transition U16 soccer drills
transition U16 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the transition aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.
Access more drillsOffensive 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.
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:
- You will play to one of the 2 offensive players who will enter the field in pairs.
- As soon as he/she controls the ball, a defender will enter the playing area.
- 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.
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
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
The objectives of this exercise are multiple:
- Effectively exploit spaces during a numerical advantage.
- Work on the attacking-defensive transition
Discover our transition U16 drills
Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U14
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....
Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U17
Opposition scenario where the defensive team must delay the attack, protect the penalty area, and prevent shots and crosses before counterattacking towards mini-goals....
Defensive transitions after loss in rondo games
12 min
14-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U17 - Seniors
Immediate reaction work upon losing possession through successive rondo sequences. Ideal as a warm-up for a session focused on counter-pressing....
Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - 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....
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....
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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.
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.
4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U15
This drill, in the form of a small-sided 4v4 game with supporting players, will allow you to address concepts such as transition phases and focus upon losing possession....
Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
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
20 min
15-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
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
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - Seniors
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....
Continuous fast attacks with a 5v3 in 2 zones
15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
This drill will help improve your players' speed in exploiting a numerical advantage during a counterattack. Highly appreciated by players!...
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U19
Exercise used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, this 6v6 will allow your players to work on attacking and defensive transitions as well as game awareness. Decision-making and quick attacks will be the focus....
1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
20 min
12-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
This very intense drill focuses on 1v1 duels and quick decision-making. Your players should enjoy it!...
6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Exercise combining a 6v4 possession drill with transitions in various phases of attacking-defensive and defensive-attacking play. You can, of course, adjust the distances and the number of players based on the level of your group....
Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
20 min
8-18 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
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....
Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
8v4 possession game with 6 support players that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition, as well as pressing upon losing the ball....
Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)
25 min
18-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U20
Taken from a training session of Bayern Munich (2013/2014), this exercise focuses on working on the defensive-attacking transition in the defensive third with the support of players....
Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Inspired by a session from José Mourinho at Real Madrid, this exercise focuses on working on the attacking-defensive transitions in the high area of the field. The intensity you demand from your players upon losing the ball will be key during this drill....
Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - 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....
Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
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 under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals
15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U18
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U17
A relatively simple possession drill to set up, but with certain constraints that will allow your players to work on transition play and counter-pressing, initiated by Ralf Rangnick....
7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
15 min
17-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U20
Used by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in February 2019, this possession game is ideal for working on the positioning and movement of your players....
Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U15
High-energy small-sided game with lots of changes in pace, this drill is perfect for working on attacking and defensive transitions and concentration. Your players will definitely love it!...
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles
15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - 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)....
Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U17
By having the defense work on zonal marking starting from a 6v6, your players improve on various tactical concepts: getting open, defensive cover, and balance to prevent the through ball....
Attacking transition: recovery and retention
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U17
Through this defensive-to-attacking transition drill, your players improve both ball retention/circulation and their game awareness (offensive). Ideal for progressing on pressing and recovery work....
Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
In a 7v7 on a half-field, you work with your defenders and central midfielders on collective zonal defensive positioning and the quick reformation of the defensive block....
Shot then defensive transition in 1v1
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - 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!...
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U16
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
U16 Agility soccer drills
- Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
- Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles
- Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work
U16 Attacking transition soccer drills
- Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
- Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
- Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
U16 Build-up play soccer drills
- Possession play and progressive switches of play
- Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
- Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)
U16 Circuit soccer drills
- Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters
- Practicing the diamond play with shooting on mini goals
- Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
U16 Cognitive soccer drills
- Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals
- Cognitive ability with agility work and color play
- Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box
U16 Counterattack soccer drills
- 6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
- Attacking transition: recovery and retention
- Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6
U16 Counter-pressing soccer drills
- Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
- Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)
- Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
U16 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills
- Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third
- Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
- Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
U16 Defensive transition soccer drills
- 1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
- Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
- Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
U16 Dribbling soccer drills
- Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns
- Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work
- Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations
U16 Duels soccer drills
- Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals
- High-intensity 1v1 mini-tournament (promotion-relegation)
- Shot then defensive transition in 1v1
U16 Endurance soccer drills
- 2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
- Alternating small-sided games and intermittent training
- Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
U16 Explosive strength soccer drills
- Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
- Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
U16 Fun Game soccer drills
- Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
- 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
- Cognitive work without the ball with 1v1v1 duels
U16 Gaps soccer drills
- Forward play with possession in 6v3
- Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit
- Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones
U16 Offensive combinations soccer drills
- Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
- Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates
- Double 2v1 following a passing combination
U16 Overload soccer drills
- Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage
- 3v3 (+1) Build-up with mini-goals and first line pressing
- 1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing
U16 Passes soccer drills
- Playing between the lines and following up the action
- Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players
- Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting
U16 Positional play soccer drills
- Combining offensively using a pivot in 5v5
- Possession game in 2v4 then 4v8 with central zone
- 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
U16 Possession soccer drills
- 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
- 4v2 Possession Game with River Crossing
- Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)
U16 Pressing soccer drills
- José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines
- Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3
- Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter
U16 Rondos soccer drills
- 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
- Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
- 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
U16 Scanning soccer drills
- 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
- Cognitive ability with agility work and color play
- Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
U16 Shooting soccer drills
- Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third
- Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box
- Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting