offensive combinations U16 soccer drills

offensive combinations U16 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the offensive combinations aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

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Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1

In this comprehensive drill, you will enable your players to work on several phases of play during a numerical advantage in 2v1 and then in 3v2. Many variations are possible.

Animation: Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
Mark out an area equal to 2 times the penalty area, then place 2 mini-goals on the opposite width to the large goal. Then form 2 teams (offensive players vs defensive players) and position yourself at the midfield line with the ball source, as indicated in the animation.

The exercise will proceed as follows:
  1. You will play to one of the 2 offensive players who will enter the field in pairs.
  2. As soon as he/she controls the ball, a defender will enter the playing area.
  3. This leads to a 2vs1 where the objective of the team with the numerical advantage is to score on the large goal, while the defender must recover the ball to finish on one of the 2 mini-goals.

1st progression: place a cone between the 2 mini-goals to serve as a 3rd starting point for the offensive players. The players then play 3vs2 still in the same area, and the rules remain the same.

Progression in 3vs2
Progression in 3vs2


2nd progression: add a time limit (5 seconds) after which a 3rd defender enters the game to form a 3vs3 numerical equality. This will force your offensive players to quickly take advantage of the numerical advantage.

Entry of a 3rd defender after 5 seconds
Entry of a 3rd defender after 5 seconds

3rd progression: in this evolution, you will ask a defender to enter the area as soon as his teammates recover the ball, to achieve a 3vs3. This will require the offensive players to work on their attacking-defensive transition.

Entry of a 3rd player upon recovery
Entry of a 3rd player upon recovery


The objectives of this exercise are multiple:
  • Effectively exploit spaces during a numerical advantage.
  • Work on the attacking-defensive transition

Discover our offensive combinations U16 drills

Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third

Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third

15 min
8-14 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U17
3v3 midfield build-up exercise with the requirement to find a target forward in the final third before being able to finish....
Shooting drills with attacking combinations and support player

Shooting drills with attacking combinations and support player

20 min
8-22 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U19
A very dynamic exercise appreciated by players, it will allow you to work on offensive combinations as well as shooting from different angles: strike, shot, and 2v1....
One-touch offensive combinations with shooting

One-touch offensive combinations with shooting

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
A very simple exercise to set up, but it allows for numerous variations. You will work on several attacking combinations as well as the timing and precision of passes....
Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery

Offensive combinations in 3v2 with defensive recovery

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U15
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....
Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting

Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting

20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Used by Unai Emery at Arsenal (2018), this attacking circuit emphasizes timing and speed of execution....
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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.
Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1

Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1

20 min
8-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U17
In this comprehensive drill, you will enable your players to work on several phases of play during a numerical advantage in 2v1 and then in 3v2. Many variations are possible....
Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
This situational exercise is ideal for working on the build-up play phase. Used in Naples a few years ago, you can use it at the end of a session....
Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players

Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
This drill combining various attacking combinations is ideal for working on shooting from different aspects: shooting at the edge of the box, cut-back cross, etc....
Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2

Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Exercise to work on attacking combinations and the final action in front of the goal. The sequence ends with a 2v2 duel, progressing to a 3v2 situation with a numerical advantage....
Double 2v1 following a passing combination

Double 2v1 following a passing combination

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U16
Intense and very interesting 2v1 exercise to work on offensive combinations. Consider offering progressions during the drill....
Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U15
This high-intensity drill will allow your players to work on attacking sequences while emphasizing the importance of decision-making during the defensive phase....
Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting

Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
Ideal for working on passing and movement in a small area, this drill emphasizes quick play. Consider doubling the station if you have a large number of players....
Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U20
Excellent exercise for your forwards to practice quick combinations as well as crossing and shooting accurately....
Build-up play: finding space between the lines

Build-up play: finding space between the lines

20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U18
Starting with a 7v7 on half a field, your players practice finding open space between the opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play. The focus is also on seeking to stretch the opposing team to open up spaces....
Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space

Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - Seniors
Starting from a 7v7 on a half-field, your players practice finding open space between opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play....

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