40 Football Training Drills

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on soccer drills for coaches and players. Whether you are a seasoned coach or a beginner, having a variety of drills in your arsenal is essential for developing skills and improving performance on the field. In this article, we have compiled a list of 40 soccer drills that cover various aspects of the game. These drills can be used for both individual training and team practice sessions. Let’s dive in!

Drills suitable for players of all ages & levels

Our carefully curated soccer drills cover a wide range of techniques, from mastering ball control and dribbling to honing passing precision and shooting accuracy. Moreover, we delve into the tactical aspect of the game, incorporating strategic plays and team formations to elevate your team’s performance to new heights.

Each football drill is crafted to cater to players of all levels and ages making it an ideal resource for both beginners and professionals. With real-game simulations and innovative coaching tips, these exercises will bring out the best in your players and foster a competitive spirit within your team.

Types of drills below include:

• Passing drills
• Shooting drills
• Dribbling drills
• Rondo or Small-Sided Games
• Fitness & Conditioning drills
• Tactical drills

So lets go ahead and explore drills, illustrated with pics and description for every exercise:

1 vs 0 to 1 vs 2

20 minutes

Organization:

• Occupy a goal with a goalkeeper
• Build positions A, B and C
• Build mini-goals between the locations shown in Figure 2
• Mark a pole in the penalty area
• Distribute your players in the three positions
• Each player has a ball

Process:

• Player A dribbles towards the pole, feints, and then shoots at goal
• Player B then starts the field for a 1 vs 1 vs A
• Player C then dribbles into the field for a 1v2 against A and B
• After winning the ball, one of the two mini goals is countered

Variations:

• Passive 1v1 or 1v2

Coaching:

• Dribble with speed
• With conviction duels and look for the conclusion
• Majority/Minority
• Switching game after winning the ball
• concentration
• precision
• goal shot

1 vs 0 to 3 vs 3

30 minutes

Organization:

• Mark a 30 x 30 meter square
• Occupy a large gate with a goalkeeper at each end
• Form 2 teams of 6
• The two teams stand next to their goals
• Blue has the ball first

Process:

• The first Blue player dribbles into the field and shoots at the opposite goal from the center line
• The first player from red then starts a 1v1
• He receives the ball from the goalkeeper
• After a goal or a ball out, the next blue player starts the 2v1
• Then 2 against 2 to 3 against 3
• Then the action starts all over again with the remaining players

Variations:

• Goal closures only with the weak foot
• Playing for mini goals when there is no goalkeeper

Coaching:

• Pay attention to quick deals
• Avoid overload, pay attention to playing time
• goal shot
• duel

2 against 6 ball chase

20 minutes

Organization:

• Set up two 12×12 meter fields
• Keep a distance of 10 meters between the two fields
• Divide into 2 teams
• Distribute 5 players (white) to each of the two fields
• The remaining players (red) form pairs and become defenders
• The defenders are with the trainer at the ball depot about 15 meters away

Process:

• The coach plays the ball into any field
• The first pair of red runs after and tries to win the ball
• A player (white) from the other field may join the 6 against 2
• After winning the ball, the coach plays into the other field
• The next pair starts, one player from white may move to the other field for a 6 against 2 game
• After a while change of duties

Variations:

• Contact limitation of field players

Coaching:

• passing game
• acceleration
• change of direction
• responsiveness
• duel
• Majority/Minority

3 colors – 4 goals

30 minutes

Organization:

• Mark a 25 x 25 meter octagon with 4 short and 4 long sides as shown
• Set up a mini goal on each of the short sides
• Divide into 3 teams
• 1 balls

Process:

• 2 teams each play against the third to keep the ball
• 10 stations in a row = 1 point
• Outnumbered counters to one of the 4 mini goals after winning the ball
• Outnumbered plays counter-pressing and, after winning the ball back, plays to hold the ball again
• If a goal is scored outnumbered, the team that has played outnumbered the longest changes the task
• Playing time 3 minutes
• Multiple passes

Variations:

• 6 or 8 passes in a row result in an additional point

Coaching:

• game form
• Without a goalkeeper
• Offer
• running free
• Fast combining
• majority
• outnumbered

3 vs 2 in the double penalty area

Duration 30 minutes

Organization:

• Mark a double penalty area with cones
• Build 2 gates on the baselines and staff them with goalkeepers
• Set up a coordination course and a ball depot behind a goal as shown in the illustration
• Form 2 teams and distribute them according to the illustration

Process:

• At a trainer command, A, B and C run through your course
• Then B dribbles into the field, A and C also sprint into the field
• The two defenders D and E also start into the field after the coach’s command
• It’s a 3 vs 2 situation
• The defenders counterattack on the opposite goal after winning the ball

Variation:

• Specify various tasks through the course, eg jumping on one leg

Coaching:

• Use free space
• speed dribbling
• Sprint deep to create the alley ball or vertical pass stations
• Majority/Minority

1 plus 1 against 3 – soccer drills

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 20 x 15 meter square
      • Occupy a goal with a goalkeeper on the baseline
      • Designate a neutral player on the opposite baseline
      • The neutral player has a ball
      • Form 2 teams

Process:

1. 1. • 3 against 3 in the field
      • Blue has the right to attack
      • 3 plus 1 neutral against 3 defensive players
      • If Yellow wins the ball, they return it to the neutral player
      • The attack begins again
      • After some time change tasks and replace the neutral player

Variations:

1. 1. • The neutral player may play with a maximum of 2 contacts

Coaching:

1. 1. • Execute attacks quickly and accurately
      • Determined to score
      • Take advantage of closing opportunities immediately
      • duel leadership
      • Overview
      • Majority/Minority

3+2 against 3+2 rondo game

Duration 20 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 25 meter field
      • Set up 2 goals at the baselines
      • Occupy the gates with goalkeepers
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • 3 against 3 in the field
      • Position 2 outside players outside the field

Process:

1. 1. • It is played 3 against 3 in the field
      • The outside players trot around the field
      • They may be played at any time and act with 1 – 2 contacts (depending on the specification)
      • They are not allowed to play from fixed positions, but must constantly create new situations from their rotation, which the inside players should use accordingly
      • Change the outside players regularly

Coaching:

1. 1. • Involve the outside players
      • Encourage play on the outside
      • Precise passing game
      • Demand observation of the outside players

4 vs 4 plus 4 – rondo

Duration 30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 30 meter playing field
      • In addition, mark 5 x 5 meter corner squares
      • Form 3 teams of 4 players
      • A team spreads out with one player each in the corner squares
      • The other two teams compete against each other in the field

Process:

1. 1. • Free Game Blue vs Orange
      • The team in possession may play with the white team
      • The players in the corner square play with 1 contact
      • Then change of duties
      • Sufficient breaks between games

Variation:

1. 1. • Which team collects the most points?
      • Scoring: including outside players = 1 point
      • Scoring: Vertical, diagonal, horizontal displacement = 2 points

Coaching:

• • • Combine skillfully
    • Short, wide-ranging passing game
    • receiving and taking the ball
    • pre-orientation
    • Offering, running free
    • Offer on gap for interaction
    • Fast game shift, change of direction

25 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Create a 20 x 20 meter square
      • Set up a mini goal on each side line
      • Divide into 2 teams for 5 vs 3
      • The 3 defenders initially hold bibs in their hands

Process:

1. 1. • 5 against 3 in the field
      • After the undernumbered team has won the ball, they can attack any mini goal
      • After a hit, the players pass their bibs on to three other players, who then become the outnumbered team
      • The coach plays a new ball into the field
      • After 10 minutes active break

Variations:

1. 1. • Increase/decrease field size

Coaching:

• • • Majority/Minority
    • duel
    • Purposeful degrees

5 plus 1vs 5 on dribble goals

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 20 x 40 meter square
      • Build 4 cone gates
      • Mark a 10 x 10 meter diamond in the middle of the field
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • Designate a neutral player

Process:

1. 1. • Game to hold the ball
      • Goal: To dribble through one of the cone goals (1 point)
      • Players are only allowed to dribble from the outside in
      • If the neutral player is played in the diamond and played back to a player via a direct pass, the team in possession of the ball receives another additional point
      • Change the neutral player after some time
      • Which team collects the most points?

Variations:

1. 1. • Dribble the cone goal from the inside out
      • Pass through cone gates
      • Only pass through cone gates from the outside in
      • Only pass through cone gates from the inside to the outside

Coaching:

1. 1. • passing game
      • dribbling
      • Majority/Minority

5 plus 2 against 5 in the hexagon | small-sided game

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 50 x 30 meter hexagon with a center zone between the base line and the center line
      • Occupy 2 goals with a goalkeeper and set them up as shown
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • Designate 2 neutral players
      • 1 balls

Process:

1. 1. • 5 plus 2 against 5 in the middle zone
      • After 5 passes in a row, the team in possession of the ball may attack any goal
      • After some time the two neutral players switch
      • After 15 minutes, the goalkeeper “changes sides” and a short active break

Variations:

1. 1. • 1 outnumbered player may move up
      • The line is considered an offside line

Coaching:

1. 1. • game form
      • Fast combining
      • majority
      • outnumbered
      • Determined to score

6 vs 2 hunt

15 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 12 x 12 meter field
      • Mark a starting cone 10 meters from the field
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • Team Red is at the starting cone
      • Team Blue spread out in the field
      • The coach stands next to the field with balls

Process:

• With the coach’s pass into the field, 2 defenders from Team Red start and try to win the ball
• After 10 seconds (command from the trainer: whistle etc.) the next 2 defenders start and the previous ones leave the field
• Task change after 7 minutes ( change teams )
• Which team won the most balls at the end?
• With the coach’s pass into the field, 2 defenders from Team Red start and try to win the ball
• After 10 seconds (command from the trainer: whistle etc.) the next 2 defenders start and the previous ones leave the field
• Task change after 7 minutes ( change teams ) Which team won the most balls at the end?

Variations:

1. 1. • Trainer command after 15 or 20 seconds

Coaching:

1. 1. • Pay attention to high speed
      • Fast passing game
      • communication
      • Pass under pressure
      • acceleration
      • responsiveness

6 against 4 – rondo

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Build a 20 x 20 meter field
      • Mark 4 cone goals outside the field as shown
      • Width of the cone goals 8 meters, distance to the field 3 meters
      • Divide into a team of 6 and a team of 4
      • The coach stands next to the field with balls

Process:

1. 1. • 6 vs 4 holding the ball
      • If the defenders win the ball, they counter on one of the outer cone goals
      • In the event of a ball out or a goal scored by the shorthanded team, the coach puts a new ball into play
      • After some time change defenders

Variations:

1. 1. • Dribble through the cone goals
      • Passing through the cone gates

Coaching:

1. 1. • Outnumbered team should make the game as broad as possible
      • Majority/Minority
      • purposeful actions
      • Offer to fill gaps (surplus team)
      • pre-orientation

6 against 6 plus 3 neutrals

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 35 x 35 meter field
      • Form 2 teams
      • Assign 3 neutral players
      • 2 neutral players spread out on the two front sides, 1 neutral player in the center of the field
      • 1 balls

Process:

1. 1. • 6v6 plus 3 neutral players holding the ball
      • The neutral players support the team in possession
      • 10 passes in a row = 1 point
      • After some time change the neutral players

Variations:

1. 1. • Increase/decrease number of passes
      • Limit ball contacts per player
      • Decrease/increase playing field size

Coaching:

1. 1. • Majority/Minority
      • From the deep to the deep
      • Switching moments: After winning the ball, immediately look for the deep player
      • Closed defensive work
      • communication

6 plus 1 against 3 – rondo with goals

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 30 meter square
      • Build two gates at the front and place gatekeepers on them
      • Within the large field, mark a 20 x 20 meter small square
      • The coach stands next to the field with balls
      • Divide into a team of 6 and a team of 3
      • Appoint a neutral player

Process:

1. 1. • Blue plays 6 plus 1 vs 3 in the small square holding ball
      • 10 passes in a row are worth one point
      • If Orange wins the ball, they counter with the neutral player on any goal
      • Change the neutral player after some time
      • After some time change defenders

Variations:

1. 1. • 12 passes in a row equals a point

Coaching:

1. 1. • Fast goal completion after winning the ball
      • passing game
      • Negative pressure

8 against 4 in the hexagon – rondo game

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a hexagon as shown
      • Put enough spare balls around the field
      • Divide into 3 teams

Process:

1. 1. • 2 teams play together with a maximum of 3 contacts against the third team in 8 against 4
      • The outnumbered team tries to dribble out of the field after winning the ball
      • The team that caused the ball loss becomes the defender
      • After some time active break
      • Assign new teams

Variations:

1. 1. • After 3 clarified passes from a man outnumbered or after a bad pass out of bounds, there is also a change of task

Coaching:

1. 1. • The player closest to the ball attacks the ball carrier
      • game form
      • Without a goalkeeper
      • majority
      • outnumbered
      • Protection of fellow players, access to opponents

8 vs 4 after volley ball – SSG’s

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Set up a goal with a goalkeeper on the penalty area lines
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • Divide into 2 chains of four that stand in the field, the remaining players spread out outside the field

Process:

1. 1. • One team (blue here) lets the ball run in the back four
      • The opposite chain of four shifts ball-oriented
      • On a coach command, the ball is passed to the goalkeeper, who plays a volleyball to the other back four
      • After receiving and taking the ball (here red), there is an attack with the 4 other outside players in 8 against 4
      • Then change of duties

Variations:

1. 1. • Increase/decrease the number of crews
      • Enlarge/reduce playing field accordingly

Coaching:

1. 1. • Ball-oriented shifting
      • volleyball
      • Majority/Minority

9 against 8 game | big goal and 3-mini goals

 30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark one half of the field with a big goal and 3 mini goals as shown
      • Occupy the main goal with a goalkeeper
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • The construction team plays in 4-2-2
      • The defending team plays in 4-3-1

Process:

1. 1. • Free game in 9 against 8
      • After 15 minutes change sides and change tasks

Variations:

1. 1. • Increase/decrease teams
      • Enlarge/reduce playing field

Coaching:

1. 1. • passing game
      • Postpone
      • communication
      • commands
      • Majority/Minority
      • Free game

10 plus goalies against 8

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Reduce the playing field to a length of 60 meters
      • Occupy a baseline (gate 1) without a goalkeeper and on the opposite side 2 gates with a goalkeeper (gates 2 and 3)
      • Set up a 20 meter long closing zone in front of Gate 1
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • Team Blue 10 players
      • Team Green 8 players

Process:

1. 1. • Each round begins with a goalkeeper goal kick to Blue
      • Blue tries to get into the finishing zone in cooperation with the goalkeepers
      • After a pass into the finishing zone, Blue is allowed to finish on gate 1
      • If the green team wins the ball, they can counter on gates 2 and 3
      • Change tasks after a while

Variations:

1. 1. • Play offside

Coaching:

1. 1. • passing game
      • duel
      • Majority/Minority
      • decision-making ability
      • responsiveness

 

Possession | Holding the ball against scoring

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 30 meter square
      • Occupy two large gates with goalkeepers on the front sides
      • Divide into 2 teams

Process:

1. 1. • Blue plays 8v6 with the two goalkeepers holding the ball
      • 10 consecutive passes are worth 1 point
      • Red chases and after winning the ball may take aim at both goals
      • If Red scores a goal within 5 seconds of winning the ball, it counts double
      • If blue clearly regains the ball within 5 seconds, there is also a point
      • Playing time 5 minutes, then active break and task change

Variations:

1. 1. • Increase number of seconds

Coaching:

1. 1. • passing game
      • pressing
      • communication
      • Fast degrees
      • Majority/Minority

Lightning reaction – speed and gameplay

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 30 meter square
      • Occupy a goal with a goalkeeper on the baseline
      • On the opposite baseline, mark a 3 meter wide corridor as shown
      • Post a turning pole in the middle of the corridor
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • 3 players per team position themselves in the field
      • The remaining players as shown on the sides of the corridor (with balls)
      • After the action, both starting players swap positions and tasks with a player from the field

Process:

•  On a coach command ( WHISTLE ), the first two players dribble around the turning cone and then into the field
• The player who crosses the line first attacks the goal with his teammates in a 4v3
• If a defender wins the ball, the 4th player of the “defender” may move up into the field
• On a coach command ( WHISTLE ), the first two players dribble around the turning cone and then into the field
• The player who crosses the line first attacks the goal with his teammates in a 4v3
• If a defender wins the ball, the 4th player of the “defender” may move up into the field

Variations:

1. 1. • The opening players must incorporate a feint into the action before reaching the turning cone
      • Only post 2 players per team in the field

Coaching:

1. 1. • acceleration
      • dribbling
      • Majority/Minority
      • Determined to score

Triangle passing combination

15 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a triangle as shown
      • Divide 3 players on the outsides
      • Designate a defender
      • 1 balls

Process:

1. 1. • 3 vs 1 on holding the ball
      • The goal is to pass through the triangle to another player
      • The defender tries to protect the triangle
      • The defender must not run into the triangle
      • After winning the ball, he swaps tasks with the person who caused the loss of the ball
      • Maximum 30 seconds per pass
      • Determine next defender

Variations:

1. 1. • Running a competition: who wins the ball most often?

Coaching:

1. 1. • dribbling
      • receiving and taking the ball
      • passing game
      • Fast passing game
      • time pressure
      • Optimal distances
      • game intelligence

Three color game

25 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark out a 25 x 25 meter square
      • Divide into 3 teams of 4 players
      • 1 balls

Process:

1. 1. • 4 plus 4 against 4
      • After losing the ball, the player who has captured the ball calls out the colour, which from now on plays with his team to hold the ball
      • The third team not called becomes the defending team
      • As long as no color is called, both teams play counter-pressing
      • After a ball out, the coach immediately plays a ball
      • The player then in possession of the ball must now call up the team that is playing with his holding ball
      • After 10 minutes active break

Variations:

1. 1. • The called team becomes the defending team

Coaching:

1. 1. • majority
      • outnumbered
      • switching game
      • concentration
      • game form

Free kick game

20 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Occupy a goalkeeper on one half of the field
      • Set up 5 position cones and add a ball ( free kick )
      • Construct a 25 x 25 meter square in the opposite half of the field
      • Divide into 2 teams
      • The coach stands next to the square with balls

Process:

1. 1. • The players first act in 5 against 5
      • The coach starts the action
      • If a team manages 10 passes in a row, a player is allowed to take the free kicks
      • Only goals from free kicks count
      • After 5 free kicks put the balls back in their place, then return to the field
      • The game continues in excess/shortfall
      • Which team will score the most free kick goals?

Variations:

1. 1. • Shoot the free kicks with the weak foot
      • Reduce/increase pass contacts within a team

Coaching:

1. 1. • free kicks
      • passing game
      • Outnumbered/Outnumbered

Challenge | Attack or defend

15 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Position 2 mini goals 35 meters in front of the goal as shown in the illustration
      • Occupy the main goal with a goalkeeper
      • Mark a line 10 meters in front of the mini goals
      • Choose 2 defenders and 1 attacker
      • 1 defender stands at penalty area height, the other in front of the marker
      • The attacker stands between the mini goals with the ball

Process:

1. 1. • The attacker dribbles, tries to overcome the first defender
      • By dribbling over the marker, the second defender becomes active
      • The defenders counter the mini goals after winning the ball
      • After the second contact, the defenders have to pass one of the mini-goals with great pressure

Variations:

1. 1. • Swap attackers and defenders after a while
      • Each defender must remain in their zone

Coaching:

1. 1. • dribbling
      • passing game
      • duel
      • Majority/Minority
      • goal completion

Cross in 3v4 | finishing

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a zone in front of the goal with the goalkeeper as shown in the illustration
      • Set up and number poles around the penalty area as shown in Figure 7
      • Place a player and ball on each pole
      • Post 4 attackers in front of the zone
      • Position 3 defenders immediately in front of the zone, facing the goal

Process:

1. 1. • At the trainer’s command, the attackers run into the marked zone
      • After the coach’s command, the defenders immediately start in the zone to defend the penalty area
      • The coach calls out 4 numbers of the outside players one after the other
      • Players take turns playing the ball up into the zone
      • Change defenders after 3 rounds

Variations:

1. 1. • Defenders have their eyes closed

Coaching:

1. 1. • Attention
      • keep Calm
      • seek contact with the opponent
      • communication
      • Act fast
      • Active to the ball
      • Keep an eye on the ball and opponent at all times

3 vs 1 passing game | rondo

Duration 15 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 7 x 7 meter square
      • Position 3 players on the outside lines, 1 player in the middle
      • 1 balls

Process:

1. 1. • The outside players pass the ball directly to each other in a limited space
      • The central player tries to capture or touch the ball
      • Subsequent task change (player exchange)
      • Sufficient rest between games

Variations:

1. 1. • Build multiple stations
      • 2 contacts per player
      • Only pass with the weak foot

Coaching:

1. 1. • accuracy of fit
      • orientation
      • Direct Passing Game
      • communication
      • Technology
      • running free, offering

Rondo: 4 vs 2 with counter pressing

Duration 20 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 12 x 12 meter square
      • Divide into 3 teams of 2 players each
      • 2 teams spread around the square, the other team goes to the middle of the field

Process:

1. 1. • 4 against 2 in the field
      • The pairs play together and change after winning the ball
      • A ball win is only valid if the underman dribbles out of the field
      • It doesn’t count if the ball is played out!
      • The majority team has the opportunity to win the ball back during this time

Variation:

1. 1. • Direct Passing Game
      • 2 or more contacts per player
      • Easier variant: The inner players have to create 2 stations with a total of 4 contacts

Coaching:

1. 1. • Precise passing game
      • responsiveness
      • counter pressing

Interface game out of the chaos

15 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Occupy a goalkeeper with a goalkeeper
      • Position a wide five-man chain in front of the penalty area
      • Mark a pentagon made of different colored hats in the center circle
      • Divide 5 attackers among the cones
      • An attacker stands centrally in the depths
      • Position 2 mini goals as shown

Process:

1. 1. • The attackers pass the ball to each other within their pentagon
      • On a coach command (here RED), the player on the red cone plays the opening pass into the depths
      • All players start deep or wide
      • The striker clap
      • A 6-on-5 outnumbered situation ensues
      • Blue counters the two mini goals after winning the ball
      • Restart on outbound
      • Switch forward in depth after each reboot
      • Change tasks after 15 minutes

Variations:

1. 1. • 6 defenders to play 6v6

Coaching:

1. 1. • passing game
      • interface passes
      • Majority/Minority

From 3 vs 5 to 7 vs 5 | Transition Rondo Games

Duration 30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Set up a playing field 40 x 30 meters
      • Mark a 20 x 15 meter field in the middle of the field
      • Occupy a large goal with a goalkeeper on a baseline
      • Set up 3 mini goals on the opposite side
      • Divide into 2 teams ( 5 against 7 )

Process:

1. 1. • The exercise begins in the small field ( 3 against 5 )
      • After winning the ball red, switch to 7 against 5 on the entire field
      • Red may try to score a goal on the big goal, blue counters after recapturing on the 3 mini goals
      • Change tasks after 15 minutes, sufficient break between games

Variations:

1. 1. • Enlarge/reduce the two fields depending on the number of players

Coaching:

1. 1. • Orientation, first ball contact
      • passing game
      • Attack purposefully and finish on the big gate
      • freewheel behavior
      • Take advantage of your opponent’s clutter
      • use rooms
      • concentration
      • Self-confidence, act decisively
      • fight intensely

From 1 vs 0 to 4 vs 4 | Transition: Attack-Defense

Duration 20 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 20 x 30 meter playing field
      • Occupy a goal with a goalkeeper on each of the baselines
      • Divide into 2 groups and distribute them as shown
      • Each player has a ball

Process:

1. 1. • The first player, blue, dribbles into the field for a 1v0 and finishes ( 1 )
      • Red’s first player starts the field after Blue’s finish for a 1v1 ( 2 )
      • Then the next player from blue starts to play 2 against 1 ( 3 )
      • Play through to 4v4
      • Then restart ( start red )
      • Who scores the most hits?

Variations:

1. 1. • Play offside

Coaching:

1. 1. • Maximum 20 seconds per action
      • duel training

3 plus 3 against 3 on mini goals

Duration 30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Construct 3 mini-gates around the center circle
      • Place 3 cones in different colors as shown
      • Have a couple of balls ready at each cone
      • Divide into 3 teams
      • The field is played 3 against 3
      • The remaining 3 players stand around the center circle at the cone positions

Process:

➢ 3 plus 3 against 3
➢ After a ball out or a goal, the coach calls a cone color from which the player plays the new ball back into the field
➢ Before a goal can be scored, at least one pass must take place between the players
➢ Switch tasks after 5 minutes
➢ 2 runs in total

3 plus 3 against 3

After a ball out or a goal, the coach calls a cone color from which the player plays the new ball back into the field

Before a goal can be scored, at least one pass must take place between the players Switch tasks after 5 minutes

2 runs in total

Variations:

1. 1. • An outside player must be passed in order to then be allowed to score a goal

Coaching:

1. 1. • speed of action
      • Pay attention to the open position of the players
      • Offer explosives and compete
      • require communication
      • creativity
      • 1 on 1 situations

6 vs 3 direct game

Duration 30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 30 meter square with cones
      • Split into 2 teams (outnumbered/outnumbered team)

Process:

1. 1. • Outnumbered passing game
      • Direct play of the majority team
      • Free game for the shorthanded team
      • If ball out, roll in
      • Duration: 2 x 3 minutes
      • Change of tasks, swap out of teams

Variations:

1. 1. • Outnumbered players maximum 2 contacts
      • Outnumbered players at least 2 contacts

Coaching:

1. 1. • Proper free running of the majority team
      • Offer in the gap
      • recognize free space
      • Intense game for a shorthanded team, make sure you have enough rest
      • Calm and clean passes from the majority players
      • Skillfully exploiting superiority situations, one-two

Shell game | pass and dribble

Duration 15 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark out a 30 x 30 meter playing field
      • Distribute 4 cone goals freely in a square
      • Cone gate 2 meters wide
      • Divide into 2 teams

Process:

1. 1. • Red plays in 6 against 3 as an attacker against 3 defenders (here blue)
      • The remaining players of the defensive team are waiting outside the field
      • Red tries to play through as many cone goals as possible
      • If the defenders (here blue) win the ball, the teams immediately change roles
      • Which team has the most cone goals?

Variations:

1. 1. • Decrease/increase the number of defenders in the field
      • play 6 against 6
      • Enlarge/reduce cone gates

Coaching:

1. 1. • The coach immediately plays played balls back into the field to the attacking team
      • Set defender
      • Change the respective defenders in the field regularly
      • let play

Filing game | 3 zone SSG

20 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 20 meter playing field
      • Build 1 Grand Gate with Goalie on a baseline
      • Set up a mini goal on the opposite baseline
      • Mark 3 zones with cones
      • The end zones: 8 meters each
      • The middle zone: 14 meters
      • Split into 2 teams for 6 vs 4

Process:

1. 1. • 6 against 4
      • The attackers try to combine in the final zone, if this succeeds, another attacker moves into the end zone in front of the goal
      • The ball owner hangs up on the player who is moving up and who shoots for the big goal
      • In the end zone, the outnumbered team may no longer be attacked
      • The outnumbered team may not be attacked even in its own end zone
      • If the majority team wins the ball, they counter the mini goal
      • Switch roles after 10 minutes

Variations:

1. 1. • 5 against 5
      • A defender may move into the completion zone

Coaching:

1. 1. • Demand a quick combination game
      • Use full width of field
      • Finish purposefully
      • Communication, view of the teammate

Dribble team

20 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 20 meter playing field
      • Build 2 mini-goals on the baselines
      • Mark 3 zones with cones
      • The end zones: 8 meters each
      • The middle zone: 14 meters
      • Split into 2 teams for 6 vs 4

Process:

1. 1. • 6 against 4
      • The players on the shorthanded team form the dribble team and must dribble into the end zone to score
      • In the end zone, the outnumbered team may no longer be attacked
      • The outnumbered team may not be attacked even in its own end zone
      • Goals scored by the shorthanded team count double
      • Switch roles after 10 minutes

Variations:

1. 1. • 5 against 5

Coaching:

1. 1. • train feints
      • The players should risk as many dribbles as possible
      • The coach motivates and accordingly supports the players with positive coaching

Build-up & Counter-pressing 6 vs 4

Duration 25 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Set up 2 dribble goals 10 meters behind the center line
      • Divide into 2 teams: 6 defensive players, 4 offensive players
      • The offensive players spread out along the center line

Process:

1. 1. • The trainer initiates the action with a flying ball
      • Team Blue intercepts the pass and builds up under pressure from the opponent
      • The red team starts pressing as soon as the coach begins the pass
      • Team Red has 30 seconds to capture the ball
      • During this time, Team Blue should dribble through a push across the center line
      • If the attackers win the ball, they counter the big goal

Variations:

1. 1. • A player initiates the action with a flying ball
      • The majority team plays on the two cone goals
      • The majority team should fit through one of the two cone gates

Coaching:

1. 1. • High speed of the underman team, constant pressing
      • Run free of the majority team, exploit the majority
      • Start in the free spaces (outnumbered team)
      • Change outnumbered team after some actions

Final part: 6 vs 4

Duration 30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 20 x 20 meter field and 4 outer cone goals as shown
      • Width of the cone gates 8 meters
      • Distance to the field 3 meters
      • Divide into a team of 6 and a team of 4

Process:

1. 1. • 6 vs 4 holding the ball
      • If the defending team wins the ball, they counter on one of the four outer pass goals
      • If a goal is scored or the ball is out of bounds, the coach immediately puts a new ball into play
      • Each team plays 3-4 minutes outnumbered
      • Goals only count after dribbling over the goals

Variations:

1. 1. • Change the entire shorthanded team to facilitate counter-pressing
      • Contact limitation of the majority team
      • 10 ball circulations by the majority team = 1 point

Coaching:

1. 1. • 4 players of the majority team are based on the outer lines, the other two act in the center
      • Improve possession play
      • Switching or behavior after losing the ball
      • Behavior after winning the ball
      • Pay attention to the positioning in space of the teams in possession of the ball (e.g. offer a gap, pre-orientation of the central players
      • Pay attention to the technical components of the players

Possession Game | Holding the ball vs. scoring

30 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 35 x 35 meter field
      • Place a student goal on each of the baselines
      • Divide into 2 teams for 8 vs 5

Process:

➢ 8 against 5 in the field
➢ The majority team only plays to hold the ball
➢ 10 consecutive passes within your own team result in 1 point
➢ The outnumbered team tries to conquer the ball, if they succeed they try to score on one of the two goals
➢ After the underman team scores a goal, the overman team starts with the ball again
➢ Change sides after 15 minutes

Variations:

1. 1. • One player from the majority team may act as the goalkeeper
      • Increase/decrease the number of passes for a point

Coaching:

1. 1. • Look for quick shots
      • Demand fast combination game
      • take advantage of the situation
      • Precise passing game by the majority team
      • Fast switching

Up to 5v5 – Increasing pressure on the attackers

Duration 20 minutes

Organization:

1. 1. • Mark a 30 x 30 meter playing field
      • Occupy a goal with a goalkeeper on each of the baselines
      • Divide into 2 groups
      • Prepare spare balls
      • Divide the players according to the picture

Process:

1. 1. • Goal to goal game
      • The game starts with a 4 against 1 situation of the attackers
      • With each attack completion, a new defender comes into play
      • It doesn’t matter if it’s a goal or not
      • Up to 5 against 5 hits can be scored
      • If the defenders win the ball, they counter to the opposite goal
      • Then change of duties
      • Which team ended up scoring the most goals?

Variations:

1. 1. • Play for mini goals without a goalkeeper

Coaching:

1. • In the first majority situations, prepare and play out or exploit the chances to score

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These 40 soccer drills cover a wide range of skills and aspects of the game. Incorporate them into your training sessions to help your players develop their abilities and improve their performance on the field. Remember to focus on proper technique, communication, and creating a positive and enjoyable training environment. With regular practice and dedication, both coaches and players can take their game to the next level. Happy training!