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Shooting drill – Finishing on goal Equipment required: cones, slalom poles, footballs. Number of players: 8–12 players + 1 goalkeeper. Drill description Set up the equipment as shown in the diagram. Each player A starts with a ball at their feet. Player A passes the ball to player B (1). Player B makes a forward run between the slalom poles (I). Player B plays a short return pass to player A (2). Player... Read more

For this week, here’s a drill focused on finishing and shooting on goal . Equipment required: cones, slalom poles, footballs. Number of players: 6–9 players + 1 goalkeeper. Drill description: Set up the equipment as shown in the diagram. Each player starts with a ball. Player A drives the ball forward a few meters, performs a dribble past the slalom poles , and finishes the action with a shot on goal (1,2,3).... Read more

This week, we suggest an exercise for finishing with a shot on goal. Materials needed: cones, markers, soccer balls. Number of players: 5–8 players + 1 goalkeeper. Description of the exercise: The materials are arranged as shown in the picture, and each player A will have a ball in their possession. Player A passes the ball long to player C (1), player C dribbles the ball a few meters (2) and passes it short to player B (4).... Read more

For this week, we have prepared an exercise for the development of physical conditioning specific to football. Required equipment: hoops, cones, poles, one speed ladder, hurdles. Number of players: the full squad of players. Exercise description: With the equipment set up as shown in the diagram, players A will perform in turn: running with a 4/4 rhythm (1); sprinting between the poles (2); variations of exercises on the two speed... Read more

In the following lines, we have prepared an exercise that can be used in the training process to improve shooting on goal as well as to develop the specific physical conditioning required in football. Required equipment: cones, one speed ladder, poles, hurdles, one goal, multiple balls. Number of players: the full squad. Exercise description: The equipment is arranged as shown in the figure, with players B and C having several balls... Read more

F or this week, we have prepared a drill that can be used during training sessions to improve football-specific physical conditioning. Equipment required: mini-hurdles, one speed ladder, hoops, poles, one goal, multiple balls. Number of players: the full squad. Drill description: The equipment is set up as shown in the diagram, with the balls in possession of Player B. Player A performs jumps over the mini-hurdles (I), receives... Read more

For this week, we propose a drill focused on improving shooting at goal. Required equipment: Cones, markers, one goal, and plenty of balls. Drill description: The equipment is set up as shown in the diagram, with each player in position A starting with a ball. Player A passes the ball to Player B (1). Player B passes to Player C (2). Player C passes to Player D (3). Player D passes to Player E (4). Player E passes to Player... Read more

For this week, we propose an exercise that can be used in training sessions for passing the ball. Required equipment: Cones, 2–4 balls per group. Exercise description: The working area is marked as shown in the image, and players A each have a ball in their possession. The exercise is performed simultaneously on both sides. Player A passes the ball to player B (1). Player B passes the ball to player... Read more

How to tactically prepare your team for decisive matches Decisive games — whether it’s a derby, a final, or a knockout tie — are not just a test of technical ability. They are a test of tactical clarity, collective discipline, and mental resilience. Here's how a coach can tactically prepare the team for these crucial moments: 1. Opponent analysis: strengths and weaknesses You can’t build an effective plan if you don’t... Read more

For this week, we propose a drill designed to be included in the training process to develop football-specific physical conditioning. Required equipment: Hurdles, two speed ladders, slalom poles with pointed tops, cones, and plenty of balls. Drill description: The working area is marked as shown in the diagram. The coach and the third goalkeeper are positioned between the two goals, each with several balls at their disposal. Four... Read more

What It Means to Control Space and Time in Modern Football In today’s football, winning no longer depends solely on having the most technically gifted players — it belongs to the team that best controls space and time . These two tactical elements are not abstract concepts; they are the foundation of domination in the modern game. Controlling space – The invisible territory that wins matches What does it mean? It means... Read more

Common mistakes in goalkeeper build-up play In modern football, the build-up phase starting with the goalkeeper is a crucial part of controlling the game through possession. But it’s also one of the riskiest phases , where small mistakes can quickly lead to goal-scoring opportunities for the opponent. Let’s break down the most frequent mistakes made during this phase — and how to correct them. 1. Poor decisions under... Read more

How to use the midfield area to control the game In modern football, every meter matters — but no zone influences the game more than the midfield. Control it, and you dictate rhythm, direction, and initiative. Lose it, and you're constantly chasing the opponent. The midfield is not just a “transition area.” It’s the engine room — the tactical brain of the team, responsible for orchestrating both offensive... Read more

“What you plant in kids today, You’ll harvest in tomorrow’s football” Football education doesn’t begin at the senior level. It doesn’t even start with older youth teams. It begins with the first contact: With the ball. With the coach. With the team. It begins the moment a child learns not just how to pass — but how to react after making a mistake. This quote reminds us of a simple truth: Coaches... Read more

Jürgen Klopp: “A youth coach’s greatest trophy is the joy in their eyes.” In a world obsessed with results, league tables, and constant pressure, Jürgen Klopp reminds us of what truly matters in youth football: joy . Not medals. Not final scores. Not shiny trophies. But the pure, unfiltered happiness of a child walking off the pitch with a smile. What does “Performance” truly mean in children’s... Read more

Zinedine Zidane: “What gives wings to a child on the pitch? The coach’s trust, not fear.” Every child stepping onto a football pitch carries a dream. Sometimes it’s timid, other times bold — but always fragile. How do we nurture that dream? With support, encouragement, and patience. Zidane put it simply: “What gives wings to a child on the pitch? The coach’s trust, not fear.” ❌ Fear... Read more

The coach who opens the door to dreams – Not one who closes it with pressure “A coach’s role is to open the door to dreams, not to close it with pressure.” — Arsène Wenger This powerful quote from legendary manager Arsène Wenger is more than just inspiring — it’s a guiding principle for anyone involved in youth football. In a time where performance is demanded far too early and results are often... Read more

How to use full-backs in build-up play – The key to modern football In today’s game, full-backs are no longer just defenders tasked with stopping crosses. They’ve become crucial attacking pieces — stretching the field, breaking lines, and triggering attacking phases. If you want a modern team that controls the rhythm and creates constant danger, learning how to use full-backs offensively is essential. 1. Provide width and stretch... Read more

The role of the defensive midfielder in organizing modern football In modern football, the defensive midfielder is no longer just a "ball-winner." Today, they act as the silent conductor of the game — setting rhythm, direction, and balance. Positioned between the backline and the attacking midfield, this player plays a vital role in both defense and build-up phases. 1. Balancing the lines The primary responsibility of the defensive... Read more

Transitioning from defense to attack: 3 essential tactical principles In modern football, transition phases often make the difference between a reactive team and a truly competitive one. The moment your team shifts from defense to attack is tactically critical — it’s when the opponent is vulnerable and unbalanced, offering real chances to strike. 1. Ball Recovery + clear first action Winning the ball isn’t enough —... Read more