Session Activities

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Session Activities

In addition to the activities listed on our session plans page, below we list some additional activities that we've (mostly) implemented over the years, organized alphabetically by theme. We’ve found these activities generally work well with competitive U13 players and older. If you are working with younger players, some of the activities will be suitable, but others will need to be modified, so adapt them as necessary. But regardless of an activity's level of difficulty, or the skill level or age of your players, if you always remember the three Ps of coaching – persistence, patience, and positive support – you and your players will succeed!

Breaking the lines

Crossing and finishing

Passing combination activities

Passing combinations with shooting

Rondo variations

Set pieces

Shooting activities

Small-sided games (SSGs)

Tactical coaching

Wave activities

Warm-ups

Breaking the lines

A common theme in tactical discussions today is encouraging players to "break the lines" of the opposition. In other words, when in possession, can players find space between the opposition's lines of defence and exploit those spaces to their advantage? These activities are designed to help players develop and think consciously about this effective attacking strategy.

5 v. 2 build-up

The video depicts a 3-team transition activity that emphasizes playing the ball out from the back, starting with the goalkeeper, and doing so by breaking the initial line of two defenders. The session is by Paul Lever. The video is from England Football Learning.

Rondo with pentrating pass

This is a central 5 v. 4 rondo that, after a specified number of successful passes, attackers attempt to make a penetrating pass behind the defensive line. The video is from the Saint Benedict College Team.

4 v. 2 transition activity

There are a number of examples of this activity available online, some of which incorporate more players, such as having 3 or 4 players in each area instead of 2. As a variation, if a pair of players attempt an unsuccessful pass and lose possession, they immediately become the two central defenders. The video is from Pancho Castro DT.

Crossing and finishing

Crossing and finishing is difficult. Accuracy, timing, anticipation, and technical ability are all difficult enough. But add defenders and a goalkeeper and crossing and finishing successfully is even more challenging. The activities below are good examples of activities that will help players become more efficient at crossing and finishing.

Crossing and finishing tactics

An example of a basic crossing and finishing activity with explanations of important technical and tactical crossing and finishing coaching points by Ciaran Kelly. The video is from Coach Better.

Through ball, cross, and finish

A crossing and finishing activity with crosses alternating from the left and the right, demonstrated by Tottenham FC. The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

Crossing and finishing sequence

An advanced crossing and finishing sequence, demonstrated by Liverpool FC. A good example of an activity where timing, of both passing and penetrating runs, is key to its successful execution. The video is from Elite Soccer Training.

Endzone games

Compared to small-sided games with goals that naturally draw players in centrally, endzone games encourage players to play with greater width. And, by not having a goal to shoot at, players are also encouraged to attack space behind defenders. In the examples below, 10 players are typically used, but modifying the number of players is possible for each activity. If you happen to have an odd number of players, consider adding a neutral player to create overload situations rather than leaving someone out or having uneven teams.

NS/EW endzone game

Two teams of 5 compete to move the ball across a grid in north-south and east-west directions. The video is from Soccer Coach TV.

Transition endzone game

A demonstration by Roy Dunshee of an endzone game with 10 players, followed by the same activity with a larger group of about 20 players. In both cases, some players wait in each endzone and then trade places with the teammate who passed to them. The video is from Kwik Goal.

Vertical endzone game

Two teams of 5 compete to score a "goal" by playing a through ball into the opposition's endzone to a teammate. The teammate receiving the pass cannot enter the endzone before the ball. The video is from England Football Learning.

Full sessions

Full session videos of professional teams are widely available online, and many may be surprised by the simplicity and similarity of the sessions. Most professional sessions typically include a dynamic warm-up, a passing combination activity, a possession activity, a scrimmage on a smaller playing area with large goals, and a shooting or crossing activity sometimes integrated either before or after the scrimmage. Even at the professional level, it’s a straightforward and surprisingly simple formula to session planning!

RB Leipzig full session

An example of a full session from RB Leipzig that incorporates a dynamic warm up, a passing combination, a rondo, and a 4-goal scrimmage with neutrals that transitions to a 6-goal scrimmage. The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

Ajax full session

An example of a full session from AFC Ajax that incorporates a dynamic warm up, a heading game, a passing combination, a possession activity, a scrimmage with large goals, and a 2 v. 0 wave activity. The video is from Dario Grabusic.

FC Nurnberg full session

An example of a full session from FC Nurnberg that incorporates a dynamic warm up, a passing combination, a possession activity, and a scrimmage with large goals. The video is from Dario Grabusic.

Fun games

Even at the professional level, sessions can sometimes be light and playful. Below are some examples of simple fun games that most players will enjoy.

Heading on goal game

A competitive heading activity for players. For younger players, rather than heading the ball, try volleying instead. The video is from Bekas Vagelis.

Juggling to a pug net

An activity where players juggle the ball a short distance and then attempt to volley the ball over a barrier into a small goal. For younger players, allow the ball to bounce as they juggle. The video is from Bekas Vagelis.

Dribble, pass, and shoot relay race

Relay races are fun, high tempo activities, where dribbling at speed is often emphasized. In this example, demonstrated by players from AS Roma, the race includes dribbling, passing, and shooting on a small target. The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

Goalkeeper training

Below are several examples of goalkeeper training activities done by professional goalkeepers. Whether you are working one on one with a goalkeeper or with multiple goalkeepers, these examples provide numerous useful training ideas to improve a goalkeeper's shot blocking and other goalkeeping skills.

One-on-one training

Manuel Neuer demonstrating a goalkeeper training session with a goalkeeper coach. The video is from FC Bayern Munich.

Small group GK training #1

Goalkeeper training activities, demonstrated by goalkeepers from Barnsley FC. The video is from Thomas Fawdry.

Small group GK training #2

More goalkeeper training activities, demonstrated by goalkeepers from FC Schalke 04. The video is from Tomasz Bo.

Line activities

Even at the professional level, players engage in activities where they wait in lines. The benefit of most line activities is that they often focus on a specific skill, and do so repetitively. And, for skill development, nothing is more effective than repetition. Below are a few examples of line activities that we've found to be successful.

Line dribbling and passing

A line activity that focuses on both passing and dribbling involving about 10 players per line. The video is from Dario Grabusic.

Line passing and turning

A line activity that focuses on passing and turning involving 4 to 6 players per line. The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

Line give and goes

A line activity that focuses on passing and give and goes involving about 8 players per line. The video is from Technical & Physical Preparation for Football.

One v. ones

In addition to passing, receiving, and shooting, dribbling is one of the fundamental skills that any good soccer player should possess. Even better, good soccer players should be comfortable deploying attacking moves to deceive defenders in one v. one scenarios. So for player development, practice one v. ones early and often. From our experience, too few players are introduced to these skills at an early enough age.

1 v. 0 to 1 v. 1 transition

An uncontested shot on goal followed by an immediate transition to a 1 v. 1 in the other direction. Works best with about 10 players. The video is from Rinus Philosophy.

Defending 1 v. 1 and heading

This is a 1 v. 1 activity demonstrated by players from New York City FC, but with an emphasis on defending techniques and strategies. Works best with about 8 players. The video is from Modern Soccer Coach.

1 v. 1 transition

A simple 1 v. 1 activity demonstrated by players from Bayern Munich that involves a quick transition from attack to defence. Works best with about 8 players. The video is from Modern Soccer Coach.

Passing combination activities

Watch any professional team practice and most will involve some kind of passing combination activity. Many different patterns are possible, but we list 3 basic ones below. When coaching passing combination activities, be sure to emphasize 4 key coaching points: 1) prior to receiving the pass, "unmark" or move away from the cone or pole to simulate creating space from a defender, while simultaneously; 2) shoulder checking or scanning to be aware of what's around you; 3) receive the ball with the back foot to set up a positive first touch, or a first touch that immediately sets the player up for their next action; and 4) effective communication between the passer and receiver.

Triangle passing combination

A triangle passing combination, demonstrated by the Netherlands National Team. Works best with about 6 to 8 players. The video is from Dario Grabusic.

Square passing combination

A square passing combination that is similar to the triangle passing combination but, not surprisingly, in the shape of a square (or diamond). Works best with about 6 to 8 players. The video is from Profe Bazan.

V-shaped passing combination

A V-shapred passing combination that progresses to an X-shaped passing combination. Involves about 8 players. The video is from Dario Grabusic.

Passing combinations with shooting

One of the benefits of a passing combination prior to a shot is that it involves more players in the activity. It also simulates potential in-game passing patterns and movements. The number of passing combinations during the build up to a shot on target are countless. Below are a few examples.

Y-passing combination with pug nets

A Y-passing combination activity with progressions, but with small pug nets for players to shoot at at the end of each passing sequence. This is one of our favourite activities for a number of reasons. In particular, the setup encourages lots of passing and shooting with both feet. The video is from Bekas Vagelis.

Through ball passing combination

A passing combination pattern that ends with a through ball and shot, demonstrated by players from Bayern Munich. Involving about 10 players, this is an activity that potentially simulates in-game movements. The video is from Ricardo Cardosa.

Conditioning passing combination

A passing combination activity that ends with a shot on either a small goal, as shown in the video, or a large goal. Players are required to cover a slightly greater distance, so the activity potentially adds an element of conditioning. The video is from Bekas Vagelis.

Rondo variations

Few activities have become as central to modern soccer training as the classic rondo and its variations. Well-designed rondos have many benefits, but most of all they provide many opportunities for touches on the ball while under pressure, which helps develop efficiency at moving the ball quickly. The range of rondo-like activities offers countless possibilities for enhancing additional technical skills and tactical understanding, making them one of the most common activities in professional training sessions.

Five rondo variations

The basic rondo plus 5 variations of the basic rondo, each involving 8 players. The video is from Felipe Ragel.

Transition to goal rondo

A standard 6 v. 3 rondo demonstrated by players from TSG Hoffenheim, but that transitions quickly to a 4 v. 2 on goal once possession is won by one of the 3 defenders. The activity involves about 16 players. The video is from Dario Grabusic.

Three positional rondos

This video from APFC provides an overview of the difference between a possession rondo and a positional rondo. 3 positional rondos are explained, starting with a 3 v. 3 + 2, then a 4 v. 4 + 3, and lastly a 5 v. 5 + 2, with each designed to increasingly simulate real-game positional scenarios.

Set pieces

Goals from set pieces account for between 20 to 30% of all goals scored, so practice them!

Set piece game

An example of a creative and competitive way to practice set pieces, demonstrated by the Saint Benedict College Team.

Corner kick activity

A demonstration of a corner kick activity, run by Ian Baraclough. The video is from The Coaches Voice.

Kick off routine

An example of a kick off routine to try? The video is from GDG Set Pieces.

Shooting activities

Scoring is the hardest thing to do in soccer, so practice shooting often. And be sure to emphasize shooting with both feet so that players can become twice as efficient at shooting!

Various shooting activities

A number of straightforward, but useful shooting activities, involving about 12 players plus a goalkeeper. The video is from Modern Soccer Coach.

Shot and cut-back

Even at the professional level, a simple pass and shoot activity can suffice. The added "cut back" in this activity adds to the tempo. The activity involves about 8 players plus a goalkeeper. The video is from Dario Grabusic.

Finishing from a lay-off

A straightforward shooting activity, involving 3 shooters per sequence. After shooting, players do a simple lay-off to a teammate. Involves about 10 players. The video is from FourFourTwo.

Small-sided games (SSGs)

With a smaller number of players on the field, one of the primary benefits of small-sided games is that players will get more touches on the ball.

Hexagon 4 v. 4 + 4 game

A 4 v. 4 + 4 SSG with large goals, demonstrated by players from Chelsea FC. The hexagon shape encourages players to pass diagonally rather than vertically. The game involves 16 players plus 2 goalkeepers. The video is from Swedcoach1.

4 v. 4 with 4 goals

A 4 v. 4 + 1 SSG with 4 small goals, demonstrated by players from Bayern Munich. With two goals available for each team to score on, this SSG encourages quick changes to the focus of attack. The game involves 9 players. The video is from Football Training.

4 v. 4 king of the court

A 4 v. 4 "king of the court" with large goals, where the winning team stays on and the losing team is replaced by the 4 players waiting on the sidelines. The game involves 12 players plus 2 goalkeepers. The video is from Football Training.

Tactical coaching

As players age and become more technically skilled, tactical coaching becomes increasingly important to their development. The following videos provide three examples of coaching build-up play. While there are many tactics we could provide examples of, build-up play is one of the most fundamental tactics among many professional teams today, largely due to the influence of possession-based coaches like Pep Guardiola. We have found watching these tactical videos, as well as other examples of professional coaches running other tactical sessions, useful in our thought process when describing tactics to players and making tactical interventions. Still, regardless of age or ability, always be conscious of not intervening too often, as doing so negatively impacts the natural flow and enjoyment of game-play. Also, try to avoid focusing on individual mistakes; they will happen and are a natural part of learning. Instead, allow players to play freely while at the same time looking for repetitive patterns of play to infrequently reinforce or correct.

Tactical build up against a high press

An excellent example of coaching build-up play from a goal kick and applying high pressing tactics, demonstrated by John Gall. It involves two teams of 11 players. The video is from CoachWG.

Build up through the thirds

A good activity that emphasizes maintaining a central triangle, thereby simulating the midfield positions in a 4-3-3 during build up. The video is from The Coaches Voice.

Build up passing options

An example of Pep Guardiola, when he was at Bayern Munich, demonstrating to centre backs how their passing options change during build up play based on the movement of the opposition. The video is from Joao Nuno Fonseca.

Wave activities

Wave activities are high tempo, competitive activities, where players transition from attack to defence in quick succession. The typical set up involves two teams at opposite goals, with one team sending in a player or players with a ball to attack and the other sending in a player or players to defend. As soon as a goal is scored or possession is lost, the attackers immediately become defenders, and the defending team sends in a new player or group of players to attack in the opposite direction. The number of players can vary, and can feature either even (1 v. 1s, 2 v. 2s, etc.) or overload (2 v. 1s, 3 v. 2s, etc.) attacking or defending scenarios.

1 v. 1 to 3 v. 3 wave activity

An activity that progresses from 1 v. 1 to 2 v. 2 and finally to 3 v. 3, involving about 16 players. The video is from the Saint Benedict College Team.

5 v. 2 wave activity

A 5 v. 2 that immediately transitions to a 5 v. 2 in the opposite direction. It involves about 14 players. The video is from Football Training Session.

1 v. 0 to 2 v. 1 wave activity

A 1 v. 0 that quickly transitions to a 2 v. 1. Demonstrated by children, but the activity is appropriate for any age group. The video is from England Football Learning.

Warm-ups

When warming up, our preference is to incorporate a ball as often as possible. Below are three examples, but the possibilities for warm-ups are countless.

Pre-game warm-up

An example of a full-team, pre-game warm-up by SSC Napoli. The video is from Dottor Jekky.

Warm-up with the ball #1

A full-team warm-up with the ball – or Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) circuit – by the Netherlands National Team. So many variations are possible! The video is from Dario Grabusic.

Warm-up with the ball #2

A dynamic warm-up without the ball that transitions to a warm-up with the ball, demonstrated by players from SL Benfica. The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

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