u15-u16 Training Objectives

Game:

11v11; two 40-minute halves; 80’ x 120’ field; 8’ x 24’ goals.

Playing Time: Need opportunity to play, more competitive and playing time will not be equal, lower level should be closer to equal.

Formation: 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 3-4-3, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, be creative and play several formations.

Practice Time : Four times per week, which includes games (1 hour, 30 minutes maximum)

Objectives: Skill development, tactical awareness, increased speed of play.

Technical: Skills should be mastered – under match conditions. Increase technical speed. It is important the technique is still highly emphasized at this age. Strike balls cleanly over distance with accuracy under pressure.

• Dribbling: Encourage players to take on 1 v 1 – feints/moves; keep possession-shielding/spin turns.

• Receiving: Quality first touch - take balls out the air/turning; all surfaces, on the run.

• Shooting: On the run; on the turn; from all angles/crosses, volleys.

• Passing: Short, long, bent, crosses, driven, chipped – all surfaces, all on the run.

• Heading: To goal, to pass, to clear. • Tackling: Proper technique, slide.

Goalkeeping:

Footwork, position, general ball handling techniques, shot stopping, catch or deflect, recovery saves, support, communication, pressure on and off the ball, presence, organizing and defending set plays.

Tactical:

Increase tactical speed (decision making)

Attacking:

• Keep possession with a purpose – width, depth, support.

• Combination play - wall pass, take over, overlap, double pass, third man running.

• Penetration; mobility / creativity; crossing with proper runs in the box; set plays.

Defending:

• Compactness; delay; tracking back; communication (who, what, when, where); dictate the play with defending; set plays.

Small Sided Games: 3v3, 4v4, 7v7

This is a critical time in the player’s development.