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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 overload Seniors drills

3v3 (+1) Build-up with mini-goals and first line pressing

3v3 (+1) Build-up with mini-goals and first line pressing

15 min
7-14 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U19
Numerical advantage build-up situation (GK + 3 players) to beat the first line of press and find outlets towards mini-goals....
5v2 possession game with dribbling exit

5v2 possession game with dribbling exit

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U19
Maintain possession in a rondo under pressure, then break out with dribbling after 10 passes to score in a mini-goal....
Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage

Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
Possession-focused drill in 3 zones with the objective of connecting with the 9, then supporting the drive to finish in the mini-goals....
Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U17
Three-zone possession exercise to work on reactions to transitions, the disadvantage on the weak side, and movements preparing for a potential loss of possession and counter-pressing....
Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U18
Working on ball possession under pressure with immediate reaction to losing possession to strengthen defensive transition and coordinated pressing....
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What constitutes the Senior category in soccer?


The Senior category includes all players over the age of 20. It encompasses players with a wide range of personal and athletic differences. As a senior coach, you must take this into account when preparing your senior training sessions. The Senior category marks a turning point in each player's soccer career. At this level, soccer is played with the utmost seriousness, commitment, and ambition, whether at the District level, regional competitions, or even at professional levels. 

For Senior players, soccer is often a passion that requires great discipline, optimal physical condition, and an advanced tactical understanding of the game. Each training session and match thus becomes crucial and far more important than in previous categories.

Here are the objectives and some tips on the best ways to train a senior team.

The objectives of the Senior category


For the Senior category, the objectives go well beyond the simple enjoyment of the game and the passion for soccer. Physical, tactical, and technical conditions are a major focus in the development of each player, as well as other crucial elements of the sport such as positioning, strategies for set pieces, formation, the type of play executed, management of individualities, locker room relationships, etc.

Coaching a Senior team involves much more responsibility as a coach and requires constant focus and structure to optimize the development of each player as well as sporting results and to reach high-level competitions.

Some tips for coaching a Senior team


Here are some essential tips for successfully coaching a Senior team:
  1. Personalization of training: Take into account the strengths, weaknesses, and individual goals of the players to customize each training session. This can include specific physical conditioning programs, technical workshops, or targeted tactical sessions.
  2. Balancing intensity and variety: Sessions should be both intense and varied to maintain player engagement and simulate upcoming or past match conditions, especially after defeats! 
  3. Focus on tactics: Senior players must understand and execute complex game plans set by the coach. Use video analysis, classroom sessions, and on-field exercises to teach and refine the game strategies you desire.
  4. Management of physical condition and recovery: Prevent injuries and ensure the athletic longevity of players by emphasizing good physical preparation, learning recovery practices after matches and training, muscle care, nutrition… 
  5. Strengthening team cohesion and mental health: Organize team-building activities and provide psychological support to each player to strengthen team spirit and help players manage pressure, especially if you reach high-level competitions.

What training exercises for a Senior team?


To succeed in your senior training session, we advise you to focus on 2 aspects: the phases of play and the pace of your sessions. There are many senior exercises available that highlight these 2 aspects, so it will be up to you to carefully select your specific senior exercises to add more dynamism to your training session.

Here is a series of exercises for a Senior team, inspired by modern soccer training practices:
  1. Advanced technical workshops: Organize sessions focused on perfecting individual technical skills, such as ball control under pressure, long-distance passing accuracy, shooting on goal, or other set pieces...
  2. Interactive tactical training: Set up games and simulations that encourage players to apply specific strategies and tactics, promoting quick thinking and decision-making under pressure.
  3. Targeted physical sessions: Include specific training to improve endurance, speed, agility, and strength of each player, according to the time of year and upcoming sporting events.
  4. Training matches and analysis: Regularly organize training matches to evaluate your Senior team's performance in real game conditions. Use post-match video analysis to discuss improvements and adjust strategies.
  5. Dynamic warm-ups: One-touch play combinations with support, inspired by a Liverpool training session. The objective? Improve communication and quick play.
  6. Possession and transition play: Possession exercise with attacking and defensive transitions, known and used notably by Pep Guardiola. This exercise emphasizes developing the ability to quickly switch phases of play (attack to defense…)
  7. Physical conditioning: Aerobic endurance circuit, adapted for physical preparation at the start of the season.
Possession game in 2 zones with role change

Possession game in 2 zones with role change

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U15
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5

Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Used during a training session at Manchester City, this high-intensity drill is ideal for working on the attacking-defensive transition and managing numerical advantage. All of this in a spirit of healthy competition....
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - 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....
Tactical drill by Diego Simeone with defensive transition to attacking Transition work

Tactical drill by Diego Simeone with defensive transition to attacking Transition work

18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - Seniors
Used by Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid, this drill will help you work on quick attacks during an attacking transition in the central area....
Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players

Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U19
Used by Xavi at FC Barcelona, this drill will help your players work on using width and how to effectively take advantage of a numerical advantage....
Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6

Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6

20 min
15-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U16
Used by J. Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, this drill is ideal for working on the defensive-to-attacking transition, emphasizing the speed of attacks when the opposing block is disorganized....
Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3

Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
Used by José Mourinho, this exercise will allow you to set up game situations where the speed of the defensive-attacking transition is crucial, in order to take advantage of a numerical advantage....
Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side

Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side

25 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U19
This exercise, inspired by a training session of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, will allow you to work on the switch of play from the weak side, in order to directly deliver a cross behind the defense....
11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wide areas

11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wide areas

20 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - Seniors
Exercise used by the Spanish national team, it will help your players get accustomed to using width while presenting them with a specific situation: a 2v1 on the wide areas....
Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player

Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U19
This exercise used by Luis Enrique is ideal for working on communication and anticipation during a press. It is also very easy to set up!...
Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support

Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support

20 min
20-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Small-sided game with a focus on possession work and an attacking transition, which forms the core of this exercise. Note that several variations are possible....
J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions

J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Used by Jurgen Klopp during his time at Borussia Dortmund, this drill is perfect for working on quick attacks against a disorganized opponent, and thus perfecting the attacking transition in the high area of the field....
Exploiting the Weak Side with this 8v4 by Marcelo Bielsa

Exploiting the Weak Side with this 8v4 by Marcelo Bielsa

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Very useful for managing a numerical advantage during a switch of play, this exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa should appeal to your players!...
Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
On the agenda for this exercise: shooting, decision-making, and reaction time. An exercise that players generally enjoy a lot....
Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)

Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)

18 min
14-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Inspired by an exercise used by the Spanish national team, this 5v5 small-sided game with support will allow you to work on several attacking combinations against a team that defends in a low block....
Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)

Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)

20 min
11-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U18
With a clear objective, the contribution of several supports during quick attacks, this exercise used by Luis Enrique at FC Barcelona is ideal if you're looking for a small-sided game to offer your players....
Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)

Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
Great exercise in 9v5 to train your players on build-up play under pressure and reaction time to losing possession, while studying the attacking-defensive transition phase....
Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels

Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels

18 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U17
Taken from a session with AS Roma, this drill allows you to work on the numerical advantage in a small area dynamically with 3v2 duels....
Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
This exercise on 3 zones by Diego Simeone, used at Atlético Madrid during the 2013/2014 season, is ideal for working on the defensive-to-attacking transition in the defensive third, with a situation of numerical disadvantage....
Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery

Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
This highly dynamic drill starts with a goalkeeper's distribution followed by a series of 1v2 duels with a defender in pursuit, potentially evolving into a 3v3....
Small group possession in 4 zones

Small group possession in 4 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U17
4v2 possession exercise with switch of play and attacking-defensive transition that will require a lot of focus and intensity....
Direct play with a double 4v1 and a central zone

Direct play with a double 4v1 and a central zone

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
4v1 possession drill with a focus on direct play, while under pressure from a defender. A high-paced session to be introduced after a thorough warm-up!...
1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing

1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
On the agenda: 1v1 duels followed by 2v1 with a defender in pursuit. Quick decision-making will be crucial!...
3v3 with 4 supports and a central player

3v3 with 4 supports and a central player

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
This 3v3 small-sided game with 4 corner support players will help you work on combinations in tight spaces. Remember to regularly rotate the support players....
Possession play and progressive switches of play

Possession play and progressive switches of play

20 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U17
This small-sided game with a numerical advantage and progression from zone to zone is ideal for youth teams and will help improve concentration while adding a competitive element....
1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1

1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U20
1v1 duels from different perspectives: first a 1v1, then a defensive transition to quickly move into a 2v1 on the large goal....
Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp

Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp

20 min
6-20 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U17
Used in Dortmund, this drill, which allows for numerous variations, will require your players to work on defensive recovery in an organized manner. The program includes: short passing game, duels, and shooting on small goals....
Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone

Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone

20 min
12-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U17
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with the possibility of implementing multiple variations....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U20
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces

5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U20
Used by RB Leipzig under Julian Nagelsmann, this transition drill is ideal for working on counter-pressing as well as vertical play, a trademark of the new German tactical school....
Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack

Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - Seniors
This drill is ideal for working on counterattacks in match situations. You can implement different variations to add rhythm to a session and offer a quality drill to your players (exercise used by Manchester City in April 2019)....
Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones

Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones

25 min
15-21 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Guardiola at FC Barcelona (B team) in 2008, this possession exercise with a numerical advantage is perfect for training your players to utilize the advantage of numbers during an attacking phase....
Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting

Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting

20 min
12-21 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U18
Mix of quick offensive combination play, overlap, and shooting, this exercise used by Unai Emery at Arsenal in 2018 is ideal and can be used throughout the year....
"Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players

"Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players

20 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U17
The "Juego de Posicion" popularized by Pep Guardiola is an important element of this game, ideal for a large number of players. Positioning will be crucial throughout the drill....
3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U18
Possession, forward passes, layoff, and shooting on a full-size goal. This is a variation of a passing drill that brings together all the elements to offer a quality drill to your players....
3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal

3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal

20 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Possession, forward passes, layoff, and shooting on a small goal. All the elements are in place to offer a quality drill to your players....
Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing

Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U17 - Seniors
By creating a numerical advantage situation for the attackers in a small space, your players work on both game awareness, ball movement, and ball retention (attack) as well as coordinated pressing (defenders)....
Quick attacks by unbalancing the defense

Quick attacks by unbalancing the defense

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U20
By disrupting the defense and creating opportunities for quick counterattacks, this drill trains your players in rapid attacks and exploiting the disorganization of the opposing defense....
Warm-up: working on play with support

Warm-up: working on play with support

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U18 - U16
By providing the opportunity to play with support, this 6v6 warm-up exercise allows your players to work on ball retention and quick play....
Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting

Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
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....
6v3 Game: Playing between the lines and reactive movement

6v3 Game: Playing between the lines and reactive movement

18 min
9-12 joueurs
Warm-up
U17 - U20
Through a 6v3 warm-up exercise, your players practice continuous off-the-ball movement. They also improve their game management and their movement reaction to position themselves between opposing players....
Build-up and transition in 5v3

Build-up and transition in 5v3

12 min
8-10 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
By creating an imbalance with this 5v3, you allow your players to calmly work on the attacking-defensive transition....
Defending with a Numerical Disadvantage

Defending with a Numerical Disadvantage

12 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U20
Excellent exercise to learn how to defend when outnumbered, where it is common for one or two defenders to find themselves at a numerical disadvantage. Show your defensively-minded players how to manage these situations and get your attackers accustomed to exploiting them to the fullest!...

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