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.

Why Use This Drill? 

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.

How It Works

1. The first player starts by dribbling through the line of cones.
2. Simultaneously, the second player from the opposite side begins fast footwork through the stairs, timing their run to align with the first player.
3. The two players then perform a one-two passing combination.
4. The first player, now without the ball, runs through the obstacles to the side and sprints to the final cone.
5. The second player dribbles through the obstacles and aims for the goal.
6. Both players return to the starting cones, allowing the next pair to start.

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 First Touch And Passing Warm-Up Drill is an excellent way to start a training session. It helps players familiarize themselves with the ball through various first-touch techniques and involves a lot of passing. The drill incorporates a lot of movement, effectively warming up the players and preparing them for more intense activities. The two variations complement each other, with the first one focusing on different first-touch methods at a slower pace and the second one introducing more movement and pace.

How It Works

1. Variation (First Touch Into the Box):

• The starting player passes the ball to the player in the middle.
• The middle player takes a controlled first touch into one of the side boxes, turns, and then passes the ball to the next player.
• The receiving player takes a first touch to navigate the ball through the two cones with 1 meter between them, and the drill repeats from the other side.
• For rotation, players follow their pass, with the starting players moving into the middle, and the middle player going back in line after passing.
• Encourage the use of both boxes and both feet. Consider starting with using only the right foot and then switching to the left foot after a set time.

2. Variation (One-Two Passing Combination):

• The starting player initiates a one-two passing combination with the player in the middle, moving between the two cones with 1 meter between them.
• Subsequently, the middle player enters the box on the same side as the starting player.
• The middle player receives the ball inside the box, executes a first touch turn, and passes to the next player.
• Rotation remains the same as in the first variation, with players following their pass. Emphasize changing the direction of play to involve both feet.

Why Use This Drill? 

The “Diamond Shape – Play On Third Man” is an excellent drill for younger players to both get an understanding and apply the principles of playing on the third man. It focuses on the importance of continuous movement after passing, encouraging players to sustain their runs. Additionally, this drill contributes to players’ fitness levels through extensive running. Furthermore, the players train their skills in first-time passing and first-touches, enhancing their overall technical abilities in the possession phase of the game.

How It Works

The starting player begins the drill by passing the ball to one of the players stationed in the middle. The receiving player then delivers a pass to the other middle player, who lays it off for the starting player. The starting player makes a run in between the middle players to create the third man run.

In the second variation, instead of moving between the middle players, the starting player now makes an overlap with the player receiving the first pass. Despite this change, the fundamental passing principles remain the same.

It’s crucial in both variations that the middle players approach the ball and receive a pass with momentum to speed up the pace of the drill. This approach helps players learn how to create free space against opponents.

Don’t forget to rotate the middle players after a few minutes for a well-rounded practice.

Why Use This Drill? 

The Double Square Dribble and Passing Drill is an excellent method for younger players to enhance fundamental technical skills such as dribbling, turning, and passing. It’s a straightforward drill, easy for players to adapt to. Players have the freedom to experiment with different turns on the cones, expanding their repertoire for match situations.
The drill also contributes to improving players’ fitness levels as they engage in both ball and non-ball running. It can serve as a warm-up at the beginning of a training session, preparing players for other drills.

How It Works

The four starting players at each cone simultaneously dribble to the next cone in the inner square. After turning on that cone, they return to the starting cone in the inner square. Following another turn, players make a pass to the next player in line, and this sequence is repeated for all players. Focus should be on maintaining close ball control while sustaining a good pace during the run. Here are the different turn variations you can perform: Inside Turn, Outside Turn, Cruyff Turn, V Turn, Stepover Turn.

Why Use This Drill? 

This Aerial and Long Passing Drill combines aerial, long and short passing while working with ball control as well, offering a comprehensive approach to these essential skills. Aerial and long passing are crucial aspects of the game, providing players the ability to swiftly switch play, move the opposition, and create new build up opportunities. The drill helps players in developing these skills alongside short passing, ball control, and movement, featuring different variations to accommodate diverse skill levels.

How It Works

Players should focus on delivering strong and accurate passes with control. Aim for a maximum of 2 touches then receiving a long ball and emphasizing first-time passing on shorter passes. After passing, players rotate, with the player at cone 1 moving to cone 2 and The player at cone 2 goes back in line on the other side. The same rotation occurs on the other side.

Short Passing And Turning:
Starts with a few short passes between the first two players. Player 2 at cone 2 then makes a turn on the cone and sends an aerial pass to player 4 at cone 4. Repeat the variation on the other side.

One-Two Passing Combination:
Start with a one-two passing combination between the first two players with player 1 at cone 1 moving slightly out to either side. After that, player 1 at cone 1 makes an aerial pass to player 4 at cone 4. Repeat the variation on the other side.

Third Man Passing Combination:
Starts with a one-two passing combination between the first two players with player 1 at cone 1 moving slightly out to either side. Player 1 at cone 1 passes to player 3 at cone 3, who moves closer to receive the ball. The ball is then laid off for player 2 at cone 2, who sends an aerial pass to player 4 at cone 4.

Why Use This Drill? 

The “Play Through The Lines Possession Drill” is an excellent way for players to practice passing through defensive lines, simulating in-game scenarios to enhance their understanding of possession play. Inspired by FC Barcelona’s training methods, this drill is employed by top teams worldwide and is particularly beneficial for developing players with strong passing skills.
The involvement of a free player in the middle emphasizes the importance of playing the third man to go through the defensive lines.
Additionally, it’s valuable for defenders, teaching them to move together, stay compact, and communicate effectively.

How It Works

The starting pair passes the ball to each other as they navigate to the opposite end of the square, aiming to pass through the two defending lines with the assistance of the free player in the middle. If successful, they pass the ball to the next pair, who repeats the process.
Emphasize that players cannot dribble through the defending zone; they must pass through it. However, if the defenders intercept the ball or force it out of play, they switch positions with the pair who made the mistake, and a new round begins.
Defenders must stay compact and communicate to effectively close passing lanes. Rotate the free player in the middle every 3-5 minutes, adjusting based on the age and skill level of the players.