using width U16 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).

Discover our using width U16 drills

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
U16 - U17
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....
4v4 with active recovery and transitions – attacking the width in small-sided play

4v4 with active recovery and transitions – attacking the width in small-sided play

20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
Two teams compete in a 4v4 to score on a large goal or cross a line, with a third team actively recovering and rotating every two minutes....
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
U17 - 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....
8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones

8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U16
Build-up play and connection between wide players and forwards in an 8v8 structured into five zones....
Possession game in 2 zones with role change

Possession game in 2 zones with role change

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U20
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
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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.
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....
Forward play with possession in 6v3

Forward play with possession in 6v3

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U17
Possession exercise emphasizing the importance of playing quickly forward with a 6v3 possession and constant defensive pressure....
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U17
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
U16 - U17
Tactical drill that allows your players to better use width with a focus on the transition phase between ball recovery and the counterattack....
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
U18 - U19
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....
Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3

Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3

20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Exercise inspired by a training session of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, it will allow your players to work on their positioning in a 4-3-3 formation, while allowing the opposing team to practice a high press....
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
U17 - 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....
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
U17 - U16
Very useful for managing a numerical advantage during a switch of play, this exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa should appeal to your players!...
Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1

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....
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
U15 - U14
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....
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
U20 - U16
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....
4v4 game with 1 neutral player and shooting with a stop-ball

4v4 game with 1 neutral player and shooting with a stop-ball

20 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
4v4 possession exercise with an attacking neutral player and 2 channels that allow for full use of width and work on field occupation, even in a reduced area....
3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)

3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)

20 min
15-19 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U14
This exercise involves a 6v6 match with 3 attacking jokers on a reduced field. It's ideal for working on movement and decision-making under opponent pressure....
Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage

Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U12
Small-sided game ideal for your players to work on transitions in numerical advantage/disadvantage and implement your guidance independently....
Zonal defense with a 3v3 in an expanded area

Zonal defense with a 3v3 in an expanded area

15 min
6-24 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U15
Excellent exercise to work on ball circulation to find a shooting angle. It will allow your players to multiply offensive combinations while having your defenders work on zonal marking....
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
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....
Combining offensively using a pivot in 5v5

Combining offensively using a pivot in 5v5

20 min
10-18 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U13
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on offensive combinations using a central player who will act as a pivot....
Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones (variation)

Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones (variation)

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U17
By encouraging your players to focus on aerial play and facilitating crosses, this drill allows them to work on their aerial game (heading and volleying) while staying in match conditions....
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 - U20
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....
2v2 Drill Starting from a 6v6

2v2 Drill Starting from a 6v6

20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
By requiring your players to only play 2v2 on half the field, this excellent drill allows them to calmly apply basic tactical principles: to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for the attackers, and closing down the ball carrier and defensive cover for the defenders....
Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance

Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U12
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....
Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support

Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support

12 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U13
By limiting the number of passes before the shot and providing deep support, your players practice moving the ball quickly to set up a teammate for a shot. The limited number of passes also encourages initiative and creativity....
Defensive play training for the fullback

Defensive play training for the fullback

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U15
Ideal exercise for training your fullbacks in defensive play on the wing and the sequence of defensive actions....
Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking

Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U20
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
U19 - U18
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
U17 - U20
Exercise that trains your players in both crosses and heading, by setting up 2 wide areas reserved for attacking players....
Switch of play, possession, and defensive positional play

Switch of play, possession, and defensive positional play

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
By offering the opportunity to score in multiple goals, this drill allows you to train your players in switches of play, ball retention, and positional play in defense....
Restricted zone: Using the wide areas in 5v5

Restricted zone: Using the wide areas in 5v5

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Ideal exercise for working on space utilization and playing in the wide areas. A simple constraint that will allow your players to quickly improve....
3v3 Wing Play with Support

3v3 Wing Play with Support

20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U13
Ideal game situation to force your players to constantly look for the sides, which will allow your wide players to work well during this drill. Just that!...

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