U15 & U18 Curriculum

Elite Tactics & Senior-Level Preparation. Click any card to open it full screen or download for the field.

🔥 WARMUP TRAINING

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Defensive 1v1 Footwork (Left)

Defensive jockeying and footwork.

💡 Coaching Point: Stay low, keep your feet moving, and force the attacker to their weaker side. Be patient, don’t dive in.

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Defensive 1v1 Footwork (Right)

Defensive jockeying and footwork.

💡 Coaching Point: Anticipate the attacker’s movement. Wait for them to take a heavy touch before you tackle.

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First Touch & Attack Space (Left)

Using first touch to attack open space.

💡 Coaching Point: Your first touch should take you past the defender. Push the ball into space and accelerate.

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First Touch & Attack Space (Right)

Using first touch to attack open space.

💡 Coaching Point: Scan the field before receiving. Know where the space is so your first touch can exploit it immediately.

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Receiving Into Space (Left)

Finding open space to receive passes.

💡 Coaching Point: Create space by checking away from the ball, then check back into the open passing lane.

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Receiving Into Space (Right)

Finding open space to receive passes.

💡 Coaching Point: Body positioning is key. Open your hips so you can receive the ball facing forward.

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Overlapping Passing (Left)

Timing the overlap run in passing sequences.

💡 Coaching Point: The overlapping run must be timed perfectly. Sprint past the ball carrier to create the numerical advantage.

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Overlapping Passing (Right)

Timing the overlap run in passing sequences.

💡 Coaching Point: Communicate! Call for the ball if you are making the overlapping run.

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Third-Player Run (Left)

Using a third player to break lines.

💡 Coaching Point: The third-man run is one of the most effective ways to break down a defense. Pass, move, and receive in space.

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Third-Player Run (Right)

Using a third player to break lines.

💡 Coaching Point: Timing is everything. The third player must arrive in the space just as the first pass is played.

⚽ TECHNICAL TRAINING

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Visual Training (2 Goals)

Visual awareness and attacking two goals.

💡 Coaching Point: Keep your head up. Scan both goals to see which one the defender is leaving open.

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3-Group Crossing & Finishing

Coordinated crossing and finishing drill.

💡 Coaching Point: Attackers must time their runs. Arrive at the near post, center, and far post at the exact moment the cross comes in.

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Combination from Overlap

Finishing after an overlapping run.

💡 Coaching Point: The overlapping player must run hard to create the numerical advantage in the box.

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5th Pass Shot (Left)

Passing sequence ending in a shot.

💡 Coaching Point: Patience in possession. Don’t force the shot early. Work the ball until the 5th pass opens the shooting lane.

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5th Pass Shot (Right)

Passing sequence ending in a shot.

💡 Coaching Point: The 5th pass is usually the killer pass. Make sure the final pass is played into the runner’s stride.

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2v2 Transition to 2v1

Transitioning from defense to an attacking overload.

💡 Coaching Point: When transitioning to a 2v1, attack the space quickly before the defender can recover.

🧠 TACTICAL & GAMES

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3-Team Possession Game

Possession game with three teams.

💡 Coaching Point: When your team loses the ball, immediately transition to defend. The closest player pressures the ball.

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4v2 Possession with Rotation

Rondo-style game with player rotation.

💡 Coaching Point: Keep the ball moving. After you pass, rotate to a new position to create a new passing angle.

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4v4 with 4 Goals

4-goal game to train switching play.

💡 Coaching Point: Scan the field. If one goal is blocked, quickly switch the play to the opposite side to find the open goal.

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3-Team Target Forward Game

3-team game with neutrals and targets.

💡 Coaching Point: When you pass to the target player, immediately support them. Don’t leave them isolated.

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Possession 4-Goal Game

Possession game with 4 goals and outside players.

💡 Coaching Point: Use the outside players to relieve pressure. When the middle is crowded, play wide and switch the point of attack.

📋 RESOURCES & PLANNERS

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PDF DOCUMENT

Player & Team Development Goals

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💡 Coaching Point: At U15+, players should take full ownership of their development. Encourage them to set their own goals.

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PDF DOCUMENT

Session Planner

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💡 Coaching Point: At this level, sessions should be highly detailed and tailored to specific tactical match-day scenarios.

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PDF DOCUMENT

Youth Soccer Development Program

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💡 Coaching Point: Review the long-term development pathway to understand what players should be mastering at U15 versus U18.

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U15/U16 Course Banner

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💡 Coaching Point: Mentality is just as important as tactics. Build resilient players who can handle the pressure of the game.

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Dynamic Midfielder Planner

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💡 Coaching Point: Central midfielders are the engine of the team. They must excel at receiving under pressure and dictating the tempo.