Onside – Training

Barcelona Passing Drill by Hansi Flick

Onside - Training — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:54:39 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

5/10

SETUP

Mark out two identical diamonds of cones, one in each half, set as mirror images either side of the halfway line, with the cones 10-15 meters apart.
Place a small goal just outside the feeder’s cone in each diamond.
In each diamond, position a feeder with a supply of balls at the cone nearest the goal, a player on each other of the cones.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

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.

HOW IT WORKS

Both diamonds run at the same time. The feeder (2 and 6) starts the combination, playing a first-time one-two with the near side player and then working the ball around the diamond – quick, first-time passing, with the side players shifting off their cones to open passing angles. The far side player (4 and 8) then switches the play with a long diagonal to the central player near halfway: the bottom diamond’s combination finds player 5, and the top diamond’s finds player 9, so the two diagonals cross through the middle. The central player takes a sharp first touch and finishes clinically into the small goal, then the drill resets from the other side.

Coaching Options: Set a touch limit to dictate the speed of the drill – call “max 2 touches” to keep it controlled, or “max 1 touch” to push players into first-time combinations at full pace.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Demand first-time passing and movement off the cones – players should rarely receive standing still.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Barcelona Passing Drill by Hansi Flick appeared first on Onside - Training.

Warm-Up Rondo Drill by FC Barcelona

Onside - Training — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:52:39 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

10-20 min.

FOCUS:

Warm-Up

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

2/10

SETUP

Form a circle with your outfield players standing on the edge, roughly 1–2 m between players).
Place 2 players inside the circle as the pressing defenders.
Give one outer player a ball to start, and keep a supply of spare balls just outside the circle so play restarts quickly.
Adjust the size of the circle and the spacing between players based on the age and skill level of your players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

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.

HOW IT WORKS

The outer players keep the ball moving around and across the circle, passing to teammates while the two defenders in the middle press and try to intercept. Encourage the outer players to open up passing angles on either side of a defender so there’s always an option available. In the example, the player on the ball plays up to a teammate, who switches it across the circle and then down the far side – keeping the ball away from the pressing pair. When the defenders win the ball or force it out, the player who lost it goes into the middle and becomes a defender, and the defender who won it takes the open spot on the circle. This keeps the drill flowing and everyone involved.

Coaching options: Set a touch limit – 1 or 2 touches maximum – to lift the tempo and force quicker decisions. Or give the defenders a small penalty (e.g. 10 push-ups) if the outer players string together 10-20 passes in a row, to keep the pressing honest.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Keep the intensity light and fun – this is a warm-up, so prioritise rhythm and enjoyment over keeping score.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Warm-Up Rondo Drill by FC Barcelona appeared first on Onside - Training.

Fitness Competition Drill

Onside - Training — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:30:15 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

10-15 min.

FOCUS:

Fitness

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

7/10

SETUP

Arrange the cones as illustrated in the setup image: a start cone, four cones in a zig-zag pattern, and a final cone 5-10 meters in front of a small goal.
Set up one identical course per team so the teams run side by side and can race each other.
Place a small goal at the end of each course, with the balls lined up at the final cone – one ball per player.
Divide the players into at least two teams, with a minimum of three players per team, and line each team up behind their start cone.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Fitness Competition Drill is built to raise players’ fitness levels through varied running patterns, with the change of direction at every cone loading the legs the way a real match does. It works especially well as a pre-season drill to get players ready for the season ahead. Because the run finishes with a shot at a small goal, it also trains players to stay calm and composed on the ball after sprinting at full speed — and the team-against-team format keeps the tempo genuinely competitive from the first repetition to the last.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Once the players are ready at their start cones, the coach signals the start of the drill.
2. The first player from each team sprints to the first cone and touches it with their hand to confirm they have run the full distance.
3. The player continues through the zig-zag, touching every cone by hand, until they reach the final cone where the balls are placed.
4. The player takes one ball and shoots at the small goal.
5. The next player in line can only start once the previous player has scored.
6. The first team to score with all of their balls wins the competition.
7. The losing team(s) can be given a penalty, such as 10 push-ups.
8. Repeat the drill as many times as the players’ fitness levels allow.

Coaching Flexibility: If the shooting distance is proving too easy or too hard, move the ball cone closer to or further from the small goal — the aim is a finish that demands composure without stalling the race.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Insist on a hand touch at every cone – it keeps the distances honest and forces a proper deceleration and change of direction.
Keep a short rest between rounds so the quality of the running stays high instead of turning into a jog.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Fitness Competition Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Pre-Season Fitness Drill

Onside - Training — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:33:12 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Fitness Drill

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

7/10

SETUP

Arrange cones, obstacles, and the small goal as illustrated in the setup image.
Position at least 2 players between each starting cone, with a minimum of 4 players in total.

Adjust the distances between cones and obstacles based on the players’ age and fitness level.

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

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

OTHER KEY POINTS

Start the next pair of players as quickly as possible to maintain the drill’s pace.
It is essential for the player to stay alert and ready to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Pre-Season Fitness Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

3 Player Passing Drill

Onside - Training — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:33:27 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

10-15 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

3/10

SETUP

Arrange the cones in a straight line, following the distances indicated in the setup image: a gate of two cones (2-3 meters wide) at each end, with a single cone in the middle 5-8 meters from each gate.
Involve a minimum of 3 players, with one player starting with the ball and the other two positioned at each end of the cone line.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

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. Because the setup only needs a handful of cones and three players, it also works well as a warm-up or as a station in a larger session.

HOW IT WORKS

One player starts on the ball inside a gate, with a player waiting at each end of the cone line. The ball is worked from one end of the line to the other, and once the receiving player has it under control, the sequence starts again in the opposite direction. Rotate players every 2-5 minutes to ensure everyone gets involved evenly.

1. Variation

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. The player at the far end steps out of the line to meet the ball, receives it, and repeats the sequence back the other way.

2. Variation

In this variation, players focus on first-time passing and one-two passing combinations. The ball is played out of the line and along to the far player, who steps out to meet it and returns it first time before spinning off to receive the ball back in behind. Maintaining a high tempo throughout the drill ensures that players are consistently on the move and prepared to receive the next pass.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Insist on a quality first touch – the ball should go through the gate, not around it.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post 3 Player Passing Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

The Barcelona Line Passing Drill

Onside - Training — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:34:14 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

10-15 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

3/10

SETUP

Arrange 4 cones in a line, spacing them 5-10 meters apart. (Optionally, substitute the 2 middle cones with man-markers, if available.)
Assign one player to each cone, totaling 4 players participating in the drill.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

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.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Emphasize high-tempo movements away from the cones to simulate in-game scenarios effectively.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post The Barcelona Line Passing Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

The “Xavi” Midfielder Drill

Onside - Training — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:20:30 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

10-15 min.

FOCUS:

Dribbling

AGE:

U5+

INTENSITY:

3/10

SETUP

Make a square of 4 cones with a distance of 2-5 meters between each.
Place 3 small goals 5-10 meters from the square, in three different directions.
Position one player (the midfielder) inside the square.
Position a coach or another player a few meters away from the square with a supply of balls, ready to deliver passes.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

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. Working in a tight square with a two-touch limit forces the player to decide where the ball is going before it arrives, which is exactly the habit a midfielder needs in a crowded central area.

HOW IT WORKS

The coach or another player passes the ball into the player inside the square. The player takes a directional first touch towards one of the goals and passes the ball into that goal, using only 2 touches in total. The player chooses which goal to aim for, so the decision has to be made before the ball arrives. Rotate players every 2-5 minutes to ensure everyone gets involved evenly.

Coaching Flexibility: To make the drill more challenging, the coach or passing player can make different and unpredictable passes into the square — long passes, looped passes, or throw-ins. This adds realism to the drill and prepares players for real-game scenarios.

1. Variation

Inside the Square: The midfielder must keep the ball inside the square. The first touch is taken towards the chosen goal but has to stay within the cones, and the pass to the goal is played from inside the square. This is the tightest version and demands the most controlled touch.

2. Variation

Outside the Square: The midfielder pushes the first touch out past the cone line towards the chosen goal, then passes into the goal from outside the square. This version rewards a bigger, more positive touch that takes the player away from pressure.

3. Variation

With a Defender: A defender is added inside the square to apply pressure on the midfielder while taking the first touch and passing to the goal. The midfielder still works to a two-touch limit and can use the body to protect the ball. This variation simulates real-game situations and helps players’ in-game understanding.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Insist on the two-touch limit – one touch to set the ball, one to pass.
Encourage players to scan and pick their goal before the ball arrives, not after the first touch.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post The “Xavi” Midfielder Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Building Out From Goal Kick

Onside - Training — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:18:05 +0000

PLAYERS:

+12

TIME:

20-30 min.

FOCUS:

Possession

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

6/10

SETUP

Set up three small goals a few meters from the middle of the field, spread evenly across the width of the pitch – one in each wide channel and one centrally.
Form a defensive backline with 3 or 4 players in front of the goalkeeper, with a couple of midfielders behind them for support.
Put out 4-5 attacking players to put pressure on during the goal kicks.
Adjust the number of players and the size of the area depending on your team’s tactical vision, and on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This Building Out From Goal Kick Drill is all about improving your team’s ability to start an attack and a 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.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Playing Through Pressure: The building team learns to find and use the free player against an organised press instead of going long by default.
Phase 1 to Phase 2: Practicing the transition from the first phase of the possession game into the second phase is a key focus here.
Collective Pressing: The attacking players practice high-pressure situations against opponents and learn how to press together as a team.
Decision Making Under Pressure: Defenders, midfielders and the goalkeeper all have to read the press and pick the right option quickly.

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 small 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 phase 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 press with a backline of 4 or a backline of 3 defenders.

1. Example

Backline of 4 players: The players aim to pass through the pressure, utilizing the full-backs’ runs along the wide lines. The midfielders move around the pitch to open up space for the full-backs to receive and drive forward towards the outer goals.

2. Example

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.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
Watch the body shape of the receiving players — they should open up to see as much of the pitch as possible before the ball arrives.
Remind the pressing team to work as a unit, closing passing lanes together rather than chasing the ball individually.
Rotate players every few minutes so everyone experiences both building out and pressing.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Building Out From Goal Kick appeared first on Onside - Training.

1v1 Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:01:54 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

15-25 min.

FOCUS:

Shooting

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

8/10

SETUP

Position a cone approximately 10-15 meters outside the box, straight out from goal.
Divide the players into two teams and arrange them in two lines behind the cone, one line on each side.
Place a goalkeeper in goal.
Have a coach positioned behind the two lines with an ample supply of balls to start the game.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

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 awareness of unpredictable through-ball situations, vital for both attacking and defending.
Balance and Body Use: Players learn to stay balanced in a high-speed run and to use their body to gain an advantage without committing a foul.
Shooting Under Pressure: The drill emphasizes shooting at full speed with an opponent closing in, mirroring real-game scenarios.
Realistic Training: Through-ball 1v1 situations happen in every game, so the practice transfers straight into matchday.
Defensive Skills: Defenders learn to apply pressure during the shot, disrupting the attacker’s balance and forcing a less accurate attempt on goal.

HOW IT WORKS

The first player from each line steps up to the cone, facing goal with their eyes in a straight line towards it. The coach initiates by playing a ball forward past them. As the players see the ball coming from behind, both sprint after it and a 1v1 situation unfolds towards goal, with the goalkeeper live. Once the ball either finds the back of the net or goes out of bounds, the pair return to the back of their lines and a new pair steps up.

Coaching Flexibility: Coaches have the liberty to introduce variety in the initiation of the ball, fostering creativity and adaptability in players. Vary the starting pass with a looped ball, a pass to one side, a direct pass into feet, or an intentionally awkward pass — each challenges the players to adjust to a different scenario. This diversity sharpens reflexes and decision-making and prepares them for how these moments actually arrive in a match.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Watch out for players committing fouls during the 1v1 – reward strong, legal use of the body over shirt-pulling and blocking.
Encourage attackers to shoot early and at full speed rather than taking an extra touch.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post 1v1 Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

3v3 On Small Goals

Onside - Training — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:37 +0000

PLAYERS:

+12

TIME:

20-30 min.

FOCUS:

Possession

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

7/10

SETUP

Create a 30×20 meter square using four cones, and mark the middle line with two additional cones.
Place two small goals at each end of the area, spread across the end line.
Position one team at each end of the pitch, with six players on each team divided into two smaller teams of three players each.
Keep the waiting trios behind their own end line with a supply of balls ready, so a new team can enter immediately.
Have the coach positioned on the sideline with balls to start and restart play.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

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.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Possession Under Pressure: The tight area forces quick decisions and clean technique with an opponent always close by.
Movement Off the Ball: 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.
Collective Attacking: To score, all players must be beyond the middle line, promoting quick passing under pressure and strategic positioning.
Counter-Attacking: The defending team gains an opportunity to practice counter-attacks upon winning the ball in their own half.
High Intensity: Rotating teams after each ball keeps the tempo up and lets every trio play at an elevated level.

HOW IT WORKS

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

OTHER KEY POINTS

Insist on the rule — call back any goal scored with a player still behind the middle line, so the whole team learns to push up together.
Encourage the defending team to press high as a unit and to break out quickly the moment they win the ball.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
Keep the waiting teams switched on so the next trio enters straight away and the tempo never drops.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post 3v3 On Small Goals appeared first on Onside - Training.