.
PassingPassing Diamond Rotation
A four-cone diamond drilling crisp passing, a directional first touch and pass-and-move habits.
Defending2v1 Defending the Channel
Outnumbered and under pressure — the defender learns to delay, show the attacker wide and buy time for help.
DribblingDribbling Gates 1v1
Score by dribbling through any gate — fast feet, quick changes of direction and the confidence to take players on.
Transition3v2 to 2v3 Transition Waves
Attack in a 3v2, then sprint back to defend a 2v3 the other way — relentless transition and decision-making.
Small Sided GameSwitch the Play 6v6
A conditioned game that rewards switching the point of attack — see the whole pitch and move the opposition.
TechnicalReceiving on the Half-Turn
The midfielder's must-have skill — check your shoulder, open up and turn out of pressure in one touch.
Warm UpDynamic Passing Warm-Up Grid
A simple grid to switch the brain and body on — passing, movement and calling, building to game speed.
Warm UpLadder & Pass Activation
Quick feet through the ladder, then straight into a pass — wakes up the body and the brain together.
Warm UpPossession Pulse 4v4 Warm-Up
A gentle 4v4 keep-ball that builds to tempo — bodies warm, touches sharp, heads switched on.
TechnicalTwo-Touch Wall Passing
Receive, set, pass — a controlled two-touch rhythm that grooves a clean first touch and an accurate pass.
TechnicalTurning Through Gates
Receive, turn cleanly and drive through the opposite gate — sharpens turning technique under a light press.
Dribbling1v1 Channels to End Line
Beat your defender and dribble over the end line — repeatable 1v1 reps with a clear target.
DribblingCone Slalom Relay
A fast slalom relay — tight touches through the cones, then race back and tag the next player.
DribblingTake-On Arena 1v1
A round-robin 1v1 arena — quick duels, score in either mini-goal, winner stays on.
FinishingStrike from the Edge
Set yourself and strike from the edge of the box — a clean touch out of the feet and a firm low finish.
FinishingCombination & Finish (Two-Sided)
Wide combination, low cross, finish — worked from both flanks so the whole squad gets reps.
FinishingFirst-Time Finishing Carousel
A rapid two-station carousel feeding first-time finishes from both sides — high reps, sharp instincts.
Defending1v1 Front-Foot Defending
Close the gap, get side-on and win the duel — the fundamentals of defending one-on-one.
DefendingDefending the Cross
Attack the ball, clear with distance — defenders learn to deal with crosses into a crowded box.
DefendingBack-Four Shift & Cover
A back line that moves as one — shift across to the ball, press, cover and balance behind.
PressingWide Pressing Trap
Invite the pass wide, then spring the trap — use the touchline as an extra defender.
PressingFirst-Defender Curved Press
Press with a curved run so your body shadow blocks one pass while you close the ball — the art of the first defender.
PressingCounter-Press: 3-Second Rule
Lose it? Win it back in three seconds. A game that drills the instant reaction the moment possession is lost.
Transition4v4 + 2 Transition Game
Two bouncers keep it flowing — win it and you instantly have a 6v4 to attack the other way.
TransitionBox-to-Box Wave
Score or lose it, then sprint back as the next wave attacks you — relentless end-to-end transitions.
TransitionTurnover to Counter
Win it, then the first pass goes forward — drilling the quality of the very first action after a turnover.
PassingThird-Man Combination
The pass sets up a third runner you couldn't reach directly — the classic way to break a line.
PassingLong-Short Switch Pattern
Short to feet, then a driven switch across — builds the range and weight of pass to change the angle of attack.
Possession5v2 Double Rondo
A bigger rondo with a centre line — keep it, but score by splitting the two defenders with a pass.
PossessionPosition Game 6v4 + GK
Play out from the keeper through a 6v4 overload into a target zone — possession with purpose and direction.
Set PiecesCorner: Near-Post Flick-On
An attacking corner routine: whip it to the near post for a flick-on and runners attacking the back post.
Set PiecesAttacking Free-Kick: Layoff & Strike
A worked free-kick on the edge of the box: a square roll to a runner who strikes first time across the wall.
Set PiecesDefending Corners: Zonal + Man
A hybrid corner defence — zonal players protect the key areas while markers track the dangerous runners.
Set PiecesThrow-In Combinations
Stop wasting throw-ins — simple, rehearsed movements to keep the ball and even create an attack.
GoalkeepingGK Handling & Set Position
Get set, hands ready, catch clean — the foundation of every save a goalkeeper makes.
GoalkeepingGK Shot-Stopping Reactions
Quick-fire reaction saves — set, save, recover, save again. Sharpens reflexes and the second effort.
GoalkeepingGK Distribution & Playing Out
A modern keeper's feet — set position, scan, and pick the right pass to start the attack.
GoalkeepingGK Crosses & Claiming
Come and get it — a keeper's footwork, timing and brave catch to dominate crosses into the box.
FitnessRepeated-Sprint Shuttles
Short, maximal shuttles with timed recovery — builds the repeat-sprint ability the modern game demands.
FitnessTempo Runs with the Ball
Sustained, controlled running with the ball — builds the aerobic base while keeping a footballing touch.
FitnessAgility T-Drill
A classic T-shaped agility course — sprint, shuffle and backpedal to sharpen change-of-direction speed.
FitnessGame-Speed Interval Grid
Work-and-rest intervals with the ball — match-like bursts that build conditioning you can actually use.
Small Sided Game4v4 Four-Goal Game
Two goals to attack, two to defend — players must scan, switch and pick the open goal.
Small Sided GamePossession vs Target SSG
Keep the ball, then find the target player to score — possession with a clear, directional purpose.
Small Sided GameEnd-Zone Invasion 5v5
Score by controlling the ball in the end zone — rewards driving forward, penetrating passes and support play.
Warm UpTraffic Lights Dribble
Every player a ball — green means go, red means stop. Sneaky-fun ball control for the youngest age groups.
Warm UpBall Tag
Dribblers vs taggers — keep your ball moving and don't get tagged. Chaos, laughter, and hundreds of touches.
Warm UpPass & Follow Square
Four-corner passing with a follow-your-pass rotation — rhythm, touch and talking before the real work starts.
Warm UpNumbers Race
Coach calls a number, that pair sprints round the outside and races to win the loose ball in the middle.
Warm UpFollow the Leader
Pairs snake around the area — the leader shows a move, the follower copies it. Creativity without queues.
TechnicalBall Mastery Circuit
Stations of toe taps, sole rolls, V-drags and tick-tocks — thousands of touches in ten minutes.
TechnicalFirst-Touch Triangle
Receive, touch around the cone triangle, play on — a first touch that takes you somewhere, never a dead stop.
TechnicalWeak-Foot Gate Passing
Pairs score points by passing through gates — weak foot only. Uncomfortable on purpose.
TechnicalScan & Call Receiving
Receive while calling out what's behind you — trains the look over the shoulder until it's automatic.
TechnicalJuggle & Cushion
Juggling ladders and cushioned thigh-chest-foot control — taming the ball out of the air.
TechnicalDriven Pass Ladder
Step back a zone after every clean driven pass — range-finding with a flat, firm strike.
TechnicalShield & Spin 1v1
Protect the ball with your body, feel the defender, spin away on the blind side — streetball strength work.
DribblingPirate Ship
Dribblers guard their treasure while pirates try to boot it overboard — the classic ball-protection game.
DribblingStop-Start Burst Dribbling
Dribble, stop dead, explode — the change of pace that actually beats defenders, drilled on repeat.
DribblingMirror 1v1
Attacker and defender mirror along a line, then the attacker breaks for either end gate — reading and reacting.
DribblingFour-Corner Escape
Beat the press in the middle, escape to any of four corner zones — dribbling with a decision attached.
Dribbling2v1 Overlap Decision
Carry at the defender with a teammate overlapping — take them on or release the runner? The classic wide decision.
PassingGate Passing Pairs
Roam the area and score through as many gates as possible — passing accuracy with constant movement.
PassingOne-Two Wall Pass Circuit
A flowing circuit of give-and-go combinations around mannequins — the one-two grooved until it's instinct.
PassingCross-Grid Split Pass
Two grids, a guarded corridor between them — thread the split pass through the moving gap.
PassingClipped Ball to Target
Clip the ball over a dead zone into a target's chest or path — the lofted pass with a purpose.
Possession3v1 Triangle Rondo
The first rondo — three keep it from one, learning support angles without the chaos of bigger numbers.
Possession4v4+3 Three-Zone Possession
Play through the middle zone or around it — a positional possession game that mirrors building through midfield.
PossessionDirectional Rondo to Gates
A rondo with a destination — keep the ball, then play through one of the corner gates to score.
Possession7v7 Keep-Away with Bonus Lines
Half-pitch keep-away where passes across the bonus lines score — possession that values progression.
FinishingRapid-Fire Rebound Finishing
Shot, rebound, follow-up — strikers learn that the second ball is where goals live.
FinishingTurn & Finish in the Box
Back to goal, receive, turn either way, finish — the striker's bread and butter under defensive contact.
FinishingCrossing & Finishing Waves
Wingers deliver, two runners attack near and far post in waves — repetition for the whole crossing chain.
FinishingThrough-Ball Race Finish
A through-ball splits two racing players — attacker finishes 1v1, defender recovers. Pure game realism.
FinishingVolley & Half-Volley Finishing
Tossed and bounced service for volleys and half-volleys — clean contact on a moving, dropping ball.
DefendingJockey Mirror Channel
No tackling allowed — pure jockeying down a channel, staying in front until the attacker runs out of road.
DefendingRecover & Delay 1v1
Beaten defender sprints the recovery line, gets goal-side, then delays until help arrives.
DefendingMidfield Three Screen & Shield
A midfield three slides and screens to keep the ball out of the central zone — defending without tackling.
DefendingDefending the Overload 2v3
Two defenders against three attackers — buy time, force bad choices, protect the goal until help arrives.
PressingPress the Back-Pass
The moment the ball goes backwards, the whole front line jumps — turning a retreat into a trap.
PressingThree-Zone Press Escape
Possession team escapes zone to zone while the press chases through — pressing and press-resistance in one game.
PressingHunt in Threes
Three hunters press as a coordinated unit in a 6v3 — press, cover, balance on every pass.
TransitionSprint-Back Recovery Race
Attack ends, whistle goes — sprint back around the post before the counter arrives. Transition running made competitive.
TransitionThird-Man Breakaway
Win it, bounce it, release the runner — the three-pass counter-attack drilled until it takes four seconds.
Transition5v5 No-Man's-Land
Two halves and a forbidden middle strip — every attack crosses no-man's-land, every loss means a sprint back.
Small Sided Game3v3 Mini-Goal Festival
Short, loud 3v3 games on small pitches — maximum touches, maximum duels, maximum smiles.
Small Sided GameBonus-Ball Numbers Game
A normal SSG until the coach throws in the bonus ball — two balls, two decisions, total engagement.
Small Sided GameThree-Team Rotation Game
Two teams play, the third waits — concede and you're off. Built-in stakes for every defensive action.
Small Sided GameTarget-Man Link Game
Goals only count after playing through your target striker — forward passing and hold-up play, gamified.
Small Sided GameTwo-Ball Chaos Game
Two balls, two goals, one pitch — a permanent split-attention game that supercharges scanning.
Set PiecesShort-Corner Combinations
Three rehearsed short-corner routines — pull defenders out, create the 2v1, deliver from a better angle.
Set PiecesDefending Free-Kicks: Wall & Cover
Build the wall, set the keeper, organise the space — defending direct free-kicks as a rehearsed system.
GoalkeepingGK Footwork to Save
Fast feet through the ladder, set, save — connecting movement quality to save quality.
GoalkeepingGK 1v1: Spread & Smother
Striker through on goal, keeper narrowing the angle — when to hold, when to spread, when to smother.
FitnessPyramid Ball Conditioning
A rising-falling pyramid of ball-carrying intervals — conditioning that never leaves the ball behind.
DribblingSharks and Minnows
Minnows dribble across the ocean while sharks hunt their balls — the all-time classic that sneaks in dribbling under pressure.
Warm UpBody Part Freeze
Coach shouts a body part — knee, elbow, sole — and dribbling players must stop the ball with it fast. Giggles guaranteed, touches multiplied.
DribblingTreasure Chest Raid
Teams raid the treasure chest in the middle, stealing one ball at a time and dribbling it home — non-stop running, dribbling and counting.
TechnicalCountdown Skills Challenge
Toe taps, tick-tocks and sole rolls against the clock — every player races their own best score, so everyone wins something.
PassingGates Galore
Pairs race the clock to pass through as many DIFFERENT gates as they can in 60 seconds — passing practice that feels like a treasure hunt.
FinishingCastle Knockdown
Two teams blast balls at a row of cone castles — first team to flatten the kingdom wins. Striking technique hidden inside a demolition derby.
Warm UpMud Monsters Rescue
Stuck in the mud with a football twist — frozen players are freed by a teammate passing a ball through their open legs.
DribblingMinefield Dribble
Tip-toe touches through a field of cone mines — touch one and BOOM, back to the start. Self-paced, endlessly repeatable close control.
Small Sided GameMini World Cup
2v2/3v3 knockout football where every team is a country — the session finale kids ask for by name.
TechnicalGaffer Says
Simon-says with a football: 'stop', 'turn', 'swap balls', 'around a cone' — but only when the Gaffer says. Trains ears, eyes and feet at once.
DefendingDefend Your Castle
Every player guards a ball balanced on a cone while raiding everyone else's — the gentlest possible introduction to defending decisions.
PassingPostman's Round
Pairs deliver letters (passes) to numbered houses (gates) in order — a postal race that hides serious passing-and-moving reps.
DribblingFox Tails
Every fox dribbles a ball with a bib tail tucked in their shorts — steal tails without losing your own ball. Head-up dribbling in disguise.
Warm UpMusical Balls
Musical chairs with footballs — jog the floor, and when the music stops race to claim a ball and perform the called skill. Instant smiles, sneaky skill reps.
FinishingSkittle Alley Shootout
Skittles stand in the goal corners and the team blasts them down from the shooting line — corner-finishing technique dressed up as ten-pin bowling.
FitnessAnimal Olympics Relay
Bear crawls, frog jumps and crab shuffles out — dribble home. Whole-body conditioning hidden inside a roaring relay race.
DribblingEmpty the Nest
Relay teams race to rob eggs from the centre nest one at a time and dribble them home — then the mother bird wakes up and every egg must go back.
PossessionPiggy in the Middle 3v1
The playground classic turned first rondo — three pass, one chases, and the piggy swaps the moment they win a touch. The gentlest introduction to keep-ball.
Small Sided Game2v2 King of the Pitch
Winners stay on — 90-second 2v2 battles where the next pair storms in with a fresh ball the instant a game ends. Maximum touches, zero queue time.
TechnicalClock-Face Turns
Cones make a giant clock — dribble to the middle, then the coach calls a time and a turn, and players spin out to the right number. Turning technique on repeat.
PassingFour-Corner Give-and-Go
Pass-and-follow around a square with a give-and-go at every corner — two balls running keeps everyone working.
DribblingLose Your Shadow 1v1
An attacker must shake off a shadowing marker and dribble out over any of the four lines — feints, stops and bursts win it.
TechnicalThigh-Chest-Volley Ladder
Partner hand-serves climb a ladder of surfaces — thigh, chest, instep — with the serve getting higher and longer each level.
FinishingCutback Conveyor
Wide players drive to the line and cut back for two arriving runners — near post and penalty spot — on a constant conveyor of chances.
PassingWall-Pass Pinball
Dribblers ping one-twos off perimeter bumpers in a busy grid — wall passes, heads up, traffic everywhere.
DefendingPress & Cover Partners
2v2 defending in a tight box — first defender presses, second defender slides the cover angle every time the ball travels.
PossessionMagic Man Keep-Away
4v4 plus a neutral 'magic man' who always plays for the ball — string six passes together, then switch sides to score.
DribblingMove & Burst Stations
Three take-on stations — V-pull, scissors, stepover — each move beats a mannequin, then a burst through the gate.
TechnicalCushion & Drive
Kill a firm serve with one cushioned touch into space, then drive through a gate — first touch with a purpose.
FinishingGoalmouth Scramble
Coach throws chaos into the box — 2v2 react to the loose ball and finish inside 5 seconds, rolling waves keep it relentless.
Warm UpCompass Gates Warm-Up
Dynamic movement laps with a football payoff — every circuit ends with a receive through a compass gate and a sharp first touch away.
TransitionCounter the Gates
3v2 to goal — but win the ball as a defender and you counter through two wide gates before the attackers recover. Points both ways.
PassingSplit-Pass Timing
Two attackers circulate against one screening defender — score by threading the through ball into the runner's path at the right moment.
Small Sided GameWide Lanes 5v5
5v5 with a twist — goals only count if the ball travelled through a wing lane first, so teams must go wide before they go in.
DefendingIntercept Alley
Two defenders patrol a middle alley, reading passes pinged between the outside teams — a point for every interception.
DribblingHead-Start 1v1
Attacker gets a 2-second head start to the end line; the defender hares after them to recover goal-side — chase or be chased.
TechnicalSoccer Tennis Starter
2v2 over a cone-and-pole 'net' with one bounce allowed — controlled touches, soft volleys and a competition kids beg to keep playing.
PassingThe One-Two Gauntlet
A timed circuit — dribble the gauntlet, exchange one-twos with three wall players, burst through the end gate. Beat the clock, beat your mates.
Fitness40/20 Dribble Intervals
40 seconds on, 20 seconds off — dribbling intervals with a new skill task every round, so the conditioning hides inside the football.
FinishingFar-Post Factory
Low driven crosses from alternating wings, attackers timing runs to arrive at the far post — a production line of tap-ins.
PossessionPivot Zone Rondo 6v3
A positional rondo in thirds — the ball must travel through the midfield pivot zone, and defenders score by winning it and dribbling out.
PressingPress the Square
A four-zone grid where a pressing pair springs only on a trigger — heavy touch or backwards pass — and the possession team must escape their square.
PassingLine-Breaking Ladder
Three mannequin 'lines of pressure' to play through — every pass that breaks a line into a receiver between units scores a rung on the ladder.
DefendingBack-Three Slide & Step
A back three learns to shift as one unit — step to press the wide ball, cover the channel runner, and never leave a gap between them.
Transition4v4 to 4v2 Breakout
Win the ball in your half and break — only two defenders may recover, and you have 8 seconds to finish the counter.
PossessionHalf-Space Diamonds
Two 4v2 rondos in the half-spaces linked by a switch pass through a central gate — keep it, then move it when the picture says go.
FinishingZone 14 Strike Box
Combine through the congested pocket in front of the box — Zone 14 — and earn double points for first-time strikes from the edge of the area.
PressingSpring the Sideline
The press deliberately shows the build-up one way — inside passes blocked, the wide lane left open — then springs the moment the ball travels to the touchline.
Small Sided GameEarn the Thirds 6v6
A 6v6 build game where goals only count after a completed pass in every third — and the rules loosen as the team masters each stage.
DefendingDefend the Box 4v4
Wave after wave of crosses and cutbacks into a live 4v4 — the back four learns marking, clearing and hunting the second ball as one unit.
PassingWinger's Choice
Fullback and winger combine against one defender in the wide channel — the winger's first touch tells the fullback whether to overlap or underlap.
TransitionFlip & Hunt 5v3
Mid-possession, the coach calls 'FLIP' and the ball belongs to the other team — five seconds of furious counter-pressing to win it back or kill the counter.
Warm UpShadow Play Patterns
The unit jogs its match patterns unopposed — build-up into the attacking rotation — with the tempo climbing every round until it's full speed.
TechnicalDriven, Clipped, Whipped
Three service techniques — driven flat, clipped over, whipped around — fired from midfield stations to a target winger whose first touch grades every ball.
PossessionBounce-Pass Escape 7v5
An outnumbered middle unit survives a 3v4 squeeze by using one-touch bounce players at each end, then escapes the ball into the free third.
PressingBait the Build-Up
Attackers press a goalkeeper and back four playing out — the pressing angles leave one centre-back free on purpose, steering everything to the trap side.
FinishingSecond-Ball Strikes
Every attack begins as a knock-down or loose ball outside the box — midfielders arrive and finish in two touches before the defence resets.
Set PiecesByline Overload Corner
A rehearsed three-player short corner that manufactures a 3v2 on the byline and ends with a cutback to the edge of the box.
Small Sided GameScore and Keep 7v7
A 7v7 where the scoring team is rewarded with the ball from the restart — so the team that concedes must press immediately or chase the game.
DefendingSend Them Backwards
The defending unit scores without touching the ball — force the attack into three consecutive backwards or square passes and the point is yours.
PassingUp-Back-Through Automatism
The classic up-back-through grooved until it is automatic — striker sets, midfielder slides the runner between the lines, finish.
TransitionRest-Defence Game 8v8
An 8v8 where the two players left behind the ball must kill every counter — trains the shape and decisions of rest defence.
PressingPressing the Switch
The defending block slides as the ball is switched across the back line — score by intercepting the switch or forcing it long inside 10 seconds.
FinishingStriker's Repertoire Circuit
Four timed finishing stations — across the keeper, near-post stab, cutback arrival, lofted finish — building a striker's full toolbox.
PossessionLine-Entry Position Game 9v9
A 9v9 position game where goals are 'line entries' — receive between the opposition's lines and turn to score in the league.
DefendingScreen the Cutback
Back four plus holding mid recover into the box and lock the cutback lane as wide overloads arrive — the modern goal nobody defends.
TransitionCounter in Three
On the regain, the team must reach the finishing zone within three passes — trains the vertical first thought the moment the ball turns over.
Set PiecesThe Corner Menu
Three rehearsed corner routines — front-zone screen, far-post stack, edge recycle — drilled in blocks, then tested against a live defence.
FitnessPositional Shuttle Circuit
Repeated high-intensity efforts that mirror each position's match demands — fullback overlap-and-recover, striker press-and-spin — with a ball in every rep.
PassingSwitch to Penetrate
Circulate to the fullback, clip the switch to the far winger, and release a third-man runner into the half-space — a grooved pattern for breaking a shifted block.
PressingSix-Second Win-It-Back
Lose it, win it back inside six seconds — or recognise the press is beaten and drop to a mid-block line. Scoreboard keeps the counter-press honest.
FinishingFinish on Heavy Legs
A short shuttle or duel before every strike — first-time finishing trained in the fatigued state where match chances actually arrive.
PossessionOverload to Isolate
Keep the ball on the crowded side until the far winger is 1v1, then release the switch — goals only count from the isolated side.
DefendingStep or Drop
A line game for the back four: read the triggers — heavy touch, head down — to step and squeeze, or clean touch facing forward to drop and cover.
Small Sided GameTwo-Touch Finals
A 6v6 tournament with a two-touch maximum and every restart a pass-in — finals-night pressure that forces the picture before the ball arrives.
Set PiecesDefending the Wide Free-Kick
Line height, zonal seeds in the six-yard box, tracking the stack and a rehearsed counter outlet — the full defensive package for wide free-kicks.
TransitionGoal-to-Goal Waves 4v3
Four-minute waves in a full-width channel: 4v3 one way, and the instant the move ends — score, save or turnover — 4v3 comes straight back the other way.
PassingClip for the Volley
Bounce combinations into a clipped ball for a third man arriving to finish on the volley from the edge of the box — touch, timing and technique in one pattern.
FitnessFartlek Passing Loop
A continuous 12-minute team passing pattern around a big loop, with paced surges on colour calls — fartlek running with the ball always rolling.
Small Sided GameBuild Through the Block 8v8
8v8 phase-of-play with conditioned zones: build through the thirds against a structured mid-block, rotating which unit gets the coaching focus.
GoalkeepingGK Angle Ladder
Attackers dribble to different strike cones and the keeper must re-set their angle and depth before every shot — positioning made repeatable.
GoalkeepingCrowded Box: Catch or Punch
High balls arrive through a forest of mannequins with a challenger on the keeper's toes — claim it clean or punch it safe, then start the attack.
GoalkeepingParry to Safety
Not every shot can be held — this drill scores WHERE the keeper parries, rewarding deflections into wide safe zones and punishing central spills.
GoalkeepingSweeper-Keeper Race
Through balls are fired behind a high defensive line and the keeper must read, race and deal with them first touch — the modern sweeper-keeper trained on a clock.
GoalkeepingDistribution Dartboard
Keepers score points by landing throws, side-volleys and driven goal-kicks in target zones at three distances — distribution turned into a darts match.
GoalkeepingGoalie Wars
Two keepers, two mini goals, one ball — score on each other with throws and volleys. The classic fun introduction that makes young keepers love saving.
Set PiecesWide Free-Kick Menu
Build a three-option menu from wide free-kicks — inswinger to the spot, outswinger to the back zone, disguised short — with runners triggered by the taker's cues.
Set PiecesLong Throw Launchpad
A rehearsed long throw-in routine: near-post flick zone, stacked runners attacking the second contact, edge recycler — then flip it and defend the same weapon.
Set PiecesPenalty Pressure Ladder
Penalty practice that actually transfers: every taker builds a fixed routine, climbs consequence rounds, and keepers work from simple scouting cards.
Warm UpBulletproof Activation Circuit
A four-station injury-prevention warm-up — hamstring walks, Copenhagen holds, hop-and-stick landings, short accelerations — done properly, not as a queue-and-chat.
Warm UpMirror & React Race
Facing pairs copy each other's footwork until the clap — then both explode for the loose ball between them. Warm-up, reactions and a duel in one.
Warm UpRondo Carousel
Three 5v2 rondos run side by side and the defenders spin between grids on the coach's call — a warm-up that never lets anyone switch off.
FitnessTempo Loops: Pass & Move
Four-player pass-and-move loops where the legs alternate jog, stride and sprint — and the ball must travel faster every set. Conditioning that still looks like football.
FitnessDuel Day Circuit
A three-station battle circuit — shoulder-to-shoulder channel duels, shielding holds, sprint-to-block races. Football strength trained as competition, not gym work.
TechnicalOff the Wall: Cushion & Play
A rebound wall serves unpredictable bounces; players cushion, set their body and play to whichever colour gate is called — first touch trained against chaos.
TechnicalRange Finder
Pairs step back through 20, 30 and 40-yard rungs — driven, clipped and curled deliveries must land in a target grid to earn the next distance.
PassingBlind-Side Bounce
Receive from one server and bounce a first-time reverse pass behind the mannequin line to a second server's call — disguise and audio scanning in one rep.
FinishingStriker vs Keeper: Duel Ladder
Striker and keeper climb a ladder of alternating 1v1 formats — through-ball race, cutback arrival, rebound pounce — and both keep score. Two positions trained in one duel.
Small Sided Game3v3 + GKs Winner Stays
A winner-stays-on mini-league of 3v3 with real keepers — golden goal or two minutes, next team waiting, keepers rotating out to play. Maximum games, minimum standing.
Warm UpCool-Down Keep-Ball Circle
Walking-pace two-touch keep-ball in a circle, broken up by breathing resets and stretch holds — the heart rate comes down without the ball ever going away.
Cool-Down Stretching and Shape Q&A
Static stretching led by a player volunteer while coach asks three questions about what they learned about the 4-3-3 shape today — verbal answers only, no pressure, just planting the seed
Corner Kick Routines — Two Variations
Variation A: inswinger to the near post, flick-on for a back-post runner
Throw-In Patterns and Goal Kick Build-Out
Three throw-in patterns from defensive third, midfield, and attacking third
Cool-Down and Team Talk Circle
Light jog to cool, then players sit in a circle
11v11 Full Scrimmage — Coached
Full scrimmage, two halves of 12 minutes with a 4-minute break
8v8 Scrimmage — Attack vs Defence Focus
Full scrimmage with positional constraints: attacking team scores normally, defending team scores by winning possession and dribbling past a halfway cone within five seconds
Cool-Down and Set-Piece Recall Quiz
Players stretch in pairs while coach asks random players to describe their role in each set-piece routine from the morning
Shape Walkthrough — Attacking and Defensive Phases
Walk-jog through the 4-3-3 in both phases
First-Touch Pairs Rondo
Pairs 10 yards apart, one-touch and two-touch passing
Possession Keepaway — Free Rules
5v5 keepaway plus a neutral floater who always plays with the team in possession
Counter-Attack Transition — 4v3 Waves
Four attackers versus three defenders
Dynamic Activation Circuit
Single file through ladder and cone gates: high knees, lateral shuffles, A-skips, hip circles
GK Footwork — Passing Under Pressure
Ben Steinmetz receives a played-in ball from coach, must distribute to one of two wide targets (played by spare players) under a 3-second clock
End-of-Block Fitness Test — 120-Test
FIFA 120-second test: players run a set course in 120 seconds, rest 120 seconds, repeat eight times
5v5 Plus Goalkeepers — Free Scrimmage
5v5 with Ben Steinmetz in one goal and a rotating field player in the other as a GK
4v4 End-Zone Game
Two teams of four play to score by dribbling into the opponent's end zone
Mid-Block Shape — 4-3-3 Defensive Organisation
Defensive unit of 10 set in 4-3-3 mid-block shape
Cool-Down and Individual Feedback Walk
Easy walk around the field perimeter
Colour-Gate Passing Game
Four coloured cone gates scattered in the grid
2-Mile Timed Run
All players run the full 2-mile course at their own pace
Phase of Play — Final Third Entry
7 attackers vs 5 defenders
7v7 Possession Game with Transition
7v7 (three outfield players rotate in and out as neutrals)
Rondo Progression — 6v3
Six keep, three press
Pre-Match Team Talk and Visualisation
Players sit together
Positional Patterns — 4-3-3 Shape Passing
Walk and jog through a set 4-3-3 positional pattern: GK builds to CB, CB to FB, FB into midfield triangle, midfield third to wide forward, underlapping run from the 8
Free-Kick Organisation — Attacking and Defensive Wall
Attacking set: one direct shot routine and one layoff-and-shoot routine practiced six times each
Midpoint Fitness Test — Beep Test
Standard 20m multistage fitness test
Finishing Circuit — Combinations into Shot
Three stations around the box: (1) driven cross from wide right, striker near-post run; (2) through-ball from CAM for striker 1v1 with GK; (3) overlapping run from full-back, cutback to arriving midfielder
Activation Rondo — 5v2 Light Touch
Two groups of 5v2 simultaneously
Aerobic Interval Run — 8x200m
Players run 200m at roughly 75–80% max effort, walk 100m recovery
Passing Patterns — Triangle Combination Play
Set up triangles with three stations each
Transition Game — Win It, Go
Two teams
Final Fitness Check — 120-Test (Timed Mile)
Final timed run — 1 mile or 120-test format depending on facility
Confidence Finishing — Open Goals, High Volume
Every outfield player gets twelve shots on goal from varied positions with no keeper — just fill the net
Interval Runs — 1000m Repeats
Three rounds of 1000m at 75–80% effort with 90 seconds rest between
2-Mile Timed Run
All players run 2 miles at their own pace on a measured course
Finishing Runs — 1v1 to Goal
Server plays ball into channel, attacker runs onto it 1v1 with GK
Team Talk & Video Walk-Through
Gather the squad
Rondo 4v2 Rotation
Split into groups of six
Possession Bounce Rondo — 6v2 Touch Competition
Two groups of six keep ball from two
Set-Piece Rehearsal — Walk-Through at Match Tempo
Run through both attacking corner routines and the free-kick defensive wall at match tempo but no contact
Game Day Preview — 9v9 Controlled Scrimmage
Nine-a-side with your likely first-eleven in their positions
Arrival SSG — 5v5 Free Play
Two teams of five, small goals, no GK, free play
Possession Rondo 5v2 with Targets
Five keep ball from two defenders
Defensive Set-Piece Organisation — Corners & Free Kicks
Walk through corner kick defensive setup: zonal or man-to-man decision made — pick one and drill it
Cool-Down Possession Circle
Whole squad in a large circle, one ball, one-touch passing around and across
Pressing Trigger Drill — 3v3+GK
Three defenders press three attackers from a start position 10 yards back
Cool-Down & Team Introduction Circle
Static stretches as a group in a circle
Dynamic Warm-Down & Ball Mastery
Light jog, dynamic stretches, then each player with a ball
Attacking Patterns SSG — 7v7 with Wide Zones
7v7 on a wide field with two wing zones that only wingers can enter
Attacking Set-Piece Design — Corner Routines
Two corner routines installed: Routine A — outswinging corner to far post, target is Rowan Bergman attacking the back stick
Attacking Patterns Game — 7v7 with Goals
7v7 with two small goals or full goals if available
Beep Test (Midpoint Fitness Check)
Full squad completes the multi-stage fitness test
Technical Finishing — Combination to Shot
Three-man combination ending in a shot: CAM plays a one-two with a winger, receives the return, lays off for CF to finish
Stretch & Debrief
Static stretching led by a senior player
Pre-Match Team Talk & Static Recovery
Squad sits together in the centre circle
Full Scrimmage — 11v11 Light
Full scrimmage, 11v11 if numbers allow or 9v9 with floaters
GK Footwork Foundations
Goalkeeper coach or assistant works Ben Steinmetz on footwork patterns — set position, lateral shuffle to cones, distribution with feet to a server
Defensive Shape — Compact Mid-Block Introduction
Set your defensive unit — back four and midfield four — and walk through the mid-block shape
Positional Rondo — Shape-Based 8v3
Eight outfield players in rough match positions keep ball from three hunters
Set-Piece Workshop — Attacking Corners and Free Kicks
Three rehearsed corner routines and two free-kick routines, run from both sides
Scored Scrimmage — 11v11
Full 11v11 scrimmage, two 10-minute halves with a 5-minute break
Possession Game — 8v8 with End Zones
Two teams of 8 keep possession
Transition — Counter-Attack Waves
Coach feeds a ball to an attacking team of 5 versus 4 defenders
Combination Play — Third-Man Runs in the Final Third
Three groups of 6 work in channels in the attacking third
Shape Walk-Through — Defensive Block
Set the starting 11 in the defensive shape (4-3-3 or your base system)
Rondo King — Rotating 4v2
Six groups of 4 working simultaneously, each with 2 defenders in the middle
120-Test (Fitness Test 3 — Final)
Players complete repeated 120m sprints (or scaled equivalent on available space) with set recovery intervals, recording times
2-Mile Timed Run (Fitness Test 1)
All fit players complete a 2-mile run on a measured course
Walkthrough — Shape and Team Talk
Walk the likely starting 11 through the shape at zero intensity — defensive press triggers, attacking width, set-piece assignments
1v1 Defending Corridor
Set 4 narrow 10x20 corridors side by side
Beep Test (Fitness Test 2 — Midpoint)
All fit players complete a beep test (20m progressive shuttle)
Scored SSG — 7v7 Directional Possession
Two teams of 7 play directional possession with mini-goals at each end
Possession Rondo — 5v2
Groups of 7: 5 keep possession against 2 defenders in a tight grid
Touch and Move — Passing Patterns
Groups of 4-5 in a diamond
Scored Scrimmage — 11v11 Full Shape
Full 11v11 scrimmage, two 20-minute halves
Squad Introductory Rondo — 6v2
Two simultaneous 6v2 rondos; rotate defenders every 90 seconds
Positional Possession — 4v4+2 Neutrals
Two teams of four; two neutral players always support the team in possession
Tactical Shape Walkthrough and Team Talk
Slow walk-through of the starting shape and set-piece assignments at jogging pace — no contact, no sprinting
Attacking Combination — Overlap and Underlap Patterns
Work wide channels in groups of three: winger, fullback, central midfielder
Finishing Under Pressure — 1v1 to Goal
Quick bolt-on after scrimmage cools down: attacker receives from a server, turns, takes on a defender at 80 percent, finishes
Defensive Shape Walk-Through — Mid-Block 4-4-2
Organise the squad into two banks of four plus two strikers; walk through mid-block shape at jog pace against a shadow attacking unit
1v1 Defending Duels
Four channels running simultaneously; attacker drives at defender, defender's job is to delay and steer into the sideline
2-Mile Timed Run
All fit players complete a 2-mile run on a marked loop; coach records individual times
120 Test — Final Fitness Check
Fitness-test day — 12-minute Cooper run (120 test); players complete as much distance as possible in 12 minutes
Confidence Rondo — 5v2 Keep-Ball
Three simultaneous 5v2 rondos at a relaxed pace; this is about touch quality and enjoyment, not suffering
Set Piece Workshop — Corners and Free Kicks
Split time: 12 minutes on corner routines (two variations — near-post flick-on and far-post peeled run), 13 minutes on dead-ball free kicks 25–30 yards out
Beep Test — Midpoint Fitness Check
All fit players complete a full beep test on 20-meter shuttles
Transition SSG — 5v5 Counter Game
5v5 on two small goals; when a team wins possession they have 6 seconds to shoot or the ball resets
Technical Warm-Down — Passing Gates
Pairs pass through 8 small cone gates scattered across the grid; each gate scored when both players pass through in sequence
Interval Conditioning — 120-Yard Shuttles
Players run the full length of the field (120 yds) and back in groups of three or four, targeting sub-40-second reps
Finishing Free-Play — Shooting Circuit
Three stations rotating every five minutes: (1) driven shots from the top of the box after a laid-off pass, (2) first-time volleys from a lofted serve, (3) one-v-one dribble then finish
King of the Ring — Dribbling Competition
Every player has a ball inside the grid
2-Mile Timed Run (Fitness Test 1)
All players run 2 miles on a measured loop or track; record individual times
2-Mile Timed Run (Fitness Test 3 — Final Check)
Final 2-mile timed run at easy-to-moderate effort — this is a check, not a gut-buster
Possession Game 6v6 with Target Players
Two teams of six play possession; one point per ten consecutive passes
Passing Patterns — Third-Man Combinations
Set up three stations of players in triangles
High-Press Trigger SSG — 7v7
Two teams of seven play on a narrow field with small goals
Beep Test (Fitness Test 2 — Midpoint)
Run the standard 20m shuttle beep test
Defending Shape Walk-Through — Mid-Block 4-4-2
Coach walks the defensive unit through compact 4-4-2 mid-block: two banks of four holding shape, strikers setting press triggers
Rondo 4v2
Groups of six: four keep, two press
Counter-Attack Pattern — 4v3 to Goal
Coach plays a ball into the pressing team to trigger a turnover
Scored Scrimmage — 8v6 with Set-Piece Triggers
Scored scrimmage today — W/D/L points in play
Attacking Corner Routines
Install two corner routines: Routine A — near-post flick-on with a second-post runner; Routine B — short corner with a cut-back to the penalty spot
Ball Mastery Circuit
Each player works individually in their own grid: toe taps, inside/outside rolls, sole rolls, figure-8 dribbles
Transition Game — Turnover Sprint (5v5+2 Goalkeepers)
5v5 on a compact field with a floating GK for each team
Set Piece Workshop — Corners and Free Kicks
Split time 15 minutes corners, 15 minutes free kicks
Rondo — 5v2 Circle
Two groups of 7: five on outside, two in middle pressing
Scored Scrimmage — 7v7 with Points Table
Scored scrimmage today — W/D/L points in play
Foxes and Hounds — Possession Fun Game
All 14 players in the grid; three players are designated hunters (no ball) who must tag any player holding the ball for more than 3 seconds
Final Scored Scrimmage — Points Table Decider
Scored scrimmage today — W/D/L points in play, closing the week's competition table
120-Test (End-of-Camp Fitness Retest)
Fitness-test day — 120-test as end-of-camp sprint assessment
Possession Game — 7v7 Keep Ball with End Zones
Two teams of 7 play keep-ball
Beep Test (Midpoint Fitness Retest)
Fitness-test day — beep test at session open before fatigue accumulates
Attacking Combination — Overload the Wide Channels
4v3 overloads in wide channels
1v1 Defending — Delay and Deny
Pair players attacker vs
2-Mile Timed Run (Baseline Fitness Test)
All players run 2 miles at pace
Passing Patterns — Y-Shape Combination
Set three cone stations in a Y-shape, 10 yards apart
Defensive Shape Walk-Through — Compact Mid-Block
Coach walks 7 defenders through a 4-3 mid-block shape versus 7 attackers
Technical Confidence Circuit — First Touch and Finishing
Three stations rotating every 7 minutes: (1) serve-and-volley finishing at goal from 12 yards; (2) chest control and turn into a pass to a moving target; (3) low-driven cross from byline for a first-time finish
Free Kick Shape — Attacking and Defensive Wall
Split into two phases
1v1 Defending Gates
Set up five pairs of cones as small gates across the grid
Wide Delivery and Finish
Wide player dribbles to a cone near the endline and delivers across
Rondo 4v1
Two groups of five
Pressing Trigger — Midfield Block Shape
Coach plays the ball into a back line of three
Passing Carousel
Five cones in a star pattern, players rotate around the outside passing to the next cone and following their pass
5v5 Possession Game — No Goals
Two teams of five
Sharks and Minnows
Eight players each with a ball dribble inside the grid; two 'sharks' without a ball try to knock balls out
11v11 Shape Run-Out — Set Piece Into Open Play
Start every sequence from a set piece — corner, free kick, throw-in — then let play continue naturally from the second ball
Corner Kick Routines
Two corner routines only — keep it simple for this age
Transition Game — Win It and Go
Two teams of five
GK Confidence Handling
GK faces a steady rotation of low, medium, and aerial balls served by the coach and one assistant
Pass and Move Pairs
Pairs ten yards apart, passing and following their pass to swap sides
Combination Play in the Box
Groups of three attack two small goals on the end line
Everybody Gets a Ball
Every player has a ball in a marked square
Shape Introduction — Positional Walk-Through
No defenders
6v4 Attack vs Defence — Transition Focus
Six attackers versus four defenders plus GK in a half-field shape
Free Scrimmage — Coaches Step Back
Let them play
Free Kick Organization — Defensive and Attacking Walls
Three attacking free kick positions marked (25 yards central, 22 yards left of center, wide right)
4v4v4 Transition Possession
Three teams of 4 plus 4 neutrals on the outside
Relaxed 8v8 Transition Game — Enjoyment First
Two teams of 8, four rotating in
Shape Walk and Jog Review
Full squad walks and jogs through the game plan for Monday
Corner Kick Routines — Two Set Deliveries
Two corner routines installed
Positional Play — 10v6 Overload
10 attackers maintain possession against 6 defenders in a defined zone
Finishing Flow — Low Intensity Shooting
Three feeders at the edge of the area
Defensive Shape — Passive Shadow
Defending unit of 8 (back four plus midfield four) holds shape while attacking unit of 8 passes at walking pace
Press Trigger Drill — High Press Activation
Attacking unit of 8 builds from their GK
Throw-In Patterns and Goal Kick Build
Three throw-in zones marked (defensive third, middle third, attacking third)
Passing and Movement Flow
Two groups of 11 in opposite halves
GK Distribution Warm — Goalkeeper Hands and Feet
Both keepers work simultaneously at each end
Set Piece Walk-Through — Full Confidence Rehearsal
Walk through every set piece routine installed this week: both corner routines, the three free kick positions, the defensive wall setup, and the throw-in patterns
Mid-Block Shape Drill — Defend the Central Lane
Defending 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 block holds mid-block while attacking unit of 9 tries to play through the lines centrally
11v11 Full Shape Game — High Tempo
Full 11v11 at match intensity
Weak Foot Technical Circuit
Four stations set around the field
9v9 Structured Scrimmage — Shape Emphasis
9v9 on a reduced field with full goals
Activation Rondo — 4v1 Continuous
Groups of 5 — four on the outside, one in the middle
Rondo Introductions — 6v2
Split into groups of 8; 6 on the outside, 2 defenders in the middle
Final Third Combinations — 4v3 Overloads
Ball fed to CM at the edge of the area
Principles Walk-Through — Shape and Slots
Walk the group through your base shape — no match speed, no pressure
Transition 5v5 — Win It, Go
Two teams of 5 in the central zone
Wide Play Combinations — Fullback + Winger
Two channels set up simultaneously, one per flank
Positional Passing Patterns — Build from the Back
Set up the back four plus CDM and two CMs in their positional slots
6v6 Shadow Play — No Pressure, Flowing Football
Shadow play — team moves the ball in shape without opposition
Defensive Shape Walkthrough — Mid-Block 4-3-3
Eleven defenders set their mid-block shape with four attackers walking the ball around outside
Shootout Relay (Fun Finisher)
Two teams take turns
Defensive Shape Refinement — Low Block Exit
Eleven defenders hold a low block against eleven attackers who are given the ball in various positions around the box
Confidence Finishing — Free Shooting
Open shooting session
Attacking Combination Play — Final Third Patterns
9v9 in the final third only
Walkthrough — Shape and Set-Piece Reminders
Walk the starting eleven through defensive and attacking shape at half pace
GK Kicking Under Pressure — Distribution Drill
Both GKs work simultaneously at opposite ends
8v8 Free Play Scrimmage
8v8 plus two floating GKs on full-size goals
120-Test Sprint Fitness Assessment (Fitness Test #3 — Near End)
Each player completes three maximal 120-yard runs with two minutes recovery between each
2-Mile Timed Run (Fitness Test #1)
All 22 players run 2 miles at own pace
Interval Runs — 200m Repeats
Six sets of 200m at 80 percent effort with 90-second recovery between each
Beep Test (Fitness Test #2 — Midpoint)
Full squad runs the standard beep test
Shape vs Shape — 11v11 Structured Scrimmage
First eleven in preferred shape vs second eleven
Striker Hold-Up Play and Link (3-Zone Target Game)
Field split into three zones
Pre-Match Activation — Light Possession and Stretching
Ten minutes of player-led keep-ball (any format they like — they run it), followed by ten minutes of dynamic stretching as a squad in a circle led by the captain, followed by ten minutes of the coach delivering a pre-match team talk in the centre circle
Activation Rondos — 4v2 Moving
Four groups of five or six
Ball Familiarisation Rondos (4v1)
Four groups of five
Positional Rondo — 7v3 Keep-Ball
Two groups of ten
Possession Under Pressure — 10v6
Ten possessing players keep the ball from six pressers in a defined grid
Free Kick Routines — Dead Ball Organisation
Rehearse two free-kick routines
Transition Game — 9v9 with Counter Rules
9v9 plus GKs
Defensive Corner Organisation
Two players on posts, two markers on the six-yard box edge, remaining outfield players man-mark
Transition Activation — 4v4 + 2 Neutrals
4v4 with two neutrals always on the side of the team in possession
Positional Possession — Build from Back (7+GK v 4 Press)
Back four plus CDM plus two CMs build from GK against a four-man press
Technical Passing Circuit (Pairs)
Pairs pass across 15 yards — inside of foot, outside of foot, first-touch control and return
Possession Warmup — Colour Bibs Tag
Three teams of roughly seven
Attacking Pattern Play — Build Through Midfield
10 attackers vs 8 defenders
Pressing Triggers — 6v6 High Press Game
6v6 on a tight pitch
Quick Combinations — Wall-Pass and Overlap Circuit
Players cycle through a three-man combination circuit: player A plays to B, receives a wall pass, plays into C who has overlapped into the channel
11v11 Directional Scrimmage — Attacking Shape
Full 11v11 with GKs
5v5 Free Scrimmage with Transition Trigger
Two games of 5v5 running simultaneously
Corner Kick Routines — Three Variants
Alex Kim delivers from the corner
Defender 1v1 Defending — Delay and Channel
Attacker starts with the ball at one end, defender 3 yards back
High-Intensity Finishing Circuit
Three stations running simultaneously: (1) Cross and finish — wide player delivers, two forwards attack; (2) Through-ball in behind — CM plays the ball, forward runs on goal; (3) Second-ball — keeper parries into the box, midfielder arrives late
11v11 Full Game — No Restrictions
Full 11v11
2-Mile Timed Run (Fitness Test #2 — Midpoint)
Repeat the exact same 2-mile course from August 3rd
11v11 Possession Scrimmage — Shape Emphasis
Full scrimmage, free play, but coach freezes the game when shape breaks down in possession to reset and talk
11v11 Competitive Scrimmage — Defend & Counter
Full field scrimmage with a tactical constraint: team out of possession must press within 3 seconds of turnover or concedes a free kick from where the press was missed
2-Mile Timed Run (Fitness Test #1)
All fit players complete a timed 2-mile run on a measured course
Positional Possession — 4-Zone Keep-Ball
Split field into four vertical zones
Welcome Rondo — 8v2 / 10v2
Split into two groups; large rondo circles with 2 defenders inside
Match Feel Game — 9v9 Open Play with Goals
Balanced 9v9 with full-size goals and GKs
Defensive Set Piece Shape — Zonal & Man Marking Hybrid
Set up a hybrid defensive corner/free kick shape: zonal posts and 6-yard-box runners man-marked, zonal blockers at the near post
Confidence Rondo — 5v2 Free Touch
Three simultaneous rondo circles, 5v2 with free touch
Mid-Block Organisation — 4-3-3 Defensive Shape
Defensive unit sets up in a mid-block; attacking unit of 7 tries to break them down with build-up play
Finishing Circuit — 1v1, Cut-Back, Header
Three stations rotating every 7 minutes: (1) 1v1 vs GK from different angles, (2) driven low cut-back — striker attacks near post, (3) crossing and heading — wide player serves, striker attacks the ball
9v9 Attacking Half — Final Third Patterns
Attacking team of 9 builds from a back line and tries to create and finish against a defending 9 in a half-field game
Defensive Line Compactness — Shadow Defensive Block
Defensive unit (back 4 + 3 midfielders) works against a coach-directed attacking unit
Counter-Press Trigger Game — 6v6+2 in Transition
6v6 with 2 neutrals always supporting the team in possession
Distribution Under Pressure — GK Build-Up Rondo
GK starts with ball; 2 CBs and CDM offer angles
Positional Shape Walk-Through — 4-3-3 Principles
Walk-through only — no opposition
Possession into Transition — 8v8 Directional Game
8v8 on a directional pitch with two small goals at each end
11v11 Full Scrimmage — Set Piece Triggers Included
Full scrimmage with match realism
2-Mile Timed Run (Fitness Test #3 — End of Camp)
Final repeat of the exact 2-mile course
Attacking Set Piece Installation — Corners & Wide Free Kicks
Work through two corner routines (near-post flick-on, far-post run) and two wide free-kick routines (inswinger to the back post, short set-up for a driven cross)
Wide Attack Combination — Overlap & Underlap Patterns
Set up attacking patterns on both flanks simultaneously
Possession Keepaway — Free Rondo, No Rules
One big 20v6 rondo — rotations rapid, no tactics talked, just touch and movement
Set-Piece Introduction — Attacking Corners
Two corner routines installed: (1) near-post flick-on with Cruz arriving late at far post; (2) Moreno inswinger to the 6-yard box with Carter and Novak attacking zonally
11v11 Rehearsal Scrimmage — System Run-Through
Full 11v11 at match pace with minimal coaching interruption
Passing Combination Patterns — Third-Man Runs
Three lanes of 6 players each working scripted triangle combinations: A to B, B third-man to C making a run, C finishes or recycles
Phase of Play — Build-Up Under Pressure
Back four plus CDM and one CM build out from the goalkeeper against a 2-man press
Combination Finishing — Overlap and Cutback
Three attacking stations run simultaneously: (1) RB overlaps outside RW, crosses to near post; (2) LB or LWB underlap, square ball to arriving CM; (3) CF lays off to CAM arriving from deep
2-Mile Timed Run (Baseline Fitness Test)
All available players run 2 miles at their own pace on a measured course
11v11 Structured Scrimmage — Pressing Principles Applied
Full 11v11 scrimmage with a coaching freeze rule: coach can stop play twice to correct pressing shape or transition moments
Defensive Shape — Compact Mid-Block 11v9
Back four plus CDM plus four midfielders form the defensive block against 9 attacking players
Attacking Patterns — Wide Overload to Central Finish
Two patterns run from each side of the pitch alternately: (1) RB-RW-CM triangle, wide overload, pull-back to arriving CAM; (2) LW runs in behind off a forward's hold-up, cutback or first-time finish
Set-Piece Refinement — Defending Corners and Free Kicks
Install the defensive corner routine: Carter zones the near post, Novak the 6-yard box, Hartley on the edge, wide players pin the short option
Beep Test (Midpoint Fitness Check)
All available fit players complete the standard 20-metre shuttle beep test
Technical Confidence — 1v1 Skills and Shooting Gallery
Low-pressure shooting gallery: players collect passes from a server and finish on goal in sequence — ground shots, volleys, chips
Possession Rondo — 8v4 High Tempo
Three groups of 12, each running 8v4
120-Test (End-of-Camp Fitness Check)
Players complete the 120-test protocol: repeated 120-yard runs with timed rest intervals
Positional Possession — 6v6+2 Neutrals
6v6 with 2 permanent neutrals always playing with the team in possession
Goalkeeper Handling Circuit
All three keepers rotate through three stations simultaneously: low-drive saves to the side, high-cross claiming under a pole hung at 10ft, and rolling distribution to a target cone 30 yards out
Winger Technical 1v1 — Cut Inside and Finish
Two stations: one for each wide side
Transition Game — 5v5 Two-Touch Counter
5v5 in a mid-sized grid with a small goal at each end
Pressing Triggers — 8v8 Zonal Press
8v8 on half a field
Technical Rondo — 4v1 Rotating
Groups of 5 in a 10x10 grid — four on the outside, one in the middle pressing