Basic line passing

In this video from Technical & Physical Preparation for Football, players demonstrate a basic line passing activity, with progressions. The activity emphasizes taking a positive first touch that progresses the ball forward into a central grid to set players up to make an accurate pass to a teammate with their second touch. An advantage of this activity is that the number of lines can be adjusted to accomodate varying numbers of players. Even at the professional level, teams engage in basic line passing activities. For instance, during Thomas Tuchel’s tenure, players from Chelsea FC warmed up using this very activity.

9 v. 2 rondo

This video from Football Daily shows one of Barcelona's, if not the world's, greatest-ever teams doing a 9 v. 2 rondo. If it's good enough training for one of the best teams in history, it should be good enough for us! Alter the player numbers (8 v. 2, 10 v. 3, etc.), the size of the grid the players are working in, the number of allowed or required touches, add incentives such as points for splitting the defenders, etc., as you see fit. 

Y-passing/shooting combination

While passing combination progressions can be confusing for inexperienced players at first, most will adapt quickly. To maximize touches on the ball, organize groups of 7 to 8 players to work separately whenever possible. If you have slightly more players, consider having two players stationed at the central cone or pole – one receiving the pass and the other waiting to immediately receive the next pass from the following player in line. This additional central player can significantly speed up the activity and increase touches. As a final progression have the players shoot on goal. Players always enjoy the opportunity to score! The video is from Soccer Specific Training. 

Triangle passing combination

In this video from Dario Grabusic, players from VfL Wolfsburg demonstrate a triangle passing combination, with progressions. Appropriate for anywhere from 4 to 6 players, it's an activity with flexibility depending on your numbers. Switch directions to encourage using both feet when passing and receiving and be sure to emphasize 4 key passing combination 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. 

4. Effective communication between the passer and receiver.

2-grid transition rondo

Demonstrated by players from Mazatlán FC, this activity involves teams of five players moving between two grids and shifting roles between maintaining possession in one grid to pressing to win possession back in the other grid. This transition format adds intensity and movement into the activity compared to the more static 5 v. 2 rondo. Depending on the age and level of your group, adjust the grid size, the team size (6 v. 6, 7 v. 7, etc.), or the number of defenders permitted to enter the opposing team's grid (1, 2, or 3 defenders). In the video, note how one player positions themselves centrally when their team is in possession, acting as a "pivot" or central passing option. This movement draws defenders centrally, which in turn creates space for outside players. Emphasizing this central passing option could be one of the key coaching points for this activity. The video is from Sean Buckley.

3-line shooting

This shooting activity, demonstrated by players from the Saint Benedict College Team, works well with 10 to 15 players plus goalkeepers, although fewer players are preferable for maximizing individual ball touches. Where possible consider splitting larger groups into two groups shooting on separate goals. Be sure to maintain a high tempo so players move swiftly through the lines. At the halfway point of the activity, switch the side of the starting line to promote the use of both feet when finishing and crossing. Instead of you or other coaches retrieving missed balls, have the player who missed the target retrieve the ball themselves to encourage accountability and keep players focused. 

Attacking moves activation

This activity works best with 8 players (two players per line), but can accommodate up to 12 players (3 players per line). Encourage players to accelerate past the central cone or pole after executing an attacking move to improve their ability to bypass defenders. We recommend introducing this activity early and often in your sessions, particularly with younger players, to help them progress through three stages of skill development: 1) consciously thinking about a move and doing so imperfectly; 2) thinking about a move and executing it effectively; and 3) performing a move effectively with little conscious thought. Have all of your players reached stage 3 in your sessions and, even more tellingly, in competitive games? Keep practicing attacking moves until they do! The video is from the New York Redbulls.

1 v. 1 transitions

This is a 1 v. 1 activity that emphasizes dribbling under pressure, attacking moves or feints, and rapid in-possession to out-of-possession transitions. The video shows two setup options – one with goals positioned at the same end, while the other with goals staggered at opposite ends. This is a high-tempo activity that is demanding but also fun, and players will tire quickly. If the space allows, eventually progress to larger goals and incorporate goalkeepers. The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

3-team transition rondo

This 3-team transition rondo, as demonstrated by players from Bayern Munich when coached by Julian Nagelsmann, involves 3 teams of 4 players each. You can easily adapt team sizes, grid dimensions, and the number of defenders per grid to suit your needs (4 v. 2, 5 v. 2, 5 v. 1, etc.). In this activity, the team in possession scores a point by completing a set number of passes (5, 6, 7, etc.) and then successfully plays a through ball to the team waiting in the opposite grid. If a team loses possession before doing this or if the ball goes out of play, the possession team quickly transition to defend in the opposite grid, while the out of possession team remains. This rotation ensures that all teams participate in both attacking and defending roles. Adjust whether defenders in the middle grid are allowed to intercept through passes based on player ability. To keep the activity running quickly and smoothly, ensure you have plenty of balls available. The first team to successfully transition the ball to the opposite grid a set number of times wins! The video is from Football Focus.

Hexagon passing combination

This activity is a hexagon-shaped passing combination demonstrated by players from FC Schalke, with progressions. Occasionally varying the passing patterns as they do here helps keep the players engaged. Suitable for 8 to 12 players. As with the triangle passing combination from Session Plan #2, be sure to emphasize these four key passing combination coaching points: 1) unmark; 2) shoulder check; 3) back foot; and 4) communication. The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

Rondo progressions

This video starts with a basic rondo (in this case 6 v. 1) but then adds progressions that modify the rules and/or limit options, encouraging players to engage in the basic rondo in different and creative ways. Two groups of 6 to 9 players work best for this activity, but some of the rondo variations work just as well with a single group. The final progression depicts the same 2-grid transition rondo from Session Plan #2. These creative progressions will keep your players engaged and make the basic rondo even more fun! The video is from Youth Coaching DK.

Penetration passing and shooting

This passing and shooting activity is demonstrated by players from the Saint Benedict College Team. After starting with a passing combination, the activity progresses to variations on a passing pattern that ultimately ends with a penetrating pass or through ball that leads to a shot on goal. The video features about 16 players plus goalkeepers. If you have a larger group, or if want to increase the number of ball touches per player, consider adding a fourth pair of players to the "ladder" of players. So instead of the current three-step ladder (i.e., player A passes to Player B who passes to Player C to shoot), you could incorporate a fourth step to the ladder (i.e., player A passes to Player B who passes to Player C who passes to Player D to shoot). When player numbers are high, this adjustment may take a little creative thinking to incorporate effectively, but will involve more players in each passing combination and effectively more touches.

Ball work in pairs

In this video from Bekas Vagelis, players demonstrate a standard warm-up activity commonly used by professional teams, or at least a variation of it. Work in groups of four as demonstrated in the video, or simply work in pairs. This high-ball touch exercise helps players become more comfortable with passing, volleying, chesting, heading, and other one-touch skills. For a variation, divide players into two groups – one inside a circle without balls and the other outside with balls. Players in the middle move to different players on the outside, execute a skill, and then transition to the next player, as shown by the France National Team here. This circular setup promotes greater movement, making the activity less static, although it results in fewer touches compared to working in pairs. It's essential that players serving the ball use an underhand serve with both hands and focus on accuracy, as casual or poor serving can quickly undermine the effectiveness of the activity.

Diamond passing combination

In another video from Bekas Vagelis, players demonstrate a diamond passing combination with progressions. As with previous passing activities, it’s helpful to emphasize to players the importance of: 1) unmarking or creating space, 2) shoulder checking, 3) using the back foot, and 4) effective communication. This activity is designed for two groups of 7 to 8 players, but it can easily accommodate one group in a single diamond. In the video there are enough players for two groups, with players alternating lines after each turn. Note that the direction of ball movement alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise, depending on the line a player is in, which encourages the use of both feet for receiving and then passing.

Switch, cross, and finish 

This is a switch, cross, and finish activity, demonstrated by players from Bayern Munich, that encourages ball transitions from one side to the other. The video, from Coach Konstantinos Foundas, involves about 8 to 10 players plus goalkeepers, but can easily accommodate more players if the tempo is high. The setup simulates midfield and forward players in a 4-4-2 formation, allowing for some coaching on specific tactical movements, particularly for strikers, such as running to the front and back posts and properly timing runs. In the video Bayern Munich players execute bounce passes as the ball transitions across the field, but this is optional. With younger players it makes more sense to start with basic receiving, turning, and then passing to the next player before progressing to more advanced passing combinations. The addition of a shot at the end ensures that players always have opportunities to shoot, even if crosses aren't successful. As should be standard for crossing and finishing activities, at the halfway point of the activity switch the side of the starting line to promote the use of both feet.

4-goal scrimmage

With the previous switch in play passing and crossing combination in mind, a 4-goal scrimmage naturally progresses the session, as shown in the image. The game is identical to a regular scrimmage, only each team has two goals to target instead of one. The game encourages switching the play since, if the defending players concentrate on one goal, the players in possession can quickly switch the play and redirect their focus to the other goal. The image features two teams of 6 in about a 45 yard wide by 40 yard long grid, but team sizes and field dimensions can easily be adjusted. For larger groups, organize three teams, with two teams competing against each other in three-minute intervals. The winning team stays on for the next round, providing an incentive that helps to increase intensity. Place extra balls around the field to facilitate quick restarts and maintain a high tempo.

Triangle passing with pivot

In this video from Soccer 4 Coaches, a team demonstrates a modified triangle passing combination that builds on the triangle passing activity from Session Plan #2. In this activity a central player, or "pivot," is introduced to receive the initial pass and initiate the passing sequence. This pivot simulates the holding midfielder or #6 position, a position central to build-up play among most professional teams today, thereby providing an opportunity to mimic real-game scenarios. By positioning two players at the second and third cones, as shown in the video, the tempo of the activity increases, leading to more touches on the ball, which is helpful with larger groups. This dynamic passing activity has a number of progressions to keep players engaged and is an effective way to improve their first and second touches. Be sure to emphasize the four key coaching points for passing combinations: 1) unmark; 2) shoulder check; 3) back foot; and 4) communication. 

4 v. 4 + 3 rondo

This activity, made famous by Pep Guardiola, builds on the classic rondo. In this version two teams of four players compete to maintain possession, aided by three neutral players – one of whom is positioned centrally and the other two positioned at each end. When a team of four has possession, they expand to the outer edges of the grid. Conversely, when they lose possession, they compact into the center. Although this activity will be challenging for inexperienced players, we encourage persistence. This activity, or variations of it (such as a 5 v. 5 + 4, for example), is employed by most professional teams due to its effectiveness. Some of the key ideas to focus on are quick passing, supportive off the ball movements, pressing to regain the ball, and transitioning quickly between being in and out of possession. Depending on the skill level of your group, increase the grid size to facilitate greater success at maintaining possession. The video is from Football Focus.

5-line shooting

In this video from Dario Grabusic, Bayern Munich players demonstrate a 5-line shooting activity involving about 12 players plus goalkeepers, although the activity remains effective with slightly more or fewer players. While the players in the video stay in their starting lines, we prefer encouraging rotating lines after each turn to ensure continuous engagement and to promote shooting with both the left and right foot, depending on the line. To maintain a high tempo to this activity, it's ideal to have lots of balls available. Foster accountability by requiring players who miss the target to retrieve their own balls, which helps keep them focused on improving their accuracy.

Centre circle rondo

This is a full-team rondo where players form a circle around the center circle while three defenders work to regain possession. Similar to a basic rondo, if a player in possession makes a mistake that leads to a loss of the ball, they switch roles and become one of the defenders in the middle. Players cycle in and out as defenders in the order of entry. In the video, players in the middle hold pinnies to distinguish themselves as defenders, but this is optional. To add an extra challenge, the three defenders must do push-ups if a certain number of successful passes are made – 20 in the video, though this is also optional and can easily be adjusted based on ability and group size. This activity encourages enjoyment and social interaction as a team, making it a fun and competitive warm-up that engages everyone as they arrive for the session. New joiners start in the middle! The video is from Football Coaches Lyceum.

Hexagon rondo

This 8 v. 8 + 2 possession activity utilizes a hexagon-shaped playing area to encourage diagonal rather than lateral passes. In the center, teams of five compete to maintain possession, while three teammates from each team are staggered along the sides of the hexagon. Two neutral players (sometimes called "jokers") occupy the middle, supporting whichever team is in possession. You can add restrictions, such as limiting outside players to one or two touches to encourage quick ball movement back into the player area. Modifications to the number of players and the size of the playing area are easy – in the video, each side of the hexagon measures about 15 to 20 yards. Among possession rondos, this is definitely one of our favorites! The video is from Coach Konstantinos Foundas.

Two-team shooting competition

This is a fun, simple shooting activity where two teams compete to score a set number of goals, with progressions. Players shoot in quick succession – the next player goes as soon as the previous shot is taken. Lines on opposite sides of the goal forces players to shoot with one foot or the other, so be sure to switch each team's starting line at different intervals. While there may be some standing around with larger groups – such as with the 15 players in the video – players still enjoy the activity. If you do have a larger group and the space allows, consider breaking into four teams for multiple shooting competitions. And to add to the competitiveness, winning teams in the first round can compete in a second round for gold, while the other teams compete for bronze. As an alternative to players rotating in goal after each shot, you can have your goalkeeper(s) stay in goal permanently, or, as shown in the video, let everyone take turns shooting, including the goalkeeper! The video is from Coach Thomas Vlaminck. 

Basic line dribbling

Here is a basic line dribbling activity with progressions, illustrated in the video through animation. The activity helps players get comfortable with the ball at their feet at the start of the session and also adapts well to varying numbers of players. Ideally, set up lines of 2 to 3 players on opposite sides to maximize ball touches. Numerous additional progressions are possible – turning with the inside (or outside) of the foot only, approaching players doing an attacking move/feint around the middle cone/pole, using the sole of the foot to dribble, etc. If you feel this activity might be too basic, don't. Even an elite coach like Carlos Ancelotti has utilized a similar activity for a warm-up during his time at Bayern Munich. 

1 v. 1 on small goals 

In this video from Coach Thomas Vlaminck, players engage in different 1 v. 1 scenarios where they attempt to score on one of two small goals. The two goal setup encourages players to fake an attack on one goal using an attacking move, and then to shift their focus to the other goal once the defender is off balance. Watch almost any competitive youth game and you'll notice that attacking moves are rare, so we recommend doing these activities early and often to encourage players to be more bold in their attacking play. With consistent practice, players will become more confident, comfortable, and brave! 

Inside-outside rondo

In this video the Spanish National Team demonstrates an inside-outside rondo activity that starts as a 5 v. 2 in the central grid and transitions to a 10 v. 4 in the larger grid once the five central attackers lose possession. Having a neutral player that is on whichever team is in possession, as they do in the video, is optional. You can easily modify these numbers depending on the age and skill level of your players, or to suit your needs; we have found that a 4 v. 1 to an 11 v. 4 also works well. To elevate the competitiveness, outside players earn a point for reaching a specified number of consecutive passes, while the four defenders earn a point for scoring on one of the small nets positioned around the perimeter of the larger grid. This fast-paced and competitive activity is sure to engage and energize your players! 

X-passing/dribbling combination

In this video from Bekas Vagelis, a team demonstrates an effective passing combination activity that also emphasizes dribbling. With players continuously switching lines in an X-pattern, the activity promotes the use of both feet. We like this activity in particular because it ensures players get lots of touches on the ball, but while still working as a large, single group. The progressions also help keep the activity engaging and dynamic! 

Octagon rondo

This animated video from Coach Konstantinos Foundas depicts an 8 v. 4 rondo variation with three teams of four players each. With help from the 4 neutral players on the perimeter helping whichever team is in possession, the objective of the activity is for each team of 4 to compete to make a specified number of passes without interception. Successful completion allows that team to shoot on one of the goals on the grid's perimeter. After a goal is scored, the scoring team remains in the center, while the losing team transitions to the outside as neutrals, or just have both central teams remain in the centre and switch with one of the neutral teams once a designated amount of time has passed. To keep the game fast-paced, limit outside players to one or two touches. This rondo variation is a fantastic addition to any training session!

Build up to shoot

This image illustrates three build-up passing combination patterns that culminate with a shot on goal. The passing combinations effectively simulate in-game ball movement up the field while engaging more players in each sequence, compared to a more basic pass, layoff, and shoot activity. After passing, players move to the next cone or pole. The activity works well with 8 to 16 players, but be sure to maintain a high tempo with larger groups to minimize waiting time. Starting with the more basic passing sequence #1 serves as a good introduction before progressing to the more complex sequences #2 and #3. Be sure to switch the orientation of the cones/poles on occasion to encourage the use of both feet when shooting.  

Receive, turn, and dribble

In this video from The Coaching Manual, a central group of players dribble the ball through the central grid, execute a bounce pass with an outside player, and then dribble back through the grid. After a few times through the grid, each central player swaps places with one of the outside players. Progressions can include the variation shown in the video, where a player "checks away" before receiving the pass, or other variations, such as a double bounce pass, using the left or right foot only, turning with the outside of the foot, making an attacking move within the grid, etc. This activity serves as an effective warm-up for engaging players in dribbling and having the proper "half turn" body position when receiving a pass in preparation for moving in the opposite direction. 

11 v. 4 rondo

In a clearly explained video from Paul Spacey, this 11 v. 4 rondo provides opportunities for players to enhance various aspects of their possession game. The central feature of this activity is that the 11 in-possession players can position themselves as they would on a soccer field, including the goalkeeper, making it an activity that simulates in-game positioning. Challenge the players in possession to build from back to front or to simply maintain possession. Simultaneously, encourage the defenders to work hard to win the ball back as quickly as possible. For more advanced players, limit the touches of in-possession players to 3, 2, or even 1, decrease the grid size, or add more defenders. Also consider introducing goals for the defenders to shoot at if they win possession, further enhancing the competitiveness of the activity. 

5-player shoot and cross

This video from Football Training shows players from Tottenham Hotspur engaging in a shooting activity involving 5 players. The 3 central players make patterned movements that simulate game-like passing combinations prior to shooting, followed by a cross and one final shot. The activity works well with about 15 players, but try to maintain a high tempo to maximize shooting and crossing opportunities. To encourage finishing and crossing with both feet, either switch the side of the cross at the halfway point of the activity, or repeatedly alternative sides.