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Ball mastery journeys

Ball mastery journeys (core) — U15-U16

Close control and changing speed with the ball. Timed phases for a 75-minute U15-U16 session.

U15-U16 Whole–Part–Whole Advanced 65 mins 12–18 players Match intensity 1v1 Attacking
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Practice timer

65:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

  1. Set the learning intention before players arrive.
  2. Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
  3. Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
  4. Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Arrival linked to Ball mastery journeys

8:00

Ball-each or light rondo that previews ball mastery journeys. Raise intensity gradually.

Organisation: Arrival grids as players arrive; continuous ball supply.

Coaching points
  • On toes, scan early.
  • Quality first touch under light pressure.
  • Compete with a smile.
Progressions
  • Add a second ball or time pressure.
Regressions
  • Bigger space, fewer touch limits.
Whole game · 18 mins

Conditioned game — Ball mastery journeys

18:00

Directional game with a clear condition that makes ball mastery journeys the easiest path to success.

Organisation: Pitch size matched to age; bibs and multi-ball restart.

Coaching points
  • Recognise when ball mastery journeys is on.
  • In possession: create and use space.
  • Out of possession: organise early, stay compact.
Progressions
  • Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
  • Add a neutral pivot / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins

Part practice — Ball mastery journeys

18:00

Isolated repetition of the key action for ball mastery journeys, then rebuild toward the game picture.

Organisation: Lanes or grids; 1–2 coaches / helpers feeding balls.

Coaching points
  • Detail the technique before adding speed.
  • Disguise intentions where possible.
  • Recover shape after each action.
Progressions
  • Live defender / timed finishing.
Regressions
  • Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 16 mins

Transfer game — Ball mastery journeys

16:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from the theme.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; keep balls ready.

Coaching points
  • Can we transfer tonight’s theme without the condition?
  • Communicate the next action early.
Progressions
  • Remove all conditions.
Regressions
  • Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins

Plenary review

5:00

Players answer: What was the theme? When was it hardest? What will you try next match?

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points
  • Player voice first.
  • Link to upcoming fixture if relevant.

Related drills

1v1 rolling, attack/defend

1 2 3 Setup – 2 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Players from each queue alternate who’s go it is. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the second goal – player from alternate queue will be attacking. Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go Ball must hit net - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend

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1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)

1 Setup – 1 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the goal – player next in queue will be attacking. After defending Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)

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Drill 93

Pulse Raiser — 4 minutes 30 seconds each on the spot x 2 Light jog High knees Heel flicks Around the outside of the grid: Side steps left Side Steps right Open/close the gate Skips with arm swings Quick feet Come into the grid: Jog with little direction changes 2) Dynamic Mobility — 4 minutes Moving around the grid, avoiding each other - Do each for 20–30 seconds: Walking lunges Reverse lunges Side lunges Hamstring sweeps (touch the grass) Knee hugs Heal & Toe Walks Quad Stretch (partner if needed) Ankle bounces Shoulder rolls and arm swings Torso twists 3) Activation, Sharpness, Reactions – 4 minutes Jogging around the grid, on coaches call: Jump and head Low clap Up high clap Change direction with a 2 second sprint Squat – Jump (with soft landing) Quick Feet (sprint on spot) Shuffle Left/Right/Back (American Shuffle) 4) Touch/Mastery – 6 minutes Players on the outside have a ball (at feet or in hands) Players on inside must run to people on the outside and ask for the ball then return it as described by coach – after returning they must run to someone else and do the same. 3 minutes each, switch after 3 minutes. Ball on floor, 1-2-1-2 pass. (30 seconds) Ba

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Warmup

2 3 4 2 3 4 1 1 Warmup 5 6 5 6 Warmup (Ball Mastery): 20x20 Grid Players Travel around with the ball and on coaches' call do the below skills/movements. Toe Taps Sole Roles Drag backs Step Overs Cruyff turns 10 mins

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