shooting U16 soccer drills

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

Access more drills

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 shooting U16 drills

Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations

Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations

15 min
10-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U14
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 - U16
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
U16 - 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
U14 - U15
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....
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....
Premium drills - Soccer Coach Lab

Progress with our drills

Join our community of amateur coaches and access 500+ premium drills with diagrams inspired by pro coaches. Get new drills every week.

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.
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....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U15
Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
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....
Using width in a double situation in 4v4

Using width in a double situation in 4v4

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Tactical drill that allows your players to better use width with a focus on the transition phase between ball recovery and the counterattack....
Shooting drills with attacking combinations and support player

Shooting drills with attacking combinations and support player

20 min
8-22 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U16
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
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
U14 - U15
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....
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
U16 - 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
U17 - U16
Simple exercise to set up, but it allows you to work on many aspects, from decision-making to shooting, including the trajectory of runs....
2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back

2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
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....
First touch and shooting within the box

First touch and shooting within the box

20 min
7-14 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
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
U15 - U14
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
U16 - 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
U14 - U15
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 - U16
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....
Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
Highly appreciated by players, this shooting exercise followed by an attacking-defensive transition and a 2v2 duel is ideal for working on various offensive combinations. Numerous variations are possible....
Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players

Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - 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
U17 - U16
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
U16 - 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
U18 - U19
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 - 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....
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 - U14
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....
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
U19 - U20
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)....
Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

18 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U17
Shooting drill with numerous variations, this exercise will definitely appeal to your attacking players. Directional controls, shots, quickness: it's all there!...
Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
Drill conducted by Manchester City in 2016 during a pre-season training session, it perfectly combines numerous aspects such as athletic work, agility, shooting, and precision of passes....
One-touch shooting with diagonal run

One-touch shooting with diagonal run

12 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
This mirrored drill allows players to work on one-touch shooting through repetition. It enables your players to use a diagonal run and move behind a teammate to provide an option....
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - 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)....
1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U12 - 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)....
Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U18
Excellent exercise for your forwards to practice quick combinations as well as crossing and shooting accurately....
Shot then defensive transition in 1v1

Shot then defensive transition in 1v1

10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U16
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
U17 - U13
Simple but incredibly effective drill to work on shooting. Find the right angle, position yourself, strike, all while simulating match situations....
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U15
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!...

Other sub-theme U16 soccer drills