small-sided games Seniors soccer drills
small-sided games Seniors drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the small-sided games aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.
Access more drills3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
This 3v3 small-sided game with 4 corner support players will help you work on combinations in tight spaces. Remember to regularly rotate the support players.
Using 4 cones, create a 20x20m area then form 2 teams of 3 players and one team of 4 players (see animation). Place one player from each team in the center of the field, then ask the others to spread out on each side. Next, place the 4 players from the last team at each corner of the playing area.
The exercise proceeds as follows:
- The 3-player teams must keep the ball as long as possible but only score a point when the central player touches the ball.
- The corner players serve as support for the team in the offensive position.
- The corner players as well as the support players are only allowed one touch of the ball.
A pass to the central player = 1 point.
Variation: to evolve the exercise, you can prohibit the side players from making a pass to a support. Only the central players can play on the support.
Remember to adjust the number of zones based on the number of players present at practice. If you have a group of 20 players, for example, you can create 2 zones and perform the exercise simultaneously in each zone.
Discover our small-sided games Seniors drills
3v3 (+1) Build-up with mini-goals and first line pressing
15 min
7-14 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Numerical advantage build-up situation (GK + 3 players) to beat the first line of press and find outlets towards mini-goals....
Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
3v3 game with goalkeepers and two wide supports to create link-ups on the wide areas and find a situation for a give-and-go or a cross before shooting....
Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
20 min
15-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Positional play in 4 zones where the team in possession must maintain a 3v3 (+3 neutral players) and then switch of play to another zone after 8 to 10 passes....
6v6 with central no-go zone – switches of play and attacks using width
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
6v6 game with goalkeepers where teams must attack with width and skip the restricted zone to play a through ball....
6v3 Positional Play with Mini Goals
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Positional play where 6 players maintain possession against 3 pressing, with objectives of passing and quick transitions to mini-goals....
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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:
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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…
- 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:
Here is a series of exercises for a Senior team, inspired by modern soccer training practices:
- 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...
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dynamic warm-ups: One-touch play combinations with support, inspired by a Liverpool training session. The objective? Improve communication and quick play.
- 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…)
- Physical conditioning: Aerobic endurance circuit, adapted for physical preparation at the start of the season.
Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - 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....
3v3 Opposition with Goalkeepers and Neutral Support Players
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - Seniors
3v3 play on a half-field with two central neutral supports to execute one-two-three passes and attack the depth after the build-up play....
3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
15 min
12-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Three-team transition game where two players press the team in possession within a zone, and roles rotate continuously....
9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones
12 min
18-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
9v9 game in zones to work on midfield pressing, central density, and the ability to play vertically under pressure....
5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
Maintain possession in a rondo under pressure, then break out with dribbling after 10 passes to score in a mini-goal....
Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Possession-focused drill in 3 zones with the objective of connecting with the 9, then supporting the drive to finish in the mini-goals....
Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Three-zone possession exercise to work on reactions to transitions, the disadvantage on the weak side, and movements preparing for a potential loss of possession and counter-pressing....
Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Working on ball possession under pressure with immediate reaction to losing possession to strengthen defensive transition and coordinated pressing....
Possession game in 2 zones with role change
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
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....
Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports
20 min
18-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Used by Pep Guardiola during a training session at Manchester City, this drill will help you work on the attacking-defensive transition in the upper part of the field....
Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2
15 min
10-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Used by Mikel Arteta during a training session at Arsenal, this drill will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with a 4v2 followed by a 6v4....
Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
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....
Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3
30 min
18-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Used by Vicente Del Bosque during a training session at Real Madrid, this drill is ideal for working on duels and the short passing game in tight spaces....
Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - 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....
Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support
20 min
20-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Small-sided game with a focus on possession work and an attacking transition, which forms the core of this exercise. Note that several variations are possible....
Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
20 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
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....
José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines
25 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
Used at Chelsea, this drill consists of a 3v3 possession game with two external zones. It will help your players work on passing angles and playing between the lines....
Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)
18 min
14-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
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
20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
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....
Rondo and Switch of Play in 4 Zones by Rafael Benitez
20 min
18-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Used by Rafael Benitez at Napoli, this drill will force your players to stay constantly engaged in the game and continuously offer solutions, thanks to the rule of a maximum of 4 passes....
Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)
20 min
11-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
With a clear objective, the contribution of several supports during quick attacks, this exercise used by Luis Enrique at FC Barcelona is ideal if you're looking for a small-sided game to offer your players....
Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Exercise to work on spacing during the defensive-offensive transition in the attacking third, with this 6v6 possession game including 2 neutral players providing support....
Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)
25 min
18-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
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....
Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
15 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
In this 3v2 (and 3v3 with pressing), your players will be able to work on coordinated press as well as transition play when losing the ball. Used by Mauricio Pochettino during his time at Tottenham....
Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
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
U16 - Seniors
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....
Small group possession in 4 zones
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
4v2 possession exercise with switch of play and attacking-defensive transition that will require a lot of focus and intensity....
Direct play with a double 4v1 and a central zone
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
4v1 possession drill with a focus on direct play, while under pressure from a defender. A high-paced session to be introduced after a thorough warm-up!...
3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
This 3v3 small-sided game with 4 corner support players will help you work on combinations in tight spaces. Remember to regularly rotate the support players....
Possession play and progressive switches of play
20 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - Seniors
This small-sided game with a numerical advantage and progression from zone to zone is ideal for youth teams and will help improve concentration while adding a competitive element....
Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Very dynamic drill in the form of 2 possession games in 4v2 with focus on pressing in tight spaces. Ideal for gradually increasing intensity!...
High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Great exercise to train your players in quick attacks following a high press. Offered at Tottenham, it's an ideal small-sided game to end a session....
Possession play and high press in 2 zones
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Used by Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, this exercise is ideal for working on the high press on the field and quick transitions. Emphasize the importance of executing the press collectively....
Small-sided game in 7v7 + 2 floaters and wide players
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
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....
Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone
20 min
12-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with the possibility of implementing multiple variations....
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
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
U16 - Seniors
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....
Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
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)....
6v6 possession game with 2 neutral players and shooting on small goals
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
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....
Other theme Seniors soccer drills
Seniors Conditioning soccer drills
- Agility and information gathering by color and by team
- Athletic work with alternating runs on half-field
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
Seniors Tactical soccer drills
- Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press
- Attacking transition and game awareness
- Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid