shooting U15 soccer drills

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First touch in the direction of play and double shooting

Shooting exercise that focuses on the importance of the first touch in the final third. Ideal for working on the attacking aspect against a team that would defend in a low block.

Animation: First touch in the direction of play and double shooting
Mark out a zone of about 30x35m then place 2 large goals on each length (you can, for example, use the penalty area by doubling its size). Then place 4 cones and 4 mannequins (or constri-foot) as indicated in the animation. Place a player at each cone with balls. Finally, set up 2 cones that will serve as a starting point and ask the rest of the players to spread out at each starting point, without a ball.

The exercise will proceed as follows:
  1. The 1st player (A) starts and goes around the 1st mannequin to request the ball from the player located at the cone in front of him.
  2. He then makes a first touch in the direction of play to get into a shooting position on the 1st goal.
  3. After shooting, he/she will request the ball from the 2nd player located near the goal, before making a controlled touch in the opposite direction then finishing with dribbling and shooting on the 2nd goal.
  4. After this 1st round, the 2nd player immediately follows on the opposite side.

Remember to advise your players on the importance of these first touches in the final third. The quality of the control will determine the rest of the action: this first touch should push the ball far enough from the player's feet to get into a shooting position, but not too far to avoid losing control of the ball.

Besides the technical aspect, this exercise is ideal for working on a match situation where the opposing team would defend in a low block, which would require your players to find solutions and openings in the attacking third.

Discover our shooting U15 drills

Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations

Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations

15 min
10-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
Offensive situation where the attacker plays under pressure and relies on two supports to create a 2v1 and find the best shooting option....
Shooting and using support during the build-up play

Shooting and using support during the build-up play

10 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Very dynamic drill where the player must serve a winger on the run to initiate the counterattack....
Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger

Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger

15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U17
Defensive duel to recover the ball before immediately launching a winger in a counterattack....
Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third

Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U16
Exercise with 3 teams of 4 to work on managing danger in the final third, effectively closing down shooting and crossing angles, and defensive cohesion around the goalkeeper....
1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals

1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U14
High-intensity 1v1 duel with a directional layoff pass, goal choice, and immediate shooting....
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The U15 exercises can encompass many themes, but we advise you to focus on the basics: movement, control-pass, and game understanding. These will be the foundations for your players for many years to come. Make sure to animate your U15 training sessions well, as this will help maintain a motivating pace for your players.

The U15 category in soccer, which includes players aged 14-15 and is also known as under 15, marks an important stage in a young player's learning. Indeed, they transition from understanding the sport to a more competitive and rigorous aspect. This development period is characterized by a significant increase in the players' technical, tactical, and physical skills, all linked to maximum game mastery and understanding of its stakes.

What is the U15 category in soccer?


The U15 category in soccer includes players under 15 who practice this sport. At this age, players are generally in full adolescence, which implies significant changes both physically, emotionally, and socially.

On the field, this translates to an increase in size, strength, and coordination. Tactical game concepts are also more easily grasped, allowing you, as a coach, to vary your training approach.

The objectives of the U15 category


The main objective of the U15 category in soccer is to prepare players for higher levels of competition they will encounter in upcoming seasons. The goal is to continue their progress as athletes but also as individuals.

Other objectives may stem from the main one, including: 
  1. Perfecting individual technical skills like dribbles, controls, shots, and passes.
  2. Developing a true tactical understanding of the game through both defensive and offensive movements, not forgetting game awareness.
  3. Strengthening the physical condition of growing players: endurance, speed, strength, and agility.
  4. Promoting sports values like fair play, respect for teammates, opponents, and referees.
  5. Expressing player leadership and helping them understand their responsibilities.
  6. Preparing players for higher competitions by offering complex and pressure-filled game situations.

Some tips for coaching a U15 team


Coaching a U15 team requires a dynamic and personalized approach to discover the potential of each of your players, who individually do not grow in the same way. Here are some tips we can give you: 
  • Set clear expectations in terms of behavior, commitment, and performance while creating a positive and stimulating training environment.
  • Design varied and progressive training sessions that emphasize the development of technical, tactical, and physical skills.
  • Encourage autonomy and responsibility among players by giving them leadership roles and promoting their involvement in session planning and evaluation.
  • Provide constructive and individualized feedback to help players identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Integrate elements of mental preparation and stress management to help players face competition challenges and develop resilience.

What training exercises for U15s?


As with all categories, it is important for you to adapt your training sessions based on your group's level.

Here are some examples: 
  1. Ball possession exercises with quick transitions to improve decision-making and coordination.
  2. Set up combinations and triangle plays to promote team play and communication.
  3. Work on shooting with realistic game situations to improve offensive efficiency in front of the goal.
  4. Offer small-sided games with specific rules to stimulate creativity and problem-solving among players.
  5. Improve individual and collective defense with marking exercises and pressing.

In summary, the U15 category in soccer marks a true turning point in soccer learning. Adolescents grow and develop their game, skills, and understanding of the sport to play at higher levels in upcoming seasons.
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 - U14
3v3 midfield build-up exercise with the requirement to find a target forward in the final third before being able to finish....
Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing

Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Individual drill for a forward with a curved run, directional control, followed by a quick double shooting into two mini-goals....
1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting

1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
Through repeated 1v1 duels, players must beat their defender using a prescribed skill move and quickly finish with a shot on goal....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U15
Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Using width in a double situation in 4v4

Using width in a double situation in 4v4

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U15
Tactical drill that allows your players to better use width with a focus on the transition phase between ball recovery and the counterattack....
One-touch offensive combinations with shooting

One-touch offensive combinations with shooting

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
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....
Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones

Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
This small-sided game, used by Vicente Del Bosque during a training session at Real Madrid, is ideal for working on smooth transitions in midfield and quickly getting into goal-scoring situations....
Positioning in a "Y", creating space, and shooting

Positioning in a "Y", creating space, and shooting

20 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
Inspired by an exercise used by Vicente Del Bosque, this drill will allow you to work on offensive combinations in front of the goal as well as shooting. With several possible variations, you can add more depth to your training session....
Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play

Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play

18 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Finishing workshop with 3 different phases of play that will allow your players to effectively work on various aspects specific to shooting, such as positioning in relation to the ball or their relationship to space....
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....
Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery

Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Simple exercise to set up, but it allows you to work on many aspects, from decision-making to shooting, including the trajectory of runs....
Training on directional control and shooting in 2 drills

Training on directional control and shooting in 2 drills

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U12
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....
2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back

2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Thanks to this 2v1 exercise with various progressions, you will be able to train your defenders with their backs to the goal, progressing to a 2v2 with a defender tracking back....
Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1

Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1

12 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U13 - U12
Thanks to a high press and shooting in 2v1 situations, this drill is ideal for blocking the opponent's build-up play. Make sure to enforce the instructions well to get the most out of your players....
Interception and forward ball control in 4v3

Interception and forward ball control in 4v3

20 min
9-16 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Receiving the ball forward, anticipating interceptions, and making runs into space: this comprehensive exercise is ideal in every aspect and will allow you to work on quick transitions between defensive and attacking phases....
First touch and shooting within the box

First touch and shooting within the box

20 min
7-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U15
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....
First touch in the direction of play and double shooting

First touch in the direction of play and double shooting

20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U16
Shooting exercise that focuses on the importance of the first touch in the final third. Ideal for working on the attacking aspect against a team that would defend in a low block....
Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work

Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
A highly dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on shooting with 1v1 duels on crosses. Ideal for U14-U15 but can be applied to different age groups (by adjusting the distances)....
Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal

Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Shooting practice following a passing sequence inspired by the famous Tiki Taka used by FC Barcelona. Feel free to use variations to add tempo to the exercise....
Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
Creative exercise allowing you to work on attacking-defensive transitions with a double 2v1 and a combination of passes. Use the suggested variations to make the exercise closer to real match conditions....
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
U14 - U13
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....
Shooting practice with slalom and body feint

Shooting practice with slalom and body feint

15 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Ideal drill for working on shooting with a slalom, a pass into the run, and a body feint. It will allow you to work on strikes in a rhythmic manner, even with a large number of players....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U16
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U12
This high-intensity drill will allow your players to work on attacking sequences while emphasizing the importance of decision-making during the defensive phase....
Combine in a 2v1 to eliminate the direct opponent

Combine in a 2v1 to eliminate the direct opponent

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
This drill is ideal for working on direct elimination in match situations, while using sideways support and finishing near the edge of the penalty area....
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U13
Ideal drill to train your players on 2v2 and basic tactical principles (to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for attackers, and pressuring the ball carrier and defensive cover for defenders)....
Dribble and immediate follow-up

Dribble and immediate follow-up

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U14
Ideal drill for getting your players to work on their sequence after the dribble. They practice lifting their heads and gathering information after the dribble and quickly releasing the ball....
1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U13
Excellent 1v1 drill allowing your players to practice both the duel as the last defender (defensive) and the duel facing the goal to finish an action (offensive)....
Shot on the move without control

Shot on the move without control

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U13
Excellent exercise to work on shooting without control and on the move with your players. Game awareness is essential in this type of drill, so remember to remind your players!...
Agility and Shooting

Agility and Shooting

12 min
8-10 joueurs
Conditioning
U11 - U13
Ideal exercise for working on speed and agility without the ball. The race between 2 players for the final shot adds extra motivation for the players....
1v1 Duel and Wing Play

1v1 Duel and Wing Play

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U11
Excellent exercise for practicing 1v1 duels on the flanks with an attacker’s feint and shooting situation....
4v4 Numerical Equality Game and Shooting Situation

4v4 Numerical Equality Game and Shooting Situation

20 min
10-12 joueurs
Tactical
U11 - U13
By creating game conditions in a limited space, leading to an off-the-ball run and a shooting opportunity, you allow your players to work on both offensive and defensive actions in an even-numbered situation....
Dribbling then cross: right foot, left foot

Dribbling then cross: right foot, left foot

15 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U11
Practice crosses with this easy-to-set-up drill that allows for good rotation when you have a large number of players....
Shot then defensive transition in 1v1

Shot then defensive transition in 1v1

10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
The individual attacking-to-defensive transition is one of the most important aspects of modern soccer, yet it is often overlooked during certain sessions. Here is an exercise that should address this!...
5v5 Shooting Game

5v5 Shooting Game

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U17
Simple but incredibly effective drill to work on shooting. Find the right angle, position yourself, strike, all while simulating match situations....
4v4 and off-the-ball runs into space

4v4 and off-the-ball runs into space

15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U11
With this 4v4 enhanced by off-the-ball runs and duels in the box, this drill is perfect for working on both offensive and defensive technique....
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - Seniors
Ideal for learning to counterattack quickly and advance as a team. The defensive aspect is also present in this exercise, perfect for working your defenders!...

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