using width Seniors soccer drills

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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).

U16 U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Using width

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M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release

M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - Seniors
Ball circulation sequence working on build-up play under pressure on the strong side, followed by a quick switch of play to the weak side to finish in a mini-goal, inspired by a session proposed by Marcelo Bielsa....
6v6 with central no-go zone – switches of play and attacks using width

6v6 with central no-go zone – switches of play and attacks using width

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U17
6v6 game with goalkeepers where teams must attack with width and skip the restricted zone to play a through ball....
Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6

Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - Seniors
Opposition scenario where the defensive team must delay the attack, protect the penalty area, and prevent shots and crosses before counterattacking towards mini-goals....
3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones

3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones

15 min
12-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Three-team transition game where two players press the team in possession within a zone, and roles rotate continuously....
3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
3v3 shooting sequence where players use the wide players as support before attacking the shooting area....
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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....
Alternating small-sided games and intermittent training

Alternating small-sided games and intermittent training

15 min
15-30 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - U16
Alternating between high-intensity small-sided games and intermittent running drills to maintain consistent physical engagement throughout the session....
Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U18
This double station, inspired by a training session from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is ideal for working on positioning during attacking combinations. Emphasize the importance of positioning on the field, as well as body positioning in relation to the ball....
Passing Circuit by J. Klopp with Support and One-touch Play

Passing Circuit by J. Klopp with Support and One-touch Play

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Used during a Liverpool training session in 2022, this drill helps work on different passing combinations, particularly useful in the heart of the game....
Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play

Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play

15 min
11-15 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U17
Exercise focused on goalkeeper work and how players move when their goalkeeper has the ball in hand. The goalkeeper's decision-making is essential to determine whether it is preferable to play short or direct....
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U19
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....
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
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....
Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones

Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
Used by Luis Enrique with the Spanish national team, this possession game takes place in 6 zones and will allow your players to work on passing combinations and creating spaces for playing between the lines....
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
Seniors - U18
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
U18 - 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....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6

Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U16
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....
Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6

Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6

20 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U19
Excellent exercise proposed by Luis Enrique during his time at AS Roma, with this 6v6 small-sided game on 3 mini goals, which allows for addressing different themes such as the use of width or playing between the lines....
Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5

Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
Used by R. Benitez during a training session in Naples, this drill will help you work on two essential aspects: finding the gap for the team in possession of the ball, and effectively blocking passing lanes for the defending team....
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
Seniors - U20
Very useful for managing a numerical advantage during a switch of play, this exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa should appeal to your players!...
Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill, in the form of 8v6 game sequences, is ideal for training your players in build-up play and game construction under pressure....
Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier

Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U19
Used by Luis Enrique during a training session at FC Barcelona in 2015, this drill, which places your players in a situation across 3 zones, will allow you to work on finding the free player and playing between the lines....
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....
Jurgen Klopp's Attacking-Defensive Transition with a Reduced 6v6 Game

Jurgen Klopp's Attacking-Defensive Transition with a Reduced 6v6 Game

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Inspired by a Jurgen Klopp exercise, this 6v6 small-sided game (with 6 neutral players) is ideal for working on transitions, particularly the attacking-defensive transition....
Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)

Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)

25 min
18-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U17
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....
Exploiting spaces in counterattack in the opponent's half

Exploiting spaces in counterattack in the opponent's half

25 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
11v11 game situation to work on the defensive-attacking transition and exploiting spaces in a counterattack. Inspired by an exercise used by Pep Guardiola, this drill is ideal at the end of a session....
Small-sided game in 7v7 + 2 floaters and wide players

Small-sided game in 7v7 + 2 floaters and wide players

20 min
18-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Small-sided game on a half field, which will allow you to finish a training session in the best possible way: with a complete and intense exercise....
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - 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....
6v6 possession game with 2 neutral players and shooting on small goals

6v6 possession game with 2 neutral players and shooting on small goals

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U17
This possession drill focuses on three aspects: space management, passing quality, and speed of execution. With numerous variations, it is ideal for adding tempo to your session....
Positional play and movement in 9v7 on 3 goals

Positional play and movement in 9v7 on 3 goals

20 min
19-22 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Used in 2014 by Pep Guardiola during Bayern Munich's summer preparation, this exercise is ideal for training your players in the famous "positional play," as well as the importance of movement....
3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal

3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal

20 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - 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....
Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking

Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U18
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....
Defensive Block: Positioning in the Game and Tactical Principles

Defensive Block: Positioning in the Game and Tactical Principles

20 min
13-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U19
In a 4v4 situation within a confined space and with a defense starting with a 3-second delay, your defenders work on the tactical aspect of collective positioning in the game. The attacking players will work on compensation and defensive recovery....
Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones

Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones

15 min
14-16 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
Exercise that trains your players in both crosses and heading, by setting up 2 wide areas reserved for attacking players....
Collective play in deflection: movement and availability

Collective play in deflection: movement and availability

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U17
Through a 4v4 passing game with the possibility of support, your players work on layoff play and following their movements to remain available. They also practice keeping their heads up and gathering information....
Switch of play and defensive positioning game

Switch of play and defensive positioning game

20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U20
Exercise focusing on training your players on switches of play and positional play in defense. It also allows the coach to emphasize either attack or defense according to their requirements....
Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run

Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run

14 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U19
Pass into the run, dribbling, cross, and off-the-ball run to the near post... All the elements are combined in this drill to train your players under the best conditions!...

Other sub-theme Seniors soccer drills

Seniors Agility soccer drills

  1. The warm-up with 3 stations by Carlo Ancelotti
  2. Pep Guardiola's off-the-ball agility with speed and coordination work
  3. The 4 Colors of Unai Emery: Quickness and Reaction Time
See all

Seniors Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone
  2. Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
  3. 11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wide areas
See all

Seniors Build-up play soccer drills

  1. 6v6 (+2) possession game with play through the central zone
  2. Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)
  3. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
See all

Seniors Circuit soccer drills

  1. Athletic and conditioning circuit in 4 sets
  2. Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles
  3. Pep Guardiola's triple one-two pass with give-and-go and directional control
See all

Seniors Cognitive soccer drills

  1. The 4 Colors of Unai Emery: Quickness and Reaction Time
  2. Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
  3. Possession play and progressive switches of play
See all

Seniors Counterattack soccer drills

  1. Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)
  2. Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3
  3. Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone
See all

Seniors Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports
  2. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  3. Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
See all

Seniors Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense
  2. Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp
  3. Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play
See all

Seniors Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition and game awareness
  2. Possession and Recovery in 2v2
  3. Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2
See all

Seniors Dribbling soccer drills

  1. Mr. Bielsa: working on lateral-winger automatisms with a passing circuit
  2. Pep Guardiola's triple one-two pass with give-and-go and directional control
  3. Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal
See all

Seniors Duels soccer drills

  1. Agility and Shooting in a 2v2 Matchup
  2. 1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1
  3. Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp
See all

Seniors Endurance soccer drills

  1. Warm-up with the ball, dribbling, and slalom
  2. Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
  3. Circuit training: aerobic endurance and explosiveness
See all

Seniors Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
  2. High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
  3. Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
See all

Seniors Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
  2. Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3
  3. Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
See all

Seniors Gaps soccer drills

  1. Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones
  2. Possession play and progressive switches of play
  3. 3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
See all

Seniors Motor skills soccer drills

  1. Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
  2. Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
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Seniors Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting
  2. Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space
  3. Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4
See all

Seniors Overload soccer drills

  1. Direct play with a double 4v1 and a central zone
  2. "Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
  3. Tactical drill by Diego Simeone with defensive transition to attacking Transition work
See all

Seniors Passes soccer drills

  1. Warm-up: deflection play and combination play
  2. Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
  3. One-two pass and forward run in a passing square
See all

Seniors Positional play soccer drills

  1. Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space
  2. Rondo and Switch of Play in 4 Zones by Rafael Benitez
  3. Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
See all

Seniors Possession soccer drills

  1. Possession play and switching against a low block
  2. Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
  3. 6v6 (+2) possession game with play through the central zone
See all

Seniors Pressing soccer drills

  1. José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
  2. Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid
  3. Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6
See all

Seniors Rondos soccer drills

  1. Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
  2. Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
  3. Short possession with switch of play and support sprints
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Seniors Scanning soccer drills

  1. Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles
  2. Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
  3. Breaking the lines: warm-up with passing circuit
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Seniors Shooting soccer drills

  1. Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team
  2. Possession play and switching against a low block
  3. J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions
See all

Seniors Support soccer drills

  1. Short passing game and direct play with support
  2. 3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
  3. 3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs
See all

Seniors Transition soccer drills

  1. J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions
  2. Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking
  3. Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
See all