U5+ Archives - 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 “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.

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.

Diamond Shape – Play On Third Man

Onside - Training — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:56:45 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U10+

INTENSITY:

6/10

SETUP

Arrange 4 cones in a diamond shape.
Place the two wider cones with a 20-meter distance, and position the two remaining cones with a 15-meter distance between each other, right in the middle of the two wide cones.
Assign one player to each of the middle cones, and distribute the remaining players evenly between the two wide cones.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Diamond Shape Passing Drill is an excellent way for younger players to both understand and apply the principles of playing on the third man. It highlights the importance of continuous movement after passing and encourages players to sustain their runs rather than admire the pass. The constant running also makes it a strong contributor to fitness levels, while the tight passing sequences train first-time passing and quality first touches, improving the technical level of the whole team in the possession phase.

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 moves to receive the lay-off and plays the ball on to the opposite wide cone, where the sequence starts again in the other direction. It is crucial in both variations that the middle players approach the ball and receive their pass with momentum, as this keeps the tempo high and teaches players how to create free space against opponents.

1. Variation

Third Man Run: The starting player passes into the first middle player, then runs straight through the gap between the two middle players to collect the lay-off from the second middle player and pass on to the opposite wide cone.

2. Variation

Overlap Run: Instead of running between the middle players, the starting player overlaps the player receiving the first pass. The passing principles stay exactly the same, only the supporting run changes.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Insist that the middle players attack the ball and receive with momentum instead of waiting flat-footed.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
Rotate the middle players every 2-5 minutes to ensure everyone gets involved evenly.
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 Diamond Shape – Play On Third Man appeared first on Onside - Training.

Double Square Dribble And Passing Drill

Onside - Training — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:31:55 +0000

Focus: Dribbling / Passing Drill

Number of Players: +8

Age: +U5

Level: Easy

Setup:

Arrange two squares, an inner square with a width of 10 meters and an outer square with a width of 15 meters, each marked by four cones.
Position at least two players at each cone on the outer square.
Use a total of four footballs, having one at each cone on the outer square.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

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.

Other Key Points:

Encourage players to challenge themselves by maintaining a high tempo throughout the drill.
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 Double Square Dribble And Passing Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

L Shape Warm-Up Passing Drill

Onside - Training — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 11:54:20 +0000

Focus: Passing/ Warm-Up Drill

Number of Players: 3+

Age: +U5

Level: Easy

Setup:

Arrange three cones in an “L” shape with a distance of 5-10 meters between each cone.
Assign one player to each cone.
Adjust the distance between players based on their age and skill level.

Why Use This Drill?

The L Shape Warm-Up Passing Drill is an excellent way for players to develop a good touch on the ball. The drill incorporates various techniques for using a first touch, along with a focus on passing and one-two combinations. It serves as an effective warm-up at the beginning of a training session, preparing players for more challenging drills.

How It Works

The drill focuses on the player in the middle, who passes the ball back and forth between the two other players. Rotate players every 2-3 minutes, considering the age and fitness level of the participants.

1. Variation
The player in the middle passes back and forth between the two other players using a directional first-touch behind the cone.

2. Variation
The player in the middle passes back and forth between the two other players using a directional first-touch in front of the cone while still moving behind the cone.

3. Variation
Both players at the outer cones have a ball and engage in a one-two pass with the middle player, who moves back and forth between them.

Other Key Points:

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
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 L Shape Warm-Up Passing Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Fill & Empty The Bucket Drill

Onside - Training — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 11:42:33 +0000

Focus: Dribbling Drill

Number of Players: 6+

Age: +U5

Level: Easy

Setup:

Arrange four cones to form a square (bucket) for each team. The cones within the square should be approximately 1-2 meters apart, adjusting based on the players’ skill level.
Set up a starting cone for each team in a line about 10-15 meters from the square, ensuring the same distance for every team from the starting cone to the square (bucket).
Involve a minimum of two teams, each comprising at least three players.
If the number of players is uneven, a player can run twice for the team.

Why Use This Drill?

This is a dynamic and competitive drill with focus on dribbling skills under pressure, featuring teams in competition against each other. Players strive to find the perfect balance between speed and ball control, fostering individual skill improvement. Beyond improving dribbling abilities, the drill cultivates team spirit and cooperation.

How It Works

Teams, consisting of two or more players, each have a ball. Simultaneously, the first player in each line dribbles up with the ball and places it into the square (bucket). Upon returning to the starting point, they exchange a high-five with the teammate waiting in line, who then proceeds to dribble to the square.

The team that completes the task first, with all balls successfully placed in the square (bucket), wins the race.

As a variation, another competition can involve players running up to collect the balls from the square (bucket) and returning to the starting point with the ball.

Consider introducing a penalty for the losing team(s), such as performing 10 push-ups.

Other Key Points:

Remind the players to keep the ball close to their bodies while dribbling. It helps them stay in control of 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 Fill & Empty The Bucket Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Overlap Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 10:20:32 +0000

Focus: Shooting Drill

Number of Players: 4+

Age: +U5

Level: Easy

Setup:

Position one cone in the middle of the first half of the pitch, and another cone slightly outside the box on one side. Maintain a distance of approximately 5-10 meters between the cones.
Position one player at the cone closest to the box
Line up the rest of the players behind the other cone.
(In the second variation, add a new cone at the edge of the box in the center of the field.)
Adjust the distance between players based on their age and skill level.

Why Use This Drill?

This is a straightforward overlap shooting drill designed to help your players enhance their shooting skills, movement, and game understanding. Consider the starting player as a midfielder/winger, while the receiving front-player plays the role of a striker. The drill aids your team in breaking through the opponent’s defensive back line to create scoring opportunities.

How It Works

1. Variation
The starting player passes to the front-player. The front-player makes a turn on the cone and plays the ball back to the starting player, who has executed an overlap run. The player now goes for goal. After each shot, players rotate positions.

2. Variation
The starting player again passes to the front player. The front player receives the ball, dribbles to the cone in the middle of the field, and, after getting behind the cone, sends the ball back to the overlapping starting player. The player now goes for goal. After each shot, players rotate positions.

Other Key Points:

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
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 Overlap Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

3 Cone Dribbling Competition Drill

Onside - Training — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 09:32:20 +0000

Focus: Dribbling Drill

Number of Players: 6+

Age: +U5

Level: Easy

Setup:

Arrange four cones in a straight line with a spacing of 3-5 meters between each cone.
You have at least two teams, with each team having three or more players.
The teams line up at the first cone.
Each team also gets a ball.

Why Use This Drill?

This drill is all about helping players become better at dribbling, especially when they’re running fast and feeling the pressure. It teaches them how to balance speed and ball control, which is a crucial skill in football/soccer.
But it’s not just about improving their skills – it’s also a lot of fun and encourages team spirit.

How It Works

The first player in each team starts dribbling around the first cone and then goes back to give the ball to the next player in line. This player then dribbles around the middle cone and goes back the same way. The last player in line dribbles around the last cone and comes back to the starting point. The winning team is the one that finishes the 3 cones the fastest with all their players back at the starting line. You can do this drill multiple times with players rotating. It’s a great way to practice dribbling and have some friendly competition at the same time.

Other Key Points:

Let the players choose which cone they want to start with. They can start with the one farthest away, the middle one, or the closest cone.
Remind the players to keep the ball close to their bodies while dribbling. It helps them stay in control of 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 3 Cone Dribbling Competition Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Warm-Up Shooting Drill

Onside - Training — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 08:56:21 +0000

Focus: Warm-Up/Shooting Drill

Number of Players: 4+

Age: +U5

Level: Easy

Setup:

Place two cones on the field, with the first cone a few meters outside the box and the second cone about 10 meters from the first one.
Assign one player to the first cone, and have the remaining players form a line behind the second cone.
Adjust the distance between cones based on players age and skill level.

Why Use This Drill?

This Warm-Up Shooting Drill provides a simple and effective way for players to familiarize themselves with shooting techniques. It’s an excellent method to prepare your players for a match or more advanced shooting exercises. Many teams incorporate this drill just before a kick-off, especially for their strikers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming match.

How It Works

1. Variation
In this version, the starting player passes the ball and executes a one-two pass with their teammate. Afterward, they go for the goal, taking a first-time shot or opting for a single touch before finishing.

2. Variation
In this variation, the starting player delivers a pass to the other player. This time, the receiving player sends a chip pass return to the shooter. The challenge now is to nail a skillful volley shot.
(If performing the chip pass seems challenging, the player can opt to hold the ball in their hands and execute a chip throw instead.)

3. Variation
Here, the initiating player engages in a one-two pass with their partner. Subsequently, a 1v1 situation kicks off, with the starting player becoming the attacker and the teammate turning into a defender.

Other Key Points:

Remember to lean slightly over the ball when shooting.
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 Shooting Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.