Ken Krieger had the pleasure of observing Valencia CF train over a two week period – the following session is part of his training journal. Valencia are one of the most prestigious Clubs in European Football.

Ken has offered to share his FULL journal with our SoccerSpecific coaches!

Ken currently serves as the Technical Director for Prince William Soccer Inc. located in Woodbridge Va. (PWSI), where he is responsible for player development, coaching education, and the technical direction of the Prince William Soccer Club. Krieger holds a USSF ‘A’ License, USSF National Youth License and his NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma. Krieger also served as a DC United (US Premier League) Youth Academy U14/U16 Coach, Technical Director of the Washington Freedom Youth Program and USYSA Region 1 and VYSA ODP Programs.

*The following session is part II of Ken´s journal for the U15-U16 Valencia CF Youth Team. Salva, Head Coach, of the U15 youth team was the instructor during the two-week stay.

The remaining sessions will be posted in future editions of SoccerSpecific.com Pro´s Picks!

Valencia C.F. U15 Training Session

Objectives:

• Improve Team’s ball control, passing and quick directional change – switching the play.
• Improve space and distance of supporting players.
• Improve organization in attack.

Warm Up: General Phase.

Continuous running (5 minutes’) as shown below in Diagram (a)
Players then performed dynamic stretching and quick jaunt movements (5minutes)

Extended Warm Up: (15 minutes)

Set Up:
Two teams play 10 vs. 10 on a field 65 X 35-yards as shown below in Diagram (b).

Explanation:
Players start the game with a throw then proceed to head-pass. This sequence of head / catch continues throughout the game. Goals can only be scored with a header. If the ball hits the ground the team on attack loses possession. The defending team now has possession and begins to go in the opposite direction starting with a throw.

Variations:
1) Players catch the ball and volley to teammate who heads the next ball to a teammate to catch.

2) Players must pass the ball to a teammate while in mid-air who also must then pass the ball while in the air and so on.

Activity #1: Possession Game

Set Up:
Game of possession and interception played on a 70 X 40-yard pitch, divided in three zones as shown below. Players are divided into two equal teams. In each end zone players are divided to play 4 v. 4, in the center zone each team is to play 3 v. 3.

Explanation:
Each team tries to maintain possession of the ball moving the ball from one zone to the other. Once the ball is passed to the center zone, players have a 2-touch restriction. Players in the end zones have a 3-touch restriction.

Total Time – 20 minutes

Coaching Points:

• Players are encouraged to play through the zones quickly.
• Quick switching of the play is encouraged.
• Sharp passing and movement at all times.
• Recognize the correct moments to play into different zones.

Activity #2: Prohibited Zone Game

Set Up:
On a full size field, Players are divided into two teams to play 11 vs. 11 as shown below. A central zone 30 X 35-yds is created.

Explanation:
Players are prohibited to pass or step into the central zone. Players must circulate the ball, change the point of attack quickly over the prohibited zone or play into the wide channels provided. All other normal football laws of the game apply.

Total Time – 30 minutes

Coaching Points:

• Recognize the moments to switch the ball.
• Use the wide areas of the pitch to attack.
• Switch the ball early if possible.
• Sharp passing and movement at all times.