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Creating space through movement in 5v5

This exercise will help your players position themselves well in space to offer support to the ball carrier. Many variations are possible with additional cognitive aspects.

Animation: Creating space through movement in 5v5
Mark out an area of about 30x35m and then place 9 small squares of 2 different colors within the area (see diagram for more details). Then form 2 teams of 5 players. If you have more than 10 players at practice, you can enlarge the area or create a second area for the additional players.

The exercise will proceed as follows: 
  1. The team in possession of the ball must keep the ball as long as possible while scoring points by making a pass into a square of the color of their team.
  2. The defending team must win back the ball by pressing the opposing team and minimizing passing angles.
  3. Once the ball is recovered, the roles reverse.
  4. It is important for players to position themselves well in space to constantly offer options to the ball carrier, while keeping an eye on the finishing squares.

Here are some variations you can implement during this exercise: 
  • Reverse the colors: the blues score in the yellow squares, and vice versa. This will add an additional cognitive aspect to this exercise.
  • A point is scored when a player crosses a square.
  • The central square earns double points.

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Discover our scanning U13 drills

Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates

Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates

15 min
15-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U11 - U13
Two teams each maintain possession in their own half and look to penetrate through one of the gates to switch of play, under pressure from a third team....
Diamond: layoff, switch of play, and through ball

Diamond: layoff, switch of play, and through ball

10 min
5-15 joueurs
Warm-up
U13 - U14
Diamond passing sequence incorporating a short layoff, a one-two pass, a switch of play, and a pass into the run to attack the depth....
4vs4+1: corner-to-corner possession with fixed support players

4vs4+1: corner-to-corner possession with fixed support players

10 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U12 - U13
4v4+1 possession exercise where the team in possession must connect their corner players by making a minimum number of passes in the central area....
3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game

3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game

12 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U8 - U9
Small-sided game with three teams where each group has a specific way to score, requiring quick decision-making and constant adaptation....
Possession game with support at the 4 corners

Possession game with support at the 4 corners

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U11 - U10
Ball retention exercise with a numerical advantage, seeking support in the corners to validate passing sequences....
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What is the U13 category?


The U13 category represents children aged 12 to 13 years, and it is at this time that soccer concepts and training intensity increase a notch. At this age, children face significant physical changes, requiring training adaptation to support their growth, muscle development, and coordination improvement. Sessions must therefore be designed to meet these needs while continuing to develop their technical and tactical skills.

Objectives of the U13 category


The objectives for U13 expand to include not only technical development and coordination but also the integration of more complex and technical exercises. The focus will be more on developing game awareness both individually and collectively, decision-making in match situations, and improving more specific qualities like passing, shooting, set pieces or even dribbling.

Some tips for coaching a U13 team


For U13 players, it is advisable to avoid overly physical training and to favor activities that promote agility, endurance, and mastery of fundamental soccer qualities. Sessions should be simple yet dynamic, allowing players to improve through exercises that stimulate both their psychomotor development and tactical understanding. The integration of recovery periods is also essential to prevent injuries and promote healthy growth.

To summarize, here are our tips regarding your U13 training sessions: 
  1. Avoid "physical" training as you are used to practicing. Favor exercises for agility, endurance, and flexibility to promote psychomotor development.
  2. Conduct simple exercises for your players. Simplicity is crucial as it allows for better learning. It is your animation that will give rhythm to your U13 workshops, not the complexity of your training sessions.
  3. Remember to integrate recovery periods.

What training exercises for U13?


Exercises for U13 should include games and workshops that emphasize individual technique while integrating more advanced tactical elements. Small group play exercises, shooting sessions, and sessions focused on developing team strategy should be prioritized for your training. 

Here are some additional ideas to help you:
  • Possession game: In small groups to improve game awareness and maintaining possession.
  • Shooting workshops: With various scenarios to work on shooting under pressure, from different angles, with both strong and weak foot…
  • Quick transition exercises: Attack-defense exercises, and vice versa to develop reactivity and team strategy.
  • Dribbling sessions: With technical challenges to improve agility and control in match situations.
  • Small-sided games with specific conditions: For example, limiting the number of touches to encourage quick play and decision-making. Also consider implementing different tactics to teach players the importance of positioning and understanding what works best for your U13 team.
Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions

Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U11 - U10
Ball possession and transition work in a balanced rondo, where each team seeks to exploit the temporary overload during the possession phase....
Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work

Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work

12 min
5-15 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U11
In this highly dynamic exercise, your players will be able to work on passing in various forms, emphasizing the use of both feet....
Information Gathering on a Sequence of Passes in 4v4

Information Gathering on a Sequence of Passes in 4v4

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U10 - U11
Perfect warm-up exercise to work on information gathering before, during, and after the pass. It will require your players to be attentive to their surroundings while emphasizing the technical aspect of passing....
Passing game work with a square of 6 players

Passing game work with a square of 6 players

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U13 - U12
This exercise allows you to work on passing from different angles. It is very easy to set up and can be used as a warm-up or a technical drill within your session....
Double rondo with game awareness and information gathering

Double rondo with game awareness and information gathering

10 min
9-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U11 - U10
This exercise is quite simple to set up but is highly appreciated by players during a warm-up in a session with a technical focus....
Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3

Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
A small, highly dynamic 3v3 exercise that will help you work on game awareness in tight spaces and improve reactivity between each phase of play....
Creating space through movement in 5v5

Creating space through movement in 5v5

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U13 - U12
This exercise will help your players position themselves well in space to offer support to the ball carrier. Many variations are possible with additional cognitive aspects....
Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery

Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Tactical
U13 - U12
Very dynamic exercise to implement in training, which will allow your players to work on different situations in 3v2 then 3v3 with a defensive recovery by the 3rd player. Game awareness and quick decision-making will be the focus of this exercise....
4-player passing sequence with scanning

4-player passing sequence with scanning

12 min
12-24 joueurs
Warm-up
U11 - U10
Ideal for youth soccer, this exercise, seemingly very simple, will allow your players to work on their awareness and passing quality....
One-two pass combinations with 2 teams then shooting

One-two pass combinations with 2 teams then shooting

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
Used in soccer school, this drill will allow your players to work on attacking combinations in tight spaces. Numerous variations are possible....
Training on directional control and shooting in 2 drills

Training on directional control and shooting in 2 drills

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
Ideal shooting workshop to work on the final touch and specifically the speed during this ball control. The objective is to get into shooting position as quickly as possible....
Unlocking mini-goals with gate passing in 4v4

Unlocking mini-goals with gate passing in 4v4

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U13 - U14
Very dynamic drill in the form of a 4v4 that will allow your players to work on different cognitive aspects such as perception, anticipation, and decision-making under pressure....
Information gathering and cognitive work in Youth academy

Information gathering and cognitive work in Youth academy

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
Often overlooked in youth soccer, cognitive training is nevertheless essential. This drill will allow your players to work on information processing with a color-based game while being constantly in contact with the ball....
Short passing game, direct play on a passing sequence with switch of play

Short passing game, direct play on a passing sequence with switch of play

15 min
7-19 joueurs
Warm-up
U12 - U11
This drill, structured as a passing sequence with a double triangle, is perfect for working on alternating between short passing game and direct play. The team chemistry will be on point!...
4v4 Possession Game with Central Square

4v4 Possession Game with Central Square

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U11 - U10
Ideal exercise for youth soccer with a small-sided 4v4 game, a central neutral player, and a variation with 2 mini-goals to offer a coherent progression to your players....
Double square with passing combinations

Double square with passing combinations

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U12
Inspired by a workshop used by Vicente Del Bosque at Real Madrid, this exercise helps work on the timing of the pass as well as movements before and after receiving the ball. You can apply it as is for U12-U13 or adjust the distances to use it in other age groups....
Cognitive ability with agility work and color play

Cognitive ability with agility work and color play

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U13
Very engaging agility exercise with cognitive work involving colors, voice, and gestures. Combine auditory and visual signals with a bit of competition, and you'll see that it's an exercise highly appreciated by players....
Tiki Taka: passing game with 2 central players

Tiki Taka: passing game with 2 central players

12 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
This exercise is a variation of the famous "6 cones game" specific to Tiki Taka training. It is a passing circuit with 2 central players with numerous variations, ideal for soccer academies....
One-two pass game on a square of 4

One-two pass game on a square of 4

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U12 - U11
Ideal for a warm-up or technical drill in a soccer school, this passing exercise will allow you to implement numerous variations and add your personal touch....
4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes

4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes

10 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U13
This rondo across 2 zones involving a total of 6 players is very dynamic and offers a very engaging exercise for your players. Be sure to clearly demonstrate the drill so that the rondo is as smooth as possible....
4v4 Possession Game with 2 Final Third Zones

4v4 Possession Game with 2 Final Third Zones

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U11
Positioning, reaction time, and quality of passes are on the agenda for this possession exercise, perfect for working on key skills in a fun format....
Passing game work in a square with a central pivot

Passing game work in a square with a central pivot

12 min
7-14 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U13
A very simple passing drill to set up, but with almost infinite variations. Ideal for soccer schools, it combines quality technique, game intelligence, and movement in tight spaces....
Passing circle: ball control, dribble, pass and follow

Passing circle: ball control, dribble, pass and follow

12 min
8-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U12 - U11
Ideal warm-up that allows players to get in condition with the ball while activating different muscle groups. Players work on their first touch, dribbling, and passing....
Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit

Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U13
Ideal technical drill to grasp playing between the lines, it will enable your players to perform a technical circuit while staying constantly engaged in the game....
Playing between the lines and following up the action (2)

Playing between the lines and following up the action (2)

15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Through a 3v3 drill with support, your players practice making through balls to the forward and following their pass to continue the play....
Oriented Controls – Ground Balls and Aerial Balls

Oriented Controls – Ground Balls and Aerial Balls

15 min
12-15 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U11
By asking the players to switch positions and position themselves correctly to receive the ball, your players practice anticipating and looking up before the teammate's pass and before controlling the ball....
Half-field play: keep your head up and gather information

Half-field play: keep your head up and gather information

20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U14
By requiring play in a confined space, this drill forces your players to lift their heads and look further to find the available teammate....

Other sub-theme U13 soccer drills

U13 Agility soccer drills

  1. Dynamic Warm-up with Passing, Slalom, and Dribbling
  2. Motor skills and ball control to improve footwork and balance
  3. Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1
See all

U13 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
  2. Rondo in 4v2 and pressing with a numerical disadvantage
  3. Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions
See all

U13 Build-up play soccer drills

  1. Switch of play using the central midfielder
  2. Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement
  3. Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1
See all

U13 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Passing Circuit with Triple One-Two Pass and Give-and-Go
  2. Switch of play using the central midfielder
  3. Passing game work with a square of 6 players
See all

U13 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Information Gathering on a Sequence of Passes in 4v4
  2. 5v5 opposition with "4 corner jokers"
  3. Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
See all

U13 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions
See all

U13 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. Using Width in a 4v4 with 6 Mini-Goals
  2. Rondo in 4v2 and pressing with a numerical disadvantage
  3. Defensive transitions after loss in rondo games
See all

U13 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. 1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender
  2. Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery
  3. Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
See all

U13 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
  2. Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3
  3. Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions
See all

U13 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. Dribbling: imitation and sequence to be repeated by the team
  2. Passing Circuit with Triple One-Two Pass and Give-and-Go
  3. Unlocking mini-goals with gate passing in 4v4
See all

U13 Duels soccer drills

  1. 1v1 Duels and Defensive Positioning
  2. 4v3 back to goal with build-up play for the defenders
  3. 1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting
See all

U13 Endurance soccer drills

  1. 3v3 with a neutral player and central support – stop-ball and overlaps
See all

U13 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
  2. 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
  3. Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball
See all

U13 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Double rondo with game awareness and information gathering
  2. Cognitive work without the ball with 1v1v1 duels
  3. 3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game
See all

U13 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Slalom, give-and-go and shooting
  2. Play in Space and Switches of Play
  3. Using Width in a 4v4 with 6 Mini-Goals
See all

U13 Motor skills soccer drills

  1. Warm-up: sequence, control, dribbling, and passing
  2. Drop-off and ball control
  3. Dribbling: imitation and sequence to be repeated by the team
See all

U13 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals
  2. Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery
  3. One-two pass combinations with 2 teams then shooting
See all

U13 Overload soccer drills

  1. Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
  2. 4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
  3. Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
See all

U13 Passes soccer drills

  1. Technical warm-up: directional control and pass
  2. Dynamic Warm-up with Passing, Slalom, and Dribbling
  3. Precision and speed of ball movement (1)
See all

U13 Positional play soccer drills

  1. Combining offensively using a pivot in 5v5
  2. Free Play: Positioning and Space Occupation
  3. 7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks
See all

U13 Possession soccer drills

  1. 4v4 Possession Game with Central Square
  2. 4v4 Possession Game with 2 Final Third Zones
  3. Possession game with support at the 4 corners
See all

U13 Pressing soccer drills

  1. Compact defense with a back three in a reduced central area
  2. Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1
  3. Unlocking mini-goals with gate passing in 4v4
See all

U13 Rondos soccer drills

  1. 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
  2. Using Width in a 4v4 with 6 Mini-Goals
  3. Occupying space with a 2v1 rondo in 3 zones
See all

U13 Shooting soccer drills

  1. 2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles
  2. Dribbling then cross: right foot, left foot
  3. Pass into the run and shooting work
See all

U13 Support soccer drills

  1. Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support
  2. 3v3 (+4) with support players and position change
  3. Warm-up with neutral support in the wide areas
See all

U13 Transition soccer drills

  1. Rondo in 4v2 and pressing with a numerical disadvantage
  2. Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
  3. Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
See all

U13 Using width soccer drills

  1. Play in Space and Switches of Play
  2. Warm-up with neutral support in the wide areas
  3. Dynamic small-sided game in 2v1 on 3 mini goals
See all