The Barcelona Passing Drill by Hansi Flick trains quick passing combinations and clinical finishing in one continuous, high-rhythm exercise. Players work the ball around the diamond with first-time passes and constant movement off their cones, then switch the play with a sharp diagonal before finishing in the goal. It rewards players who stay alert, time their runs to a teammate’s action, and strike the ball first-time under tempo – exactly the habits a possession-based team relies on in the final third.

This FC Barcelona-inspired rondo is a great and fun way for players to start a training session. It warms players up while sharpening the skills that matter most in possession: quick, accurate passing under pressure, a sharp first touch, and the awareness to spot the next pass before the ball even arrives. For the two players in the middle, it doubles as lively pressing practice – closing the ball down and working together to win it back.

Why Use This Drill? 

This Fitness Competition Drill is designed to enhance players’ fitness levels by incorporating various running patterns. It is particularly effective as a pre-season drill to prepare players for the upcoming season. Additionally, it helps players practice staying calm and focused when taking a shot at the small goal after running at full speed.

How It Works

1. Once the players are ready, the coach signals the start of the drill.
2. The first player from each team runs to the first cone, ensuring they touch it with their hand to verify they’ve run the full distance.
3. The players zig-zag through the cones and then take a shot at the small goal.
4. The next player in line can only start once the previous player scores.
5. The first team to score with all their balls wins the competition.
6. The losing team(s) can be given a penalty, such as 10 push-ups.
7. Repeat the drill as many times as the players’ fitness levels allow.

This Pre-season Fitness Drill is designed to help players regain fitness after a break while incorporating ball skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. It’s ideal for coaches who want players to engage in intensive runs but still focus on ball control. The inclusion of ball activities makes the drill more enjoyable, allowing players to concentrate on their technique rather than just running.

This drill not only enhances fitness but also ensures players continue to develop essential ball skills in a fun and dynamic way.

Why Use This Drill? 

The 3 player passing drill offers a straightforward method for players to train two fundamental football skills: passing and dribbling. It’s particularly beneficial for beginners and young players seeking to grasp the basics of these essential techniques in an easy way.

How It Works

1. Variation (Dribbling With The Ball)

In this variation, players emphasize simple dribbling maneuvers before executing a pass to the next player. The objective is to guide the ball through the two closest cones with a controlled first touch and then advance freely to make the pass.

2. Variation (One-Two Passing Combination)

In this variation, players focus on first-time passing and one-two passing combinations. Maintaining a high tempo throughout the drill ensures that players are consistently on the move and prepared to receive the next pass.

Why Use This Drill? 

The Barcelona Line Passing Drill trains various facets of the game in a straightforward and easy drill. It emphasizes player movement and the ability to adapt runs based on teammates’ actions. This focus on movement enhances players’ spatial awareness and tactical understanding, making it particularly beneficial for possession-based teams like FC Barcelona. Additionally, the drill develops players’ first touch and passing skills.

How It Works

Start the drill by having one player start with the ball at the outer cones. The two central players should consistently shift away from their positions to create passing options on either side of the cone. The first central player decides which side to move towards, and the other player adjusts their movement accordingly in the opposite direction. Rotate players every 2-5 minutes to ensure everyone gets involved evenly.

1. Variation

Short Pass Variation: The starting player passes to the closest central player, who has moved out to either side and then passes the ball to the other central player. Finally, the ball is passed to the last player, and the drill restarts from the opposite side.

2 Variation

Long Pass Variation: The initial player sends a long ball to the farthest central player, who lays it off to the opposite central player. The ball eventually reaches the outer player, and the drill resets from the other side.

3. Variation

One-Two Passing Variation: The starting player performs a one-two passing combination with the nearest central player, and then passes to the opposite central player. The ball is then played back to the first central player before being passed to the last player at the outer cone.

Why Use This Drill? 

The “Xavi” Midfielder Drill is inspired by Xavi and his playing style, both as a player and as a coach. It helps players understand the importance of the midfielder’s role in maintaining possession with controlled first touches and directing the ball safely from side to side.

How It Works

The coach or another player passes the ball into the player inside the square. The player then takes a directional first touch towards one of the goals and passes the ball into the goal using only 2 touches in total. The player chooses which goal to aim for. Depending on the variation of the drill, the player inside the square either needs to keep the ball inside or outside the square. 

In the third variation, a defender can be added inside the square to apply pressure on the midfielder while taking the first touch and passing to the goal. This variation simulates real-game situations and helps players in-game understanding. 

To make the drill more challenging, the coach or passing player can make different and unpredictable passes inside the square, such as long passes, loop passes, or throw-ins. This adds realism to the drill and prepares players for real-game scenarios.

Why Use This Drill? 

This Building out from Goal Kick Drill is all about improving your team’s ability to start an attack and possession game right from goal kicks. It gives you the chance to try out different strategies when facing pressure from the opposing team. In today’s football, being smart about playing out from goal kicks is essential, and if your team gets it right, it can be a game-changer against tough opponents.
Practicing how to transition from phase 1 to phase 2 of the possession game is a key focus here.
The attacking players also practice high-pressure situations against opponents and learn how to press collectively as a team.

How It Works

The ball begins with the goalkeeper (or one of the defenders) making a pass like a goal kick. The players then need to pass through the pressure from the attacking players and aim to get the ball into one of the three goals up the pitch.
If the attacking team wins the ball, their goal is to score on the defenders and goalkeeper.

The small goals represent the successful play through the pressure, marking the transition to the attacking players and the next phase of the game. This is the core objective of the drill.

Experiment with different methods and strategies to pass through the pressure. Below, we’ve provided two examples for inspiration on how to build up against the pressure with a backline of 4 or 3 defenders.

Example 1: (Backline of 4 players)
The players aim to pass through the pressure, utilizing the full-back’s runs along the wide lines. The midfielders move around the pitch to open up space for the full-backs.

Example 2: (Backline of 3 players)
The focus here is on one of the defenders making a run up the pitch, either with or without the ball, aiming to create unexpected space against the pressing team.

Why Use This Drill? 

The 1v1 Shooting Drill offers an excellent opportunity for players to enhance their attacking and defensive skills in realistic through-ball 1v1 situations commonly encountered in actual games. Players develop a heightened situational understanding when dealing with unpredictable through-balls played behind the defensive line, benefiting both attackers and defenders.

This drill particularly focuses on:

• Situational Understanding: Players develop their awareness of unpredictable through-ball situations, vital for both attacking and defending players.
• Balance and Body Use: Participants learn to maintain balance during a high-speed run against an opponent. They also develop the skill of using their body effectively to gain an advantage without committing a foul.
• Shooting Under Pressure: The drill emphasizes shooting while at full speed and under pressure from an opponent. This mirrors real-game scenarios, providing valuable practice.
• Realistic Training: Given that through-ball 1v1 situations are commonplace in every game, this drill offers highly realistic training. Players benefit significantly from honing skills essential for such scenarios.
• Defensive Skills: Defenders, in particular, learn to apply pressure effectively during an opponent’s shot, disrupting their balance and potentially leading to a less accurate attempt on goal.

Overall, this drill stands as a valuable and realistic method to train through-ball 1v1 situations, contributing significantly to players’ overall skill development.

How It Works

The drill begins with the two initial players from each line preparing to sprint towards the goal, keeping their eyes in a straight line towards the goal. The coach initiates by delivering a pass in front of the players. As the players see the ball coming from behind, a 1v1 situation unfolds toward the goal.
Once the ball either finds the back of the net or goes out of bounds, the participating players return to the line, making way for a new pair to engage in the drill.

Coaching Flexibility: Coaches have the liberty to introduce variety in the initiation of the ball, fostering creativity and adaptability in players. Various starting techniques, such as the loop ball, passes to different sides, direct passes to players’ feet, or even intentionally misguided passes, challenge the players to adjust to diverse scenarios that mimic real-game situations.
This diversity in starting methods serves as valuable training, enhancing players’ reflexes and decision-making skills. It prepares them to navigate through different scenarios that might unfold in an actual match, ultimately contributing to their overall game intelligence.

Why Use This Drill? 

This 3v3 On Small Goals drill is designed to enhance players’ possession skills under pressure, emphasizing both high-pressure defending and executing effective counter-attacks. It facilitates the development of passing combinations in tight spaces, encouraging the use of the third man in play.
To score a goal, all players must be beyond the middle line, promoting quick passing under pressure and strategic positioning. The defending team gains an opportunity to practice counter-attacks upon winning the ball in their own half.
In possession, players are encouraged to constantly move to find space on the pitch, replicating a real match scenario where players actively seek free spaces. Implementing team rotation after each ball is played maintains a high intensity, allowing players to sustain momentum and play at an elevated level. This drill is valuable for honing various aspects of gameplay and fostering a dynamic and agile playing style.

How It Works

Two teams start the game within the designated play area, with the coach commencing play by kicking the ball into the air and into the play area or by one of the teams starting with the ball. The objective is for the teams to collaborate and score a goal on either of the two small goals.

For a goal to be valid, all players must cross the middle line and enter the opposition half. If any player remains behind the line, the goal is nullified, and possession is handed over to the opposing team. Following a scored goal or when the ball goes out of bounds, the two new teams enter the play area, and the game resets.

The team that conceded a goal or retained possession restarts the game with the ball from the backline. This rotation system ensures continuous engagement and allows all teams to actively participate in the drill.