The Structure of the best Training Session by German FA (DFB) (Patreon)

According to the "Training Philosophy Germany," a clear structure should be followed in children's and youth football. By selecting the right training formats, starting with two training sessions per week, the playing time per child can be doubled or even tripled. The structure of the ideal training session consists of:

• Activation (15 minutes)

• Game 1 (30 minutes)

• Intermediate Block (15 minutes)

• Game 2 (30 minutes)

At least 2 times per week without replacement training for games and every week:

Activation: Technical Training with a Focus on Dribbling

Every training session begins with a fifteen-minute activation phase. It is recommended that this phase involves a lot of dribbling, ensuring players have plenty of ball interactions. The reasoning is that dribbling is harder to master than, for example, passing. When every player is handling a ball, idle time is automatically minimized, ball actions are maximized, and their technical skills improve with each session.

Game 1: Small-Sided Games – Multiple Fields

After the warm-up phase, the session moves straight into gameplay: three to four rounds of at least four minutes net per player, on multiple fields, in small teams. These formats incorporate many elements of traditional football and can be enhanced with small adjustments, such as a "shot clock," neutral players, wall pass options outside or beside the goals, or an offside line.

If the squad is large, for instance, consisting of 27 players, adjustments must be made, and additional fields set up. This is the only way to ensure that all players get their net playing time. For this reason, the "Training Philosophy Germany" also offers variations such as games on a single goal, alternating attacking rights, or using mini-goals.

Intermediate Block: Technique/Positional Technique

Next, a fifteen-minute segment focuses primarily on refining technical fundamentals through targeted training drills. In older age groups, this also includes positional techniques such as crossing, finishing crosses, or heading techniques, as these are less frequently practiced in small-sided games. The goal of this training block is to perform many repetitions of relevant football actions with minimal pauses.

Game 2: Small-Sided Games – Multiple Fields

To conclude the session, gameplay resumes. This part is similar to "Game 1," but variation is introduced through provocation rules or other organizational formats to keep things engaging.