technical Seniors soccer drills

technical Seniors drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the technical aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

Access more drills

Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)

Non-contact drill that will allow you to work on shooting and quick attacking sequences with a shot at the end of a slalom. Ideal for adding tempo to your session.

Animation: Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
Mark out a zone of approximately 35x45m and place 4 cones at each corner. Set up 5 poles (or constri-foot) in the center in a slalom formation. Then place 2 large goals on each width and form 2 teams of 6 to 10 players. Each team splits in two and positions themselves in opposite corners. Then place 2 cones at the midfield line and position 1 player from each team (see animation).

The exercise will take place simultaneously in each opposite corner
  1. The 1st player (A) will start with dribbling and then perform a one-two pass with the 2nd player (B) located at the cone. 
  2. A will then approach the poles and play a through ball for B.
  3. B controls and finishes with a shot on goal. A takes B's place (on the opposite side) and B retrieves their ball and goes to the start of the drill (in the opposite corner).
  4. The exercise continues with the 2nd team in the 2 opposite corners.

Emphasize the importance of the pole area. It is the ideal moment to try new things (dribbles, body feints) while focusing on shooting.

Discover our technical Seniors drills

Offensive "Y" Combination with Support Play and Shooting

Offensive "Y" Combination with Support Play and Shooting

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Y combination work integrating layoff, support play, and shooting from the half-spaces....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - Seniors
Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team

Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Exercise used during a training camp with the Spanish national team, it allows your players to work on the weight and accuracy of the final pass, especially when they are facing away from the goal....
J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area

J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area

15 min
4-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session in 2021 at Liverpool, this highly intense drill allows for multiple shots around the edge of the penalty area, always in one-touch play....
Premium drills - Soccer Coach Lab

Progress with our drills

Join our community of amateur coaches and access 500+ premium drills with diagrams inspired by pro coaches. Get new drills every week.

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.
Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play

Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play

15 min
7-21 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
With these 3 phases of shooting, this drill used by Jurgen Klopp will allow you to work on shooting, of course, but also the final pass and play around the penalty area....
Shooting with diamond play from the German national team

Shooting with diamond play from the German national team

20 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U18 - Seniors
Drill used during a training session of the German national team, it will allow you to work on several different combinations in front of the goal, with a focus on diamond play....
Luis Enrique: High-Intensity Passing Sequence

Luis Enrique: High-Intensity Passing Sequence

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Luis Enrique with the Spanish national team last August, this drill will help your players improve their passing quality at high intensity and their ability to stay focused within a set time frame....
Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used in the Spanish national team, this drill helps work on duels at the edge of the penalty area, as well as switches of play. A very dynamic exercise and generally appreciated by players!...
Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
On the agenda for this exercise: shooting, decision-making, and reaction time. An exercise that players generally enjoy a lot....
Passing circuit followed by shooting on 2 colored mini goals

Passing circuit followed by shooting on 2 colored mini goals

18 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U18 - Seniors
This passing sequence with 7 players finishing on 2 colored mini goals is ideal for working on passing in a circuit format, with a cognitive component: auditory and visual signals....
Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)

Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Non-contact drill that will allow you to work on shooting and quick attacking sequences with a shot at the end of a slalom. Ideal for adding tempo to your session....
The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work

The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work

20 min
10-19 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
How to work on defensive duels? Here you will have the opportunity to tackle numerous defensive situations in 1v1 then 2v2 from different angles. A rather intense exercise!...
Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery

Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
This highly dynamic drill starts with a goalkeeper's distribution followed by a series of 1v2 duels with a defender in pursuit, potentially evolving into a 3v3....
Jurgen Klopp's offensive combination with a double cross in front of the goal

Jurgen Klopp's offensive combination with a double cross in front of the goal

20 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
With this passing drill that ends with a double cross in front of the goal, you will be able to work on different aspects of shooting. Remember to vary the routes whenever you have the opportunity....
Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill

Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used at Bayern Munich, this technical circuit consists of a sequence of passes, mini speed drills, and concludes with shooting on a full-size goal....
Finishing exercise with diamond passing game

Finishing exercise with diamond passing game

15 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Finishing workshop focused on the repetition of techniques with a passing circuit where you can implement many variations: changing sides, pass and follow with shooting, 2v1 situation, etc....
Information gathering, ball control, and passing in groups of 3

Information gathering, ball control, and passing in groups of 3

15 min
3-21 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
A very simple exercise to set up that helps work on information gathering through a color-based game....
1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing

1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - Seniors
On the agenda: 1v1 duels followed by 2v1 with a defender in pursuit. Quick decision-making will be crucial!...
Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2

Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used at Liverpool, this shooting exercise with a 3v2 attacking transition is ideal for practicing classic moves and working on positioning in front of the goal....
Agility and Shooting in a 2v2 Matchup

Agility and Shooting in a 2v2 Matchup

15 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - Seniors
1v1 duels with a chasing player, 2v2 matchups, and shooting on a full-size goal are part of this varied and highly dynamic drill....
1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1

1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
1v1 duels from different perspectives: first a 1v1, then a defensive transition to quickly move into a 2v1 on the large goal....
Finding the Ideal Position with Passing Sequence

Finding the Ideal Position with Passing Sequence

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Creative passing game with rules that will require your players to work on their concentration and improve their decision-making speed....
Passing Square and Quick Combinations

Passing Square and Quick Combinations

10 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used at Bayern Munich, this drill emphasizes the quality of passing and speed of execution. Recommended for U17-Seniors, it can also be adapted for younger age groups....
Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp

Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp

20 min
6-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used in Dortmund, this drill, which allows for numerous variations, will require your players to work on defensive recovery in an organized manner. The program includes: short passing game, duels, and shooting on small goals....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - Seniors
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
Quickly combine around and inside the penalty area

Quickly combine around and inside the penalty area

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
A very interesting drill to work on attacking combinations, it will allow you to multiply sequences at high intensity. Ideal for energizing a session!...
Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

18 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Shooting drill with numerous variations, this exercise will definitely appeal to your attacking players. Directional controls, shots, quickness: it's all there!...
Forward passing circuit with one-touch layoff

Forward passing circuit with one-touch layoff

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Offensive combination with one-touch layoffs in a confined space, this drill used by Jürgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund) was designed to develop coordination and the final pass before shooting....
Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting

Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting

20 min
12-21 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Mix of quick offensive combination play, overlap, and shooting, this exercise used by Unai Emery at Arsenal in 2018 is ideal and can be used throughout the year....
Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting

Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting

20 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Another exercise used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich during a public training session, this circuit is ideal for working on agility: reaction time, concentration, and footwork. Your players will not be disappointed!...
Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense

Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense

14 min
9-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Excellent technical drill for defenders to work on speed of movement, agility, and coordination. Conducted by Bayern Munich during a training session in 2013....
Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Drill conducted by Manchester City in 2016 during a pre-season training session, it perfectly combines numerous aspects such as athletic work, agility, shooting, and precision of passes....
3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Possession, forward passes, layoff, and shooting on a full-size goal. This is a variation of a passing drill that brings together all the elements to offer a quality drill to your players....
One-two pass and forward run in a passing square

One-two pass and forward run in a passing square

10 min
5-25 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Several aspects are highlighted during this exercise: passing game, directional control, and movement. Many variations are possible....
3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal

3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal

20 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Possession, forward passes, layoff, and shooting on a small goal. All the elements are in place to offer a quality drill to your players....
Passing game with one-touch shooting

Passing game with one-touch shooting

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Technical
U18 - Seniors
A perfect drill to work on finishing in front of the goal with one-touch play. Ideal when you have many players at practice!...
Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure

Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure

20 min
11-22 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
With this drill, players are challenged to find creative solutions to maintain possession of the ball while constantly being put under pressure....
Combined attacking play with a through ball

Combined attacking play with a through ball

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
This drill, conducted in a confined space, allows for practicing offensive combinations. It is designed to develop team coordination, playing between the lines to prepare for the final pass....
Speed of play and quickness in 6v6 with support

Speed of play and quickness in 6v6 with support

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Through a 6v6 with support players, this drill works on both the quickness of your players and ball control in high-speed play....
Short passing game and direct play with support

Short passing game and direct play with support

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for your players to practice the short passing game and direct play, with several phases of possession under strict instructions, including a variation that allows your players more freedom....
Fast Play: Speed of Passing and Play

Fast Play: Speed of Passing and Play

25 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Through a quick play exercise with support, your players work on the speed of ball movement in the short passing game and finding the available teammate....
Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Excellent exercise for your forwards to practice quick combinations as well as crossing and shooting accurately....
Attacker Technique: Combination and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination and Shooting

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for training your forwards on offensive combinations (in pairs and threes) and shooting in front of the goal....
Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones

Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones

15 min
14-16 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Exercise that trains your players in both crosses and heading, by setting up 2 wide areas reserved for attacking players....
Working on Heading

Working on Heading

12 min
4-8 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for practicing headers and crosses with your players, with an increase in aerial duels....
Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

25 min
15-17 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Through a 2v2 drill ending with a shot, your players work on ball retention and recovery as well as shooting in front of the goal....
Collective play in deflection: movement and availability

Collective play in deflection: movement and availability

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control

Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control

20 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
By having players practice shooting without controlling the ball at the end of a run, they work on both their quickness and speed of execution in ball control, as well as their accuracy in front of goal....
Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal

Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal

15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
By asking your players to combine on one side, they practice getting open and being available for their teammates. They also work on shooting and quick consecutive passes....
Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area

Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Back pass followed by a 2v2 near the penalty area. An exercise your players will definitely enjoy!...
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 - Seniors
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!...