Football is more than a game; it is a passion, a way of life and, for the lucky ones, a profession.
The key to success in this sport lies in rigorous preparation and high-quality training. Football training is not just about physical fitness; it also involves tactics, technique, psychology, and team spirit.
The advantages of good football training are numerous.
For players, this means improving their ability, coordination and agility.
But beyond the physical aspect, training also helps to develop a deeper understanding of the game, the ability to make quick and accurate decisions, and stronger communication on the pitch.
Effective training also helps to prevent injuries by strengthening the body and improving technique.
This allows players to stay fit and available for their team throughout the season. Moreover, training sessions are a chance to strengthen the bonds between players, creating unity and cohesion that are reflected on the pitch.
Football training is essential for any player who wants to stand out in this sport.
They are the basis on which individual and collective skills are built, and without them, talent alone is not enough to reach heights.
Whether you are an amateur or a professional player, committing to a structured training programme is essential to fulfil your potential and contribute to your team’s success.
It is divided into several key components, each of them focusing specific aspects of athlete skills.
General physical preparation (or PPG)
The PPG is the basis on which any physical preparation is based.
It aims to build a solid foundation of physical conditioning by working evenly across all muscles and joints.
This allows players to better support the more intensive work phases that will continue during special physical preparation (SPP) for football.
Specific physical preparation (or PPS)
The PPS, on the other hand, focuses on abilities directly linked to football. The exercises are centred around speed, endurance, cardio, and striking power, in order to strengthen the skills required during play.
Maximum aerobic power (or LDCs)
WFP refers to the lowest power by which maximum oxygen consumption is achieved.
It is essential during phases of play where the effort is intense and short.
The development of LDCs is carried out through high-intensity exercises and short periods.
Maximum aerobic speed (or VMA)
VMA is the speed at which a football player consumes the maximum amount of oxygen his body can absorb.
It is crucial for sprints and short-duration efforts at high intensity.
Physical exercises by age categories in football
Physical exercises must be adapted to the age of football players to ensure adequate and safe development.
For young players (U8–U17), the exercises should promote the development of coordination, speed, endurance, flexibility and strength.
It is important to plan these sessions in 4-week cycles for each age category, taking into account their physical and psychological development.
Moreover, a well-structured physical preparation, tailored to the specific needs of football players, can greatly contribute to their performance and well-being.
It must be carefully planned by qualified coaches and carried out with discipline by the players to gain the maximum benefit.
Football is a sport that requires not only excellent physical fitness, but also a deep tactical understanding.
Tactical training plays a crucial role in developing players’ skills, allowing them to understand the game better and react effectively during matches.
1. Development of tactical skills in football
Tactical training helps players develop a strategic vision of the game, improve their decision-making, and strengthen team cohesion.
These sessions allow football players to get used to different game systems and quickly adapt to various situations on the pitch.
2. Examples of tactical exercises
A popular example of a tactical drill is the passing circuit, often used by renowned coaches such as Jürgen Klopp.
These circuits are designed to improve passes accuracy, ball free movement and communication between players.
Another effective drill is the 1 vs 1 duel with finishing, which focuses on individual skills in attack and defence, as well as the ability to conclude actions with a goal.
Tactical training is essential to refine the game intelligence and the ability to respond to players.
They are an essential part of preparing a team that is both high-performing and adaptable. Coaches who dedicate time to these tactical sessions can expect to see a significant improvement in their team’s performance.
ProEvolution Academy players performing tactical exercises
IV. The football technical training
The art of technical mastery in football is essential for any player who aims to excel in this sport.
Technical skills such as ball control, dribbling and passing are the foundation on which players build their ability to play and interact effectively on the pitch.
Ball control while dribbling is the ability to maintain control of the ball while moving, a crucial skill for navigating past defenders and keeping possession under pressure.
Dribbling, on the other hand, is the art of manoeuvring the ball around opponents, often using feints and quick changes of direction to create playing opportunities or openings for shots or passes.
Passing, a fundamental aspect of the game, demands precision and timing to maintain the flow of play and build attacks. The quality of a player’s passes can determine the speed and effectiveness with which a team transitions from defence to attack.
Specific exercises are used to develop these skills.
For example, high-intensity small-sided games, popularised by coaches such as Pep Guardiola, are designed to improve quick decision-making and technique under pressure.
These exercises simulate coincidence situations where space and time are limited, forcing players to react quickly and precisely.
Another example is the build-up play from the goalkeeper, an exercise that focuses on the players’ ability to build an attack from the back, starting with the goalkeeper.
This requires coordination and understanding among players to move the ball efficiently and safely away from their own goal.
These technical training sessions are not only beneficial for individual players, but they also strengthen team cohesion and the collective understanding of the game.
Ultimately, the technical domain in football is a continuous learning and improvement journey, where each training session is an opportunity to become a better player.
In conclusion, effective football training is based on several key pillars.
Firstly, the warm-up is crucial to prepare the body for exertion and reduce the risk of injuries.
Next, technical drills, which help improve ball control and passing accuracy, are essential for the development of individual skills.
Team tactics, which include positioning and game strategies, are also important to ensure cohesion and mutual understanding among players.
Endurance and physical fitness must not be overlooked, as they enable players to sustain a high level of performance throughout the match.
Finally, recovery after training is just as important as the training itself, as it helps the body to regenerate and prevents fatigue.
It is essential to encourage players to follow these training sessions regularly and with commitment.
This will not only allow them to improve their individual performance, but also to contribute to the success of their team.
Commitment, perseverance and passion for sport are the keys to turning training into tangible results on the ground.
Remember that football is a team game, and every player has an important role to play.
By working together and implementing the fundamental principles of training, each team has the opportunity to overcome each other and achieve its objectives.
Football Trials open!
Click on the button and register to participate in our selections.
Take advantage of this opportunity to join our football training centre at the start of the school year. JANUARY 2026.
All About Football Training Sessions
Football is more than a game; it is a passion, a way of life and, for the lucky ones, a profession.
The key to success in this sport lies in rigorous preparation and high-quality training.
Football training is not just about physical fitness; it also involves tactics, technique, psychology, and team spirit.
Summary
I. The advantages of good football training
The advantages of good football training are numerous.
For players, this means improving their ability, coordination and agility.
But beyond the physical aspect, training also helps to develop a deeper understanding of the game, the ability to make quick and accurate decisions, and stronger communication on the pitch.
Effective training also helps to prevent injuries by strengthening the body and improving technique.
This allows players to stay fit and available for their team throughout the season. Moreover, training sessions are a chance to strengthen the bonds between players, creating unity and cohesion that are reflected on the pitch.
Football training is essential for any player who wants to stand out in this sport.
They are the basis on which individual and collective skills are built, and without them, talent alone is not enough to reach heights.
Whether you are an amateur or a professional player, committing to a structured training programme is essential to fulfil your potential and contribute to your team’s success.
II. Physical preparation in football training
Physical preparation in football is a crucial aspect for players of all levels and age groups.
It is divided into several key components, each of them focusing specific aspects of athlete skills.
General physical preparation (or PPG)
The PPG is the basis on which any physical preparation is based.
It aims to build a solid foundation of physical conditioning by working evenly across all muscles and joints.
This allows players to better support the more intensive work phases that will continue during special physical preparation (SPP) for football.
Specific physical preparation (or PPS)
The PPS, on the other hand, focuses on abilities directly linked to football. The exercises are centred around speed, endurance, cardio, and striking power, in order to strengthen the skills required during play.
Maximum aerobic power (or LDCs)
WFP refers to the lowest power by which maximum oxygen consumption is achieved.
It is essential during phases of play where the effort is intense and short.
The development of LDCs is carried out through high-intensity exercises and short periods.
Maximum aerobic speed (or VMA)
VMA is the speed at which a football player consumes the maximum amount of oxygen his body can absorb.
It is crucial for sprints and short-duration efforts at high intensity.
Physical exercises by age categories in football
Physical exercises must be adapted to the age of football players to ensure adequate and safe development.
For young players (U8–U17), the exercises should promote the development of coordination, speed, endurance, flexibility and strength.
It is important to plan these sessions in 4-week cycles for each age category, taking into account their physical and psychological development.
Moreover, a well-structured physical preparation, tailored to the specific needs of football players, can greatly contribute to their performance and well-being.
It must be carefully planned by qualified coaches and carried out with discipline by the players to gain the maximum benefit.
III. Tactical training in football
Football is a sport that requires not only excellent physical fitness, but also a deep tactical understanding.
Tactical training plays a crucial role in developing players’ skills, allowing them to understand the game better and react effectively during matches.
1. Development of tactical skills in football
Tactical training helps players develop a strategic vision of the game, improve their decision-making, and strengthen team cohesion.
These sessions allow football players to get used to different game systems and quickly adapt to various situations on the pitch.
2. Examples of tactical exercises
A popular example of a tactical drill is the passing circuit, often used by renowned coaches such as Jürgen Klopp.
These circuits are designed to improve passes accuracy, ball free movement and communication between players.
Another effective drill is the 1 vs 1 duel with finishing, which focuses on individual skills in attack and defence, as well as the ability to conclude actions with a goal.
Tactical training is essential to refine the game intelligence and the ability to respond to players.
They are an essential part of preparing a team that is both high-performing and adaptable.
Coaches who dedicate time to these tactical sessions can expect to see a significant improvement in their team’s performance.
IV. The football technical training
The art of technical mastery in football is essential for any player who aims to excel in this sport.
Technical skills such as ball control, dribbling and passing are the foundation on which players build their ability to play and interact effectively on the pitch.
Ball control while dribbling is the ability to maintain control of the ball while moving, a crucial skill for navigating past defenders and keeping possession under pressure.
Dribbling, on the other hand, is the art of manoeuvring the ball around opponents, often using feints and quick changes of direction to create playing opportunities or openings for shots or passes.
Passing, a fundamental aspect of the game, demands precision and timing to maintain the flow of play and build attacks. The quality of a player’s passes can determine the speed and effectiveness with which a team transitions from defence to attack.
Specific exercises are used to develop these skills.
For example, high-intensity small-sided games, popularised by coaches such as Pep Guardiola, are designed to improve quick decision-making and technique under pressure.
These exercises simulate coincidence situations where space and time are limited, forcing players to react quickly and precisely.
Another example is the build-up play from the goalkeeper, an exercise that focuses on the players’ ability to build an attack from the back, starting with the goalkeeper.
This requires coordination and understanding among players to move the ball efficiently and safely away from their own goal.
These technical training sessions are not only beneficial for individual players, but they also strengthen team cohesion and the collective understanding of the game.
Ultimately, the technical domain in football is a continuous learning and improvement journey, where each training session is an opportunity to become a better player.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective football training is based on several key pillars.
Firstly, the warm-up is crucial to prepare the body for exertion and reduce the risk of injuries.
Next, technical drills, which help improve ball control and passing accuracy, are essential for the development of individual skills.
Team tactics, which include positioning and game strategies, are also important to ensure cohesion and mutual understanding among players.
Endurance and physical fitness must not be overlooked, as they enable players to sustain a high level of performance throughout the match.
Finally, recovery after training is just as important as the training itself, as it helps the body to regenerate and prevents fatigue.
It is essential to encourage players to follow these training sessions regularly and with commitment.
This will not only allow them to improve their individual performance, but also to contribute to the success of their team.
Commitment, perseverance and passion for sport are the keys to turning training into tangible results on the ground.
Remember that football is a team game, and every player has an important role to play.
By working together and implementing the fundamental principles of training, each team has the opportunity to overcome each other and achieve its objectives.
Football Trials open!
Click on the button and register to participate in our selections.
Take advantage of this opportunity to join our football training centre at the start of the school year. JANUARY 2026.
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