small-sided games U19 soccer drills

What is the U19 category in soccer?

The objectives of the U19 category

Some tips for coaching a U19 team

• Focus more on game strategy in sessions: at this level, players must develop a deep understanding of the game and the coach's vision. Use match analyses, video sessions (professional teams, etc.) to convey your strategy and replicate it in training.

• Promote player autonomy: encourage your players to take responsibility for their own development, including physical preparation, nutrition, sleep, and recovery, as well as analyzing their performances. Autonomy fosters maturity and prepares players for the rigors of senior soccer.

• Intensify physical preparation: likewise, U19 players must be prepared for the physical demands of senior soccer. Integrate specific conditioning, including strength, endurance, and injury prevention, into your training sessions. You can also emphasize essential elements outside of training such as rest, nutrition, etc.

• Encourage leadership: identify and cultivate natural leaders within the team. Assigning leadership responsibilities (such as the captain's role) can help develop the commitment and motivation of the entire team.

• Celebrate progress and victories off the field: recognizing and celebrating individual improvements and team successes is essential. Take the time to celebrate various victories or key moments of the season (qualification, seasonal events, etc.).

What training exercises for a U19 team?

1. Pressing games: create high-pressure situations where players must execute precise controls, quick passes, and shots under opponent pressure. This can include small-sided games where possession time is limited, forcing players to make quick and precise decisions.
   
   
2. Practice offensive sequences between lines like Pep Guardiola: this exercise, widely practiced in Manchester City training, aims to perfect a particular offensive sequence involving passing through the lines.
   
   
3. Transitioning the ball from the goalkeeper with a choice between short passing game and direct play: this exercise focuses on training the goalkeeper and the positioning of players around him when he has the ball.
   
   
4. Position-specific conditioning programs: conduct training sessions focused on developing speed, endurance, and strength, tailored to the specific demands of each position on the field. This can include speed circuits for forwards, endurance exercises for midfielders, and strength work for defenders.
   
   
5. Finishing workshops from various angles and situations: organize exercises that put forwards in different positions around the goal area, challenging them to score from passes, crosses, and open play situations. 
   
   
6. Possession games: set up possession games that encourage creativity, game vision, and communication on the field. 
   
   
7. Recovery and injury prevention sessions: integrate active recovery exercises, stretching, and targeted muscle strengthening to prevent injuries before and after matches. These sessions are crucial to ensure players' longevity and their ability to maintain a high level throughout the season.