Here is a challenging but fun version of possession to try with your team. The objective is to possess the ball in all six grids without losing possession. Have some fun with your players and see how well they do! Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Setup: Six 8X8 or 10X10 grids are set up next to each other as shown. Rondos can be either 4V1 or 5V2 depending on your numbers for the training. Instructions: Players play a 4V1 in 8X8 square with five other 8X8 squares set up around them as shown. In another square, there is another 4V1 game. The four attackers ..read more

Try this fundamental progression for helping your goalkeepers get plenty of repetitions when transitioning from defense to offense. It will help your goalkeeper utilize his/her central defenders and outside backs when building out of the back and gives them opportunities to decide the appropriate use of technique and tactical decision making during the moment of transition. Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF  Activity #1: Setup: Coach is 10-12 yards away from the GKs, GKs alternate reps. Diagram A Instructions: Technical warm up progression include one touch passing, two ..read more

Try this functional version of an 8V8+2 counter attacking activity. Designated for high intensity, the coach will be able to dictate the amount and frequency of repetitions in order to reach the desired load for the day. Adjust the personnel or size to make it your own! Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Setup: Fast attack transition from defense to offense. 8V8+2 set up as shown. Instructions: Red team starts with the ball and tries to score a goal on either mini goal. Yellow team defends and tries to win the ball to initiate a fast attack to the big goal ..read more

Inspired by the inaugural TOVO Coaching Course in Sitges, Spain, the following activity was choreographed by Coach Oscar who is the Head Coach of Barcelona’s U-9 squad. Because of the quality of his players, both of these activities can be adjusted and used with much older players if your environment demands so. Enjoy! Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Setup: 4V2+2 Positional Rondo. Two grids 12×12 are set next to each other. Coach dictates the pace of the activity by having plenty of balls at his feet. The white dotted line is imaginary and only used as a v ..read more

Want to improve your players composure under pressure when finishing in and around the penalty box? Want your players to develop a relentless mentality taking defenders on in front of the goal? Want to give your GKs plenty of repetitions with reaction saves? This high intensity and competitive 1V1 finishing activity will have your players buzzing! Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink 1V1 Competitive Finishing Setup: Set up as shown with 4 mannequins, two goals, 10 field players, 2 GKs, and plenty of balls. Please note the mannequins purpose ..read more

Play and refine! Utilize these rondos and game related activities in Primary & Secondary Defenders to teach your young players how to defend. Peel back the layers and challenge your players’ cognitive ability to recognize the appropriate moment to commit to winning the ball. Tracking the ball, managing an opponent and cutting off passing lanes are three important components covered in this complete session. Encourage discipline, controlled aggression and intelligent defending. Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Primary & Secondary Defenders 1. Setup ..read more

Three team rondo is a great transition activity for the younger ages 8-12, or simply use it as a warm up for the older ages, or perhaps the day before a match. Keep the action continuous, create a fun but competitive atmosphere for your players. Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Setup: 17 players, three teams of 5 plus two neutral players. Three 5X10 grids set up next to each other as shown. Instructions: The white team possesses the ball for five passes against two red defenders. The white team’s objective is to transfer possession to the green team at the ..read more

Small Sided Shooting Game is a great finishing activity to try with your players. This basic and effective shooting game encourages them to utilize their technical skills around the opponent’s box. Adjust the dimensions or number of players to adapt to your team and environment. Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Small Sided Shooting Game Setup: Basic shooting game that encourages technical skills around the opponent’s box. Pitch size is double penalty box. 5 v 5 + GK’s. Attacking team: 3 + GK (assisting with build out) v 2 (strikers defending) in their own ..read more

Is your system of play is a 3-2-1, 3-2-3, or 4-2-3-1? Do you want to build working relationships with different pairs of players within your system of play? Here is a great rondo to work on the defensive relationship of your two central midfielders, two central defenders or perhaps your two forwards in a 4-4-2. The focus is on all defensive principles in small group defending. Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Setup: 4V2 directional rondo with a screening defender. 10X10 yard grids, 12-18 field players, 2-3 identical set ups as shown. A coach at each end wit ..read more

Try these Attacking Patterns to Goal with your attacking players! Focus on the timing of runs, properly timed and weighted through balls, dealing with a recovering defender and finishing under pressure. These repetitions are good for working on principles of defending as well. Download Color PDF | Download B&W PDF | Session Planner Permalink Variation #1: Setup: Attacking pattern to goal variation #1 with the front 4. A back four vs. three forwards and the #10. Coach has a group of balls between half field and the bottom of the circle and dictates the point and frequency of the attack. An ..read more