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Four-week pre-season technique training programme
This programme uses an interval approach to work primarily on retaining possession. The practices can be used as warm-ups and cool-downs for sessions
Technique training is becoming more important in football with every passing season. It’s important to consider this training alongside the specific demands of football, particularly the elements of speed and power.
After all, the ability to create and problem solve different situations during matches is one of the best indicators of a player’s performance and potential.
We would recommend ball control and game situations to be used in warm-ups and cool downs to maximise the time spent on technical aspects of the game.
Technique training schedule
We run all four exercises in every session, although the parameters of the exercise change with each passing week.
Exercises 1, 2 and 3
Week 1
4 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 30secs, with 15secs rest in between
Total of working for 6mins, resting for 3mins (2/1 ratio)
Week 2
4 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 45secs, with 15secs rest in between
Total of working for 9mins, resting for 3mins (3/1 ratio)
Week 3
4 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 1min, with 20secs rest in between
Total of working for 12mins, resting for 4mins (3/1 ratio)
Week 4
5 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 1min, with 20secs rest in between
Total of working for 15mins, resting for 4mins (3.75/1 ratio)
Exercise 4
Week 1
3 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 1min, with 30secs rest in between
Total of working for 9mins, resting for 4mins 30secs (2/1 ratio)
Week 2
3 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 1min 30secs, with 30secs rest in between
Total of working for 13mins 30secs, resting for 4mins 30secs (3/1 ratio)
Week 3
3 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 2mins, with 40secs rest in between
Total of working for 18mins, resting for 6mins (3/1 ratio)
Week 4
4 sets for each pair. Each set is 3 reps of 2mins, with 40secs rest in between
Total of working for 24mins, resting for 8mins (3/1 ratio)
Exercise 1
Possession technique game (4v1s)
A game that helps attackers practise technical play with the benefit of a strong overload
How do I set it up?
In a 14x7-yard area we construct two 4v1 scenarios, as shown in the diagram. This game actually only uses six attacking players, because the two central players are part of both 4v1s. Each attacker must stay close to their allocated cone.
What do I get the players to do?
The first 4v1 in the lower half is played with attackers allowed a maximum of two or three touches, to be decided by the coach. There is also a minimum number of passes that must be played – between four and six – before the ball completes its path to the two attackers at the top of the area. When the pass is completed, a new 4v1 begins, with the intention of the ball coming back in the opposite direction.
The two defenders work individually, looking to intercept as many passes as possible.
With eight players active, we look to complete four rotations in every set so that each player plays in each position once.
The focus for attackers is good ball control, smart movement (albeit restricted given that they cannot move far off their cones), with a variety of short passes using feet and other parts of the body.
Exercise 2
Possession technique game (4v2s)
A change of player numbers increases the difficulty for attackers looking to retain possession
How do I set it up?
Set up as in exercise 1, except player numbers are now 4v2 and 4v2. However, the two defenders both begin in the same half, so we still have a total of eight players.
What do I get the players to do?
Defenders now work as a pair, beginning in the same half, and connecting as a unit to put greater pressure on attackers who are looking to move the ball around. The same restrictions apply in terms of two or three touches maximum for attackers, with between four and six passes being completed before the ball is worked to the two team mates at the top of the area. When this happens, defenders must move together into the top half, working together once more in order to press attackers in a 4v2.
Again, rotate players so that each player plays in each position once.
Exercise 3
Possession technique game (4v2+1)
Now a lone floating attacker faces a new possession challenge
How do I set it up?
Set up in the same area as previous exercises, except now it’s 4v2 plus one lone attacker. This lone player replaces the two attackers at the top of the area.
What do I get the players to do?
The use of one lone attacker means that when the ball is transferred, they are relying on three team-mates to switch into the live half of the area so as to begin a new 4v2 move.
The only player not to move into that half is the one who made the switch pass. Instead, they must stay in the same position ready to receive a pass when the move comes back the other way.
Touch and pass conditions exist as before, and we will ensure again that all players rotate in the practice.
Exercise 4
Possession technique game (6v3+1)
Another change of player numbers produces a new challenge, and in a bigger area
How do I set it up?
For the final exercise, we use four cones to create a larger 20x15-yard area. The game is 6v3 plus a ‘joker’, set up as shown in the diagram.
What do I get the players to do?
Using the same possession game principle as before, we put three defenders up against six attackers. The joker has a maximum number of two touches, and plays for the team in possession.
The challenge for either team is to score a ‘goal’ – the reward for making 20 consecutive passes. Again, rotate players so that each player plays in each position once.
Performance assessment
The strongest indicator as to a team’s performance is in the number of times possession is turned over. The more defenders practise their technique in short, medium and long passes, plus switch play combinations, the less likely they are to be tackled or have a pass intercepted. We should also be looking for a visible improvement in decision-making.
A professional player will probably complete the exercises with the minimum touches and without losing a ball in the time periods stated. That’s the top level to aim at for ambitious players.
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