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Possession play and switching against a low block

Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense.

Animation: Possession play and switching against a low block
On a half-field, create a space of about 20x30m on the left side, as well as an adjacent 5x30m area, as indicated in the diagram. Then place 2 mini-goals and 4 mannequins (or constri-foot) with a cone about 35m from the goal on the right side. Then set up a 5vs4 in the large area, place 1 player in the small area, and then a final player on the opposite side at the cone level.

The exercise will proceed as follows: 
  1. The offensive players (here in blue) start with a possession game against the 4 defenders in the large area.
  2. After making at least 3 passes, they play to their teammate in the small area. No defender can press this player.
  3. The player will then make a through ball behind the defense to their teammate on the opposite side.
  4. This player finishes their action on the large goal.
  5. If the defenders regain possession, they must score as quickly as possible on one of the 2 mini-goals.
  6. Change the 2 offensive players every 3 minutes or so.

Progression

After a few rounds, you can propose these different progressions: 
  • A defender can press the player in the small area (only one).
  • Players are limited to 2 touches of the ball.
  • The player in the small area can participate in the possession game (which then creates a 6vs4).
  • Players must make at least 5 passes before playing to the player in the small area.
  • The game is played in the same way, but on the opposite side (remember to set up the cones before the start of the exercise).

Discover our scanning U16 drills

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Dynamic layoff-support circuit where players combine quick passes, directional controls, and support runs before attacking the depth....
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Possession game in 2 zones with role change

15 min
14-18 joueurs
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U19 - U20
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

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5-20 joueurs
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Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work

Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work

12 min
5-15 joueurs
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In this highly dynamic exercise, your players will be able to work on passing in various forms, emphasizing the use of both feet....
Forward play with possession in 6v3

Forward play with possession in 6v3

15 min
9-18 joueurs
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U15 - U14
Possession exercise emphasizing the importance of playing quickly forward with a 6v3 possession and constant defensive pressure....
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The U16 category includes players aged 15-16 years. At this age, you will need to focus your U16 training sessions around different themes, such as athletic development, technical skill, and tactical knowledge.

We advise you to concentrate on the basic aspects when preparing your U16 exercises: movement, control-pass, and game awareness. These will be the foundation for your players for many years to come. Make sure to keep your U16 training sessions engaging, as this will help maintain a motivating pace for your players.
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U17
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense....
Diamond play with passing combinations

Diamond play with passing combinations

18 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U17
Simple drill to set up but allows working on the diamond shape from different angles and through various combinations. This is actually a drill used by the German national team during a training session....
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....
José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines

José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines

25 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
Used at Chelsea, this drill consists of a 3v3 possession game with two external zones. It will help your players work on passing angles and playing between the lines....
Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting

Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting

20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
Used by Unai Emery at Arsenal (2018), this attacking circuit emphasizes timing and speed of execution....
Dynamic possession game in 4v2 with 2 balls

Dynamic possession game in 4v2 with 2 balls

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U14
Very dynamic exercise that will allow your players to work on positioning and movement in a small space in a 4v2. A specific feature: some periods will be played with 2 balls....
Unlocking mini-goals with gate passing in 4v4

Unlocking mini-goals with gate passing in 4v4

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12 - U16
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....
First touch and shooting within the box

First touch and shooting within the box

20 min
7-14 joueurs
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A very dynamic exercise that will allow your players to work on their first touch and shooting in the heart of the penalty area. Numerous progressions are possible....
Double square: combinations and sequences of short passing game

Double square: combinations and sequences of short passing game

15 min
8-16 joueurs
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Numerous possible combinations in this double square drill to work on the fluidity of passes and movements before and after receiving the ball....
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10 min
6-24 joueurs
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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....
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Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting

20 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
Another exercise used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich during a public training session, this circuit is ideal for working on agility: reaction time, concentration, and footwork. Your players will not be disappointed!...
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Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
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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....
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Playing between the lines and following up the action (2)

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6-12 joueurs
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Through a 3v3 drill with support, your players practice making through balls to the forward and following their pass to continue the play....
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Zonal marking: defensive positioning and team block

8 min
8-16 joueurs
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Excellent exercise to train your players on defensive positioning and the team's zonal defense....
Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning

Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning

8 min
16-20 joueurs
Warm-up
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Ideal exercise to improve your players' group positioning....
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Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting

20 min
14-16 joueurs
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With this exercise, your forwards work on positioning between the lines to provide options in build-up play and attack construction. They also practice shooting....
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Switch of play, information gathering, and defensive positioning play

20 min
12-14 joueurs
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By adding a goalkeeper, this drill allows your players to work on switches of play and game awareness before initiating the pass (attack), as well as positional play in defense....

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