70 Soccer Drills PDF by Elite Coaches (Guardiola, Klopp, Mourinho etc.)
Why invent new drills when you can train like the world’s best?
Great coaching isn’t about guessing; it’s about applying proven methods. We have digitized a legendary coaching resource: “70 Exercises from the World’s Elite Trainers by La Clinica del Fútbol “
This 70-page PDF is not just a random collection of cones and balls. It is a tactical blueprint featuring session plans attributed to the managers who defined modern football.
From Pep Guardiola’s positional play to Jürgen Klopp’s heavy metal pressing, this guide gives you the exact sessions used at the highest level.
📋 What is Inside the PDF?
This manual covers every phase of the game, categorized by the specific manager’s philosophy. When you download this file, you get access to:
1. The “Possession Masters” (Guardiola & Sarri Style)
Learn how to dominate the ball with drills that focus on triangular passing and the “third man” run.
- Pep Guardiola: A 4v4 + 3 Joker “Rondo” designed to master rapid ball circulation and pressing triggers.
- Louis Van Gaal: 11v11 tactical games where the goalkeeper acts as a sweeper to compress the pitch and trap the opponent.
- Maurizio Sarri / Brenden Rodgers Style: Rapid 1-touch passing sequences to break defensive lines.
To master these possession principles, check out our full library of Possession & Rondo Drills.
2. The “Pressing Monsters” (Klopp & Simeone Style)
Don’t just train possession; train what happens when you lose it.
- Jürgen Klopp: High-intensity “Automatism” drills that teach strikers exactly where to run to trigger the press and finish.
- Diego Simeone: A unique 7v7 game played with 4 mini-goals. This forces players to slide laterally (shuttle) and protect the full width of the pitch.
- Marcelo Bielsa: Chaos games that split the field in half, forcing players to sprint back defensively the moment possession is lost.
If you want to train high-intensity pressing, combine this with our Small Sided Games to replicate match realism.
3. The “Tactical Geniuses” (Mourinho & Ancelotti)
- José Mourinho: The “6-Cone Transition.” A technical sequence that forces players to switch instantly from short, sharp passes to long, cross-field switches.
- Carlo Ancelotti: The “Wall Pass” drill. A functional exercise for strikers to practice holding up the ball, laying it off, and spinning in behind for a finish.
- Sir Alex Ferguson: A 2v2 game with “Jokers” tilted to one side of the pitch to create overloads and test decision-making in tight areas.
Transitions are useless if you can’t score. Pair this drill with our Attacking & Finishing Drills.
🚀 Sneak Peek: A Drill You Can Run Today
Here is just one example of the quality you will find in the PDF.
The “Conte Counter” (Antonio Conte)
Objective: Exploiting space after winning the ball.
- The Setup: A long pass from a defender into a target man.
- The Action: The target man controls and lays it off to a midfielder. The midfielder immediately strikes a long ball into the channel for a winger to run onto.
- The Goal: Score from outside the box or a cross.
- Why it works: It trains the specific movement pattern Conte used at Juventus and Chelsea to turn defense into attack in just 3 touches.
📥 Download the 70+ Practice Plans (Free PDF)
Stop planning your sessions from scratch. Get the manual used by the pros.
(File includes diagrams, objectives, and equipment lists)
💡 Coach’s Note on Terminology
Since this resource is global (originally from La Clinica del Futbol ), you may see some unique translated terms in the diagrams:
- “Joker” = Neutral Player / Magic Man.
- “Plastic Doll” = Mannequin / Passive Defender.
- “Auction” = Finishing / Shooting on Goal.
- “Tilting” = Shifting the defensive block side-to-side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this PDF suitable for youth soccer (U10-U14)?
Yes, but with adaptations. The drills from coaches like Guardiola and Wenger focus on passing patterns and technical skills (rondos), which are perfect for youth development. However, for younger players, you should reduce the pitch size and remove complex tactical restrictions. For younger age groups, always start with a proper Soccer Warm-Up before attempting complex tactical drills.
Do I need a full 11v11 pitch to run these drills?
No. Most exercises in the PDF are “Small Sided Games” (4v4, 6v6, or 7v7). While some drills like Van Gaal’s tactical games use a full pitch, the majority can be run in a standard training grid or half-pitch.
What equipment is required for these elite drills?
The drills are surprisingly simple in setup. You primarily need cones (to mark grids), bibs (for teams/jokers), and balls. Some specific drills use mannequins (referred to as “plastic dolls” in the PDF) to represent defenders, but you can use tall cones or poles as substitutes.
Why are some terms in the PDF different?
The document was originally translated from a Spanish coaching resource. You will see terms like “Joker” (Neutral Player), “Auction” (Finishing/Shooting), and “Tilting” (Shifting the defense). The diagrams clarify the meaning instantly.
