Annual training plan · U14–U23

Week 52: Season Finale with Competitions

3 complete training sessions with 12 drills – created by licensed coaches. Open every drill in the easy2coach web app with one click.

This week’s focus

The last training week will not be about training new tactical content, let alone working on fitness. Instead, the last 3 sessions will be used to end the season with fun-based practices. Above all, fun should come first. That way, players will go into the summer break with good memories.

Most of the practices will be done in competition formats. These are usually great fun for most players and still intense enough. On the 3 training days, the focus will be on one technique each. The first session has competitions on passing. On the 2nd and 3rd training days, players can compete in dribbling and finishing.

The last training week is also a good time to look back on the past season with the team. You can talk about progress and successes, but also failures, and draw conclusions for the coming season. Of course, the last training week is also there to say thank you for the effort put in, both to the team and to the individual players.

Author Luis Österlein

Session 1

4 drills

Today's session consists of competitions that above all require good passing. Various passing techniques are used. The following explains what to look out for with the individual striking techniques. It also covers what the passing techniques can be used for.

  • Side-foot pass: the pass with the inside of the foot is particularly suitable for first-time and accurate passes played over short distances. When playing the side-foot pass, the standing foot should be planted next to the ball and the ankle of the kicking leg locked. The passer should also make sure not to lean back when playing the pass.
  • Outside-of-the-instep kick: outside-of-the-instep kicks are particularly suitable for surprise passes. For example, when dribbling at an opponent, a pass can be played with the outside of the foot with hardly any backswing. The outside of the foot can also be used to put spin on the ball.
  • Inside-of-the-instep kick: the inside-of-the-instep kick is particularly suited to crosses, lofted balls and long ground passes. Crosses are played with spin, lofted balls without. For the former, the kicking leg follows through and the ball is struck further to the outside to give it spin. For lofted balls, the ball is struck low and through the middle. The kicking leg does not follow through. As a result, the ball has no spin and is easier for the receiver to control.
Coaching points for this session
  • Demand the use of both feet
  • Enjoyment comes first
Drill 1

Relay Competition | Technique Training

15 min

Exercise 1

  • Within the group the ball is kept up in the air. Every player takes three touches and plays the ball back to the player opposite with the third touch.
  • Whoever has played the ball joins the back of the group again.
  • The aim is to keep the ball up for as long as possible and not let it drop to the ground.
  • If a player makes a mistake or the ball drops to the ground, the team receives a penalty point. The first team to reach five penalty points loses. Three rounds are planned.

Exercise 2

  • The relay competition is then contested as a heading game: within the group the ball is headed back and forth with one touch before joining the back of the queue again.
  • Alternatively two headed touches are possible — control and return. The coach decides.
Equipment & set-up

Equipment: 1 ball per group.

Players: Two groups lining up facing each other.

Coaching points
  • Despite the competition, pay attention to high quality.
Drill 2

Passing in a Square Variation I

15 min12 x 12 metres.

The passing sequence is always the same:

  1. The player on the ball passes to the next team-mate, who moves towards the ball.
  2. The team-mate lays the ball back, runs around the cone and receives the return pass of the one-two.
  3. Then that player passes to the next player.

After their second pass, the players always move on one cone station.

Variations:

  • The wall player plays the first pass first time. After rounding the cone, the second ball may be taken on with the first touch and then passed.

Note: The drill needs a certain amount of time to get going.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: A cone square measuring 12 x 12 metres.

Equipment: 4 cones.

Players: The starting position with the ball must be occupied by at least two players. From 10 players upwards, set up a second square.

Coaching points
  • The player waiting for the ball starts the counter-movement at the same moment as the passer's backswing.
  • The wall player matches the running speed to the speed of the pass.
  • Place the standing foot 30 to 40 centimetres to the side of the ball or level with it, no leaning back.
  • With the inside-of-the-foot pass the toes point upwards, the ankle is firmly locked and the upper body leans slightly over the ball.
  • Stand on the balls of the feet, lift the kicking foot slightly, strike the middle of the ball and then swing the leg through — do not arch the back. The same applies to the first touch and to taking the ball in stride.
  • Bring the opposite arm through: when passing with the right inside of the foot the left arm goes to the right hip, with the left inside of the foot the right arm goes to the left hip.
  • Coordinate the timing of the pass and of the start of the run; players often run faster than they pass.
  • Demand firm and accurate passes.
Drill 3

Passing | Competition

20 min
  • Each team keeps a ball moving inside the square.
  • On a call — for example the number 1 — the ball must immediately be passed through the pole goal via Player 1.
  • The team that is quicker gets a point.
  • The player behind the pole goal takes over the number of the last passer and dribbles with the ball into the square.
  • The passer goes behind the pole goal and takes over the number from the next player. This continues on and on.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: A square of cones with one pole goal per group.

Equipment: 4 poles, 8 cones and 2 balls — one per group.

Players: Two teams with four players each in the square and one player behind the pole goal.

Coaching points
  • With the four players in the square, pay attention to the pace of the passes and to communication.
  • The player behind the pole goal pays attention to close ball control when dribbling at speed.
  • A good first touch and taking the ball in stride is decisive for the dribble that follows.
Drill 4

Crossing Competition | Crossing Training

20 min
  • One pair of players from a team starts from the centre and receives a cross that is to be converted.
  • The two players then receive a cross from the other side, which must be finished on the other goal.

Variations:

  • Headed goals count double.
  • Play without a defender; to increase the intensity a defender can intervene.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Cones mark out the playing area and the outer zones; two goals stand at the ends.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones and several balls.

Players: Two teams with pairs of players in the centre as well as one crosser each in the wing zone; goalkeepers stand in the goals. An opponent can additionally be positioned in the wing zone.

Coaching points
  • Do not make the run in too early.
  • Move away from the ball.
  • Make the run in diagonally towards the crosser and the goal.
  • The players attack the near post and the far post.
  • The crosses are always played on the move.
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Session 2

4 drills

Successful football is often associated with secure combination play, in which the ball is worked into the final third with short, quick passes. There the opponents are manoeuvred where the team wants them and then the ball is played in behind the opposing defence in order to score.

In amateur football too, you often hear that the ball should be released earlier and that players should look to combine. Of course there are match situations in which dribbling is a rather unfavourable solution, but dribbling to beat an opponent can be an effective weapon in attacks.

Beating an opponent in a 1 vs 1 is perhaps even one of the simplest ways of creating a numerical advantage and getting the opponents moving. Because once an opposing defender has been beaten, the next defender has to close down the player on the ball. That means this defender has to leave their position, and new space opens up somewhere that can be exploited.

Ultimately, then, a team's combination play also benefits from dribbles that are won, because the opponents' basic shape is disrupted and opponents have to leave their positions. But the reverse is also true: in the attacking 1 vs 1, an advantage can be gained from secure combination play. If the ball is moved quickly, a player can be freed up with a lot of space and can then go into the 1 vs 1 at high speed.

Dribbling will be the focus of today's session. The players will be able to compete against each other at carrying the ball in various competitions.

Coaching points for this session
  • Passing with both feet
  • Passes as firm as necessary and as accurate as possible.
  • Demand scanning
Drill 1

Various Passes

20 min
  • Player A passes to Player B, who lays the ball off.
  • Player A plays a pass to Player C.
  • Player C dribbles to the cone and joins the back of the queue.
  • Player A runs to position B, Player B to position C.
  • After the lay-off, Player A plays alternately with Player C and Player D.

Variations:

  • Players C and D include a slalom dribble or a feint.
  • Player A plays a pass to Player C, who lays the ball off to Player B. Player B then plays a ball into the path of Player C.
Equipment & set-up

Equipment: 6 cones and several balls.

Players: The players at positions A, B, C and D.

Coaching points
  • Pay attention to the right pace of the pass.
  • Pass with both feet.
  • Carry out a preparatory movement.
  • Player B lays the ball off with the foot furthest from the opponent and then moves off sideways to the side that is not being played on.
  • Player A plays a firm forward pass to Player C or Player D.
  • Players C and D first drop back, then set off towards the pass and take the ball straight into their stride.
Drill 2

Dribbling in a Competition

20 min
  • Two players dribble through the course and then finish on the mini goal.
  • Whoever scores first wins.

Variations:

  • Run the drill as a competition.
  • The dribbling may only be done with the left or only with the right foot.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: A cone course with two mini goals at the end.

Equipment: 2 mini goals, cones and several balls.

Players: Two players start at the same time.

Coaching points
  • Pay attention to close ball control.
  • Look up from the ball.
Drill 3

Dribbling at Speed with a Finish

20 min
  • Both goalkeepers start the action at the same time by rolling the ball into the path of the player next to them.
  • The players take the ball into their stride, set off dribbling at speed through the poles and finish on goal.
  • They then join the queue on the other side, so that a rotation is created.

Variations:

  • Start on the other side and dribble and shoot with the other foot.
  • The coach calls out whether to dribble through the poles, around the outside or around the inside.
  • The players play a ground pass and a lofted pass to each other at the same time and take it into their stride.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Two goals, with poles and tall cones in between as shown in the graphic.

Equipment: 2 goals, 4 poles, 6 tall cones and 4 to 8 cones.

Players: Two goalkeepers as well as one group of players next to each goal.

Coaching points
  • Take the ball straight into the stride.
  • Look up from the ball once more before the finish.
Drill 4

Dribbling with a Finish

25 min
  • The players dribble through the cones; the finish is taken level with the poles.
  • The players take a ball, play it under the hurdle, then sideways past the three small cones, and run through them.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: A course of cones and hurdles with a goal.

Equipment: Cones, hurdles, 1 goal and several balls.

Coaching points
  • Train with both feet.
  • Look up from the ball.

Session 3

4 drills

In the last session of this season, the players take part in competitions in which they can pit their shooting against each other. When training finishing, great importance should be placed on playing through situations that are match-realistic. When training shooting, attention should be paid to the following points in addition to technical execution:

  • Before the finish, look up from the ball to check the goal and the goalkeeper. You may notice that one corner is particularly inviting or that the goalkeeper is too far off their line.
  • Don't hesitate with the finish. In matches, situations in which you can finish usually only appear for a short time. If, instead of shooting at goal, you make another sharp change of direction, more defenders could get back behind the ball, and the chance is gone.
  • Have the confidence to finish with your “weaker” foot too. Almost all players have one foot they prefer to dribble, pass and shoot with. However, in football there is usually no time to shift the ball onto the “strong” foot. If you regularly pluck up the courage and finish with your “weaker” foot too, you will gradually become more confident with that foot. In the long run, that foot will become a reliable option for finishing. At least from short range.
  • Don't switch off after you have taken your shot. The ball could hit the post or the goalkeeper could parry the ball out in front. If you have reacted quickly enough, the rebound can be put away.
  • Move cleverly in front of goal. With good movement to get free, you can get away from your opponent and put yourself in a good finishing position.
Coaching points for this session
  • Practise using both feet
  • Follow the ball
Drill 1

Simple Passing/First Touch and Taking the Ball in Stride II

20 min8 x 5 metres, variable depending on ability level and number of players.

Two players face each other, each behind a cone, and pass the ball to one another.

  1. Player A passes the ball straight (longline) with the left inside of the foot to Player B.
  2. Player B takes the ball with the right inside of the foot onto the left foot and passes back to Player A with the left inside of the foot.
  3. Player A performs the first touch and takes the ball in their stride with one touch from the right foot onto the left foot and passes to Player B again.

Variations:

  • Both players stand behind a cone and play diagonally: Player C passes diagonally with the right inside of the foot to Player D.
  • Player D takes the ball with the right inside of the foot onto the left foot and passes back diagonally to Player C with the left inside of the foot.
  • Player D performs the first touch and takes the ball in their stride with one touch from the left foot onto the right foot and passes diagonally to Player C with the second touch.

Note: In the graphic, the numbers 1 and 3 indicate the passing lines, the numbers 2 and 4 the running paths with the ball.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Two cones 6 to 8 metres apart.

Equipment: 2 cones and 1 ball per pair.

Players: 2 players per station, each behind a cone.

Coaching points
  • Place the standing foot 30 to 40 centimetres to the side of the ball, not behind it.
  • Do not lean back.
  • When passing and when taking the ball in stride, lift the kicking foot slightly and swing it down through to the ball.
  • Execute the first touch and taking the ball in stride, as well as the foot and body position when passing, cleanly.
  • Practise with both feet.
Drill 2

Passing with Crosses and Finishing Variation IV

20 min40 x 50 metres.
  1. Player A plays a diagonal pass to Player C.
  2. Player C lays the ball off to Player D.
  3. Player D plays a diagonal pass to Player B.
  4. Player B passes to Player A, who lays the ball off for Player C to finish.
  5. As soon as Player C has finished, Player B breaks into the penalty area and makes a crossing run with Player C, who is taking up a new position.

There Player B finishes either a cross from Player G, a cross from Player E or a return pass from Player F. Afterwards all players move on one station.

Note: In the graphic, the number 1 indicates the shot at goal and the number 2 the crossing run.

Equipment & set-up

Pitch: A cone square made up of 4 cones: position A is at the front left, position B at the front right, position D at the back left and position C at the back right.

Equipment: 4 cones and 1 full-size goal.

Players: Each cone is occupied by one player. Three further players are added: Player G and Player E to the side of the penalty area, Player F to the side of the goal on the goal line. All three have a ball.

Coaching points
  • The player waiting for the ball always takes a step back in a dynamic jumping movement and then moves a step towards the ball.
  • Play passes firmly, accurately and along the ground.
  • Lift the foot slightly when laying the ball off.
  • Pay attention to the correct timing of the start on the crossing runs.
  • Play the crosses and the return pass firmly.
Drill 3

Finishing Drill with Cone Dribbling

20 min
  • On a call the first players of each queue start at the same time; four players are always involved in one round.
  • At position 2 the player pushes the ball forward and shoots at goal immediately.
  • At position 1 the player first completes the slalom course with the ball and then finishes immediately afterwards.
  • Meanwhile Player 3 plays the ball out to the wide position, and Player 4 delivers a cross, if possible first time and on the run.
  • After Players 1 and 2 have shot at goal, they cross their running paths and try to convert the cross.
  • After the execution it is the turn of the next group; the four players move on one position in the next round.
Equipment & set-up

Pitch: Four stations with a slalom course of cones and a goal.

Equipment: 8 cones, 1 goal and several balls.

Players: Four stations with one player each. The players at positions A, B and C have a ball.

Coaching points
  • Pay attention to precise timing.
  • Gradually increase the tempo of the drill.
Drill 4

Finishing Game with a Lofted Ball

20 min
  • The first player plays a lofted ball to a team-mate.
  • This player lays the ball off first time, whereupon the finish on goal is taken first time.
  • The players swap positions.
  • The other team then goes through the same sequence.

Variations: The drill can be run as a competition between the two teams.

Equipment & set-up

Equipment: 2 goals and several balls.

Players: Two teams.

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