Back to Resources

Training Drills Library

200+ drills that actually work. Each one tested with real youth teams over 15 years.

Passing & First Touch

Diamond Passing Progression

4-8 players15 min

Setup & Execution:

Four cones in diamond shape, 15 yards apart. Pass and follow your pass. Add second ball after 5 minutes.

Coaching Points:

Receive across body, open hips before ball arrives, pass with inside of foot to target's right foot.

Rondo 4v2

6 players10 min

Setup & Execution:

10x10 yard box. 4 outside, 2 defenders. Switch every 2 minutes or when ball is won 3 times.

Coaching Points:

Body shape open, first touch away from pressure, support angles at 45 degrees.

Wall Pass Combinations

Groups of 312 min

Setup & Execution:

Player A passes to B, runs around cone, receives return pass from B who played to C. Continuous.

Coaching Points:

Weight of pass, timing of run, communication before receiving.

Shooting & Finishing

Cross and Finish

6-10 players20 min

Setup & Execution:

Wide players cross, strikers finish. Alternate sides every 2 balls. GK in goal.

Coaching Points:

Attack front or back post, contact over the ball for low shots, follow shots for rebounds.

1v1 to Goal

Groups of 415 min

Setup & Execution:

Attacker receives back to goal, turns and goes 1v1. Defender applies passive then active pressure.

Coaching Points:

Shield ball on first touch, quick turn using body feint, shoot early if space opens.

Pressure Finishing

8 players12 min

Setup & Execution:

Rapid fire shots from different angles. Coach serves, player must shoot within 2 touches.

Coaching Points:

Set touch to create angle, keep shots low, use inside or laces depending on distance.

Defensive Shape

4v4 Defending Zones

8 players15 min

Setup & Execution:

Half field, defending team must stay compact and shift together. Attacking team tries to switch play.

Coaching Points:

Stay within 25 yards width, pressure-cover-balance, communicate shifting.

Transition Defense

10 players18 min

Setup & Execution:

5v5 with quick transitions. When possession lost, immediate recovery runs to get goal-side.

Coaching Points:

Closest player pressures immediately, everyone else recovers centrally, get numbers behind ball.

Small-Sided Games

3v3 Four Goals

6 players15 min

Setup & Execution:

25x20 yards, each team defends 2 small goals, attacks 2 small goals. No goalkeepers.

Coaching Points:

Switch point of attack, quick transitions, constant movement off the ball.

5v5 Plus Neutrals

12 players20 min

Setup & Execution:

30x40 yards, 2 neutral players always with team in possession. Creates 7v5 overload.

Coaching Points:

Use width from neutrals, play forward quickly, combine in tight spaces.

This is Just the Beginning

Full library includes 200+ drills covering:

  • • Goalkeeper training (25 drills)
  • • Speed & agility (30 drills)
  • • Set pieces (20 variations)
  • • Possession games (40 drills)
  • • Fitness with ball (15 drills)
  • • U8-U10 specific (35 drills)

Every drill includes diagrams, progressions, and common mistakes to avoid.
All free. Real coaching knowledge should be shared.