Play Like Spain

In association with
PLAY LIKE SPAIN PASS WITH XAVIS PRECISION

Want to boss the game like Barcelonas diminutive mideld maestro? We can help. This drill will show you how to dictate the play with airtight control and accurate distribution
XAVIS PASSING
PERFORMANCE
Coerver Coaching is the worlds number one soccer skills teaching method www.coerver.co.uk. Follow @CoerverUK
Drill No.1
5 yds
SET UP
Get four players to form a square by standing 25 yards apart. Instruct the remaining players to fill in the gaps between the original four to form a circle. Mark out a five-yard square inside the circle. The players forming the outer circle have a ball each. Position four players in the middle square.
ACTION
Playing out of the square, players exchange a one-two pass with a player from the outer circle. They then sprint through the cones marking out the square, bending their run towards a different perimeter player, where they play another one-two. The four players that started in the middle must count the passes they complete in 45 seconds. To advance this drill, you can introduce two additional players inside the circle. Their job is to put pressure on the passers in the middle.
HOW IT HELPS
Xavi has the ability to weave in and out of midfield traffic and pick, spot and execute pinpoint passes. This drill replicates that action by challenging you to pass and receive the ball on the move.
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Want to learn more from the pros? Get online for exclusive interviews as the games stars give their guidance, plus more drills from the experts. http://performance.fourfourtwo.com
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Your team may not have Xavi himself, but FFT can teach you how to rack up the assists. Here, we show you how to burst clear of the mideld pack and play a defence-splitting pass
XAVIS PASSING
B1
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.2
A1
Central Zone
End Zone 4 yds 24 yds
SET UP
Mark out a 24 x 18-yard grid, comprising a 20 x 18-yard central zone and a 4 x 18-yard end zone. Place three cones, with balls on them, five yards apart inside the end zone. At the opposite end set up two cones, six yards apart. Divide the players up into defenders and attackers. Line the attackers up at the end opposing the end zone. Line the defenders up to the right of the attackers, on the sideline.
ACTION
A defender (A1) dribbles from his starting position past the first of the two cones, stops the ball for the attacker (B1) before the second, then sprints around the second cone and chases B1, who has collected the ball and is running towards the end zone. B1 must try to knock a ball off one of the cones with a pass, but theyre not allowed to shoot inside the end zone.
HOW IT HELPS
In the final third Xavi has the ability to pick up the ball, drive at the defence and play a killer pass at speed. This drill is designed to recreate this situation so you can perfect it and reproduce it in a game.
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Its all about the killer pass, but rst you have to stay patient, recycle possession and wait for the right moment to strike this drill should improve the combination play required
XAVIS PASSING
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.3
A2
A1
A1
B1
A1
10 yds
30 yds
SET UP
Mark out a 10 x 30-yard rectangle with a four-yard gate, denoted by cones, in the middle. Divide the players into two groups and position them at opposing ends, with a wall passer positioned centrally on the sideline. Give a ball to one team.
ACTION
On the coachs command, A1 plays a one-two with the wall passer before the gate. Upon receiving the return pass, A1 passes through the gate to B1 and follows his pass, applying passive pressure to B1. B1 plays a one-two with the wall passer around A1, before passing through the gate to A2. A1 joins the back of the B queue. The sequence continues.
HOW IT HELPS
Xavi is a great short passer. He keeps possession, but for a purpose: hes trying to set up the killer pass. This practise helps improve combination play, especially the wall pass element. The right pass, the right run, the right timing this drill has it all.
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A killer rst touch, mesmerising ball control, lightning speed and razor-sharp awareness the fundamental qualities of tiki-taka are all taught in this high-pressure passing exercise
XAVIS PASSING
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.4
25 yds
SET UP
Set up a 20 x 25-yard area, comprising of two end zones of 20 x 5 yards and a central zone of 20 x 15 yards. Divide the players into two teams of five and position them in opposing end zones. Give a ball to one of the groups.
ACTION
The team with the ball starts passing the ball between themselves. On the coachs command, two players from the opposition enter the opposing end zone with the aim of winning the ball. Count how many passes the team in possession complete before losing the ball. After they lose the ball, repeat the sequence at the other end. The team who keeps possession for longest wins.
HOW IT HELPS
Working in such a tight space with opposition players joining the game to press the ball, the players are going to have to be sharp in every department. They need to be aware of whats going on around them so they know what pass theyre going to play before they get the ball. Then its down to their body shape, first touch and accuracy of their pass all skills Xavi has mastered.
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Kick and rush getting you nowhere? Dont panic: FFT has a solution. Learn to bide your time, make the right decisions and hit the opposition where it hurts, with this tiki-taka-tastic drill
XAVIS PASSING
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.5
Shoo ng Shooting Zone Zone 5 yds 20 yds
Sh ooting Shooting Zo e Zone 5 yds
SET UP
Mark out a 30 x 25-yard grid, consisting of two end zones 5 x 25 yards and a central zone of 20 x 25 yards. Position three mini goals at either end. Divide players into two teams of four. Place one defensive player from each team behind their respective end zones.
ACTION
Teams play 3 v 3 in the central zone and can only score inside their opponents shooting zone. The defensive player positioned behind the shooting zone can stop the opposition scoring in one of the goals by standing behind it. That player can also be used as an attacker when their team has possession, but they can only receive a pass when theyre inside the end zone and they must swap positions with the player who passed them the ball.
HOW IT HELPS
By allowing the defensive player to join the game youre asking the players to make good decisions when to offer themselves as an option and when their team-mates should give them the ball. The players have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to play the defence-splitting pass.
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PLAY LIKE SPAIN TA

SIDESTEP YOUR MARKER LIKE INIES
Find yourself getting caught in possession? Not after this dribbling drill. Speed up your thought process and glide away from opponents a la Iniesta by practising this bit of skill
INIESTAS DRIBBLIN G
A1
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.1
A2
A3
12 yds
SET UP
Set out a 12 x 12 yard area. Position a defender in the middle of the square. Place three attackers, with a ball each, around the perimeter of the square, leaving one side free.
ACTION
On the coachs command, A1 dribbles at the defender in the middle. A1 feints to go left, but carries the ball to the right, dribbling to the side of the square thats unoccupied. The defender applies passive pressure, but they do not make a tackle. As soon as A1 has finished, A2 goes, followed by A3. Change the defender in the middle every 45 seconds.
HOW IT HELPS
This drill embodies the old adage: practice makes perfect. By practising a feint over and over again it will become instinctive when you need to use it in a game. When you see Andres Iniesta sidestep a defender it looks effortless, and thats because it is hes in cruise control.
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PLAY LIKE SPAIN TA

Whether your team-mate gives you a perfectly weighted pass or a shovel-footed shank, youll be able to bring the ball under your spell and keep possession by getting this down
INIESTAS DRIBBLIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.2
10 yds
SET UP
Mark out a 10 x 10-yard area. Position a player in the middle of the square and four around it. The players on the outside have a ball each.
ACTION
In turn, the players on the outside pass to the player in the middle, who takes two touches: one to control, one to pass back. Rotating clockwise, work the player in the middle for 15 seconds. Challenge them to make as many passes as they can in this time. Instruct them to use the inside and outside of their feet to control and pass. Progress the drill by having the players on the outside serve the ball in the air for the central player to control and return.
HOW IT HELPS
It doesnt matter what angle, height or pace Andres Iniesta receives a pass hes able to control it, beat a man and find a team-mate. Asking the central player in this drill to deal with a variety of deliveries and getting them to use different techniques to control the ball will improve their ability to cope with a pass, even if its not a good one.
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PLAY LIKE SPAIN TA

Use this exercise to marry both of your feet to the ball. No more reliance upon one foot: soon your control will be more akin to Spains master craftsman than a leaden-footed donkey
INIESTAS DRIBBLIN G
Group
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.3
Group
15 yds
Group
Group
15 yds
SET UP
Set out a 15 x 15-yard area. Divide the players into four groups of four. Position two groups at the top of the square and two to the left or right. Give each player a ball.
ACTION
On the coachs signal, one player from each of groups A and B move forward to the opposing side performing a ball mastery skill. This can be a move called the push and pull: the player drags the ball back with the sole of the foot, before pushing in forward with the inside. Perform the skill using both left and right feet. As soon as the players from A and B reach the other side, players from C and D go. Groups go back and forth alternatively.
HOW IT HELPS
This improves left and right foot control with any part of the foot. A good player like Andres Iniesta is not restricted by only being able to use one foot they can take the ball on either and escape a defender in an instant. This drill will really work on the players relationship with the ball and their understanding of how to manipulate it.
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PLAY LIKE SPAIN TA

Barcelonas creator-in-chief can control, turn and pass all in one uid movement. Introduce this drill to your training sessions and youll soon nd that you can do just the same
B2 D1
PERFORMANCE
INIESTAS DRIBBLIN G
Drill No.4
B1
20 yds
C1
A1
20 yds
SET UP
Mark out an area measuring 20 x 20 yards. Place a cone in the centre of the square. Divide the players into four groups, positioning each team on a corner of the square. Each team has a ball.
ACTION
A1 passes the ball to B1. As the ball leaves A1s foot, B1 meets the ball before it reaches the cone. With their first touch, B1 takes the ball on the turn to their left or right, spinning around the cone so they are now facing the corner they came from. B1 then passes back to B2 and returns to their corner. As they release the ball, C1 passes to D1 to repeat the sequence.
HOW IT HELPS
Even when hes being tightly marked, Andres Iniesta is able to receive the ball because he has the ability to control it on the turn and step away from his marker. This drill challenges the player to meet the ball, spin and pass, all in one rapid movement just like Iniesta.
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PLAY LIKE SPAIN TA

Find yourself panicking under pressure in a game situation? FFT has a cure. Tighten up your technique and carry the ball with composure, courtesy of this ball mastery exercise
B1 A1
PERFORMANCE
INIESTAS DRIBBLIN G
Drill No.5
SET UP
Place two cones five yards apart. Divide the players into the two groups, positioning them on opposite cones. Give one group a ball.
ACTION
A1 passes the ball to B1 and moves forward to apply passive pressure, but not tackle. With their first touch B1 pushes the ball around A1 and passes to A2. The sequence continues.
HOW IT HELPS
In a game, especially in midfield, youre under constant pressure. Theres no time to take a touch and think. Your first touch has to take you away from danger. Andres Iniesta doesnt just control the ball with his first touch he sets up his next move. This drill teaches a player to stay one step ahead.
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PLAY LIKE SPAIN FINISH LIKE FERNANDO TORRES

Want to terrorise defenders like Chelseas sharp-shooting Spaniard? We have exactly the drill you need. Accelerate, turn, pull the trigger and score, using this shooting exercise
TORRES SHOOTING
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.1
20 yds
A1 D1
20 yds
SET UP
Mark out an area measuring 20 x 20 yards, including a 5 x 20-yard shooting zone and a 15 x 20-yard dribbling zone. Position two goals at one end, 12 yards apart. Divide players into two groups: defenders and attackers. Position the attackers on the byline between the goals, with the defenders lined up two yards behind. The coach stands inside the dribbling zone, in line with the players, approximately 10 yards away.
ACTION
A1 plays the ball into the feet of the coach and follows his pass. D1 chases. The coach lays the ball off to A1, who has to try and beat D1 to get into the shooting zone and score in either of the goals.
HOW IT HELPS
When you receive the ball with your back to goal, most defenders and goalkeepers expect you to pass back where the ball came from, but you can nurture the ability to take the ball on the turn and fire off a surprise shot on goal. Its a great weapon to have in your arsenal, and you can work on it using this exercise.
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Forge an understanding between you and your team-mates that will leave frustrated opposition players chasing shadows before picking the ball out of the back of the net
TORRES SHOOTIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.2
30 yds
5 yds
20 yds
SET UP
Mark out a 30 x 20-yard area divided into three zones, comprising two shooting zones of 5 x 20 yards and a central zone of 20 x 20 yards, with three mini-goals positioned at either end.
ACTION
The teams play 4 v 4 and can score in any opposition goal, but only from inside the opponents shooting zone. To progress the drill you can restrict the players to one- or two-touch or first time finishes inside the shooting zone. You can adapt the drill further by telling the players they can only shoot from outside the shooting zone.
HOW IT HELPS
This drill is great for forming an understanding between players. Because of the limited space theyre working in, they have to pass and move quickly just like Spain. Also, chances will be at a premium so you have to be aware, have lightning quick reactions and take a chance when you get it qualities Fernando Torres has in abundance.
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Learn to defend from the front as well as rattling the ball into the back of the net with Torres-like precision, thanks to this shooting exercise from the experts at Coerver Coaching
TORRES SHOOTIN G
A2
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.3
A1
30 yds
B1
20 yds
SET UP
Set out a 30 x 20-yard box with a mini-goal at each end and two cones in the middle, positioned as illustrated above. Split the players into two groups and give them a ball each.
ACTION
A1 dribbles towards the cone furthest away from their starting point. Once they reach the cone, they shoot at goal. As soon as they have shot, B1 dribbles towards the opposite cone and shoots upon reaching it. After shooting, A1 has to try and tackle or block B1. If they succeed, their team scores a point. A1 now joins the back of their queue and B1 defends against A2. The sequence continues. You can progress the drill by introducing goalkeepers.
HOW IT HELPS
Aside from the focus on dribbling and shooting, this exercise has a defensive element. When Spain lose the ball, they press high up the pitch and work hard to get it back, which is exactly what youre asking of the players in this drill.
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Want to develop lightning-quick reactions and razor-sharp shooting to improve your game in attack? Then look no further than the El Nino school of nishing let the lesson begin
3 2 1
PERFORMANCE
TORRES SHOOTING
Drill No.4
20 yds
20 yds
SET UP
Set out an area measuring 20 x 20 yards. Place three cones six yards apart, two yards in from the right sideline. Do the same on the left sideline. Place a ball on each of the cones. Split the players into two groups and number them one to five.
ACTION
The coach passes the ball into the field of play and calls out a number the players assigned this number then sprint to gain possession, and once they have, try to knock one of their opponents balls off a cone. Start with 1 v 1 and then gradually build to 2 v 2, 3 v 3 and so on. If the ball goes off the pitch the game is dead and the coach restarts with new players. The team to knock off all of their opponents balls wins.
HOW IT HELPS
This game is all about reaction speed and the accuracy of finishing. A striker such as Fernando Torres latches on to a through ball, beats a defender and applies a finish. This drill is designed to replicate that situation.
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Speed, accuracy and intelligence three deadly skills for a forward, which this exercise can help you to hone in training and take out onto the pitch when matchday arrives
TORRES SHOOTIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.5
B1
15 yds
A1
20 yds
SET UP
Set out an area measuring 15 x 20 yards with two mini-goals at either end. Divide the players into two teams and position them in line with the halfway line, facing each other on opposing sidelines. Give a ball to each player on one of the teams.
ACTION
A1 passes the ball to B1 and follows their pass to close them down. B1 can now dribble the ball and score at either end as A1 tries to tackle them. Once B1 has scored, they have to turn and sprint around the goal opposite to the one they put the ball into, with A1 in pursuit. Once A1 and B1 have sprinted around the goal they rejoin their respective lines. The sequence continues.
HOW IT HELPS
This drill focuses on skills in 1 v 1 situations, decision-making, precision finishing and speed. All these skills are central to a good technical striker. Fernando Torres is one of the worlds best and if you want to emulate his game, this drill is a great place to start.
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PLAY LIKE SPAIN QUARTER-BACK THE PLAY LIKE PIQUE

Passing, marking, reading the game: whether its tackling any threat or masquerading as a ball-playing midelder, this drill will teach you how to play with the poise of Pique
PIQUES DEFENDIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.1
10 yds
10 yds
10 yds
SET UP
Mark out an area of 30 x 20 yards, comprising of two 10 x 20 end zones and a 10 x 20 central zone. Divide the players into two teams of three. Match up each player in a 1 v 1 in a designated zone.
ACTION
Teams play 3 v 3, but each player can only play inside their zone. To score a point, the ball has to be passed from one outer zone to the middle, then to the other outer zone, in successive passes. Each player has to touch the ball at least once.
HOW IT HELPS
The 1 v 1 contests will work on the fundamental skills of defending: tackling, marking and reading the game. In addition to the defensive challenges, players are tested technically. They have to receive the ball in tight areas, control it, take it away from an opponent and play a pass. This is exactly what Gerard Pique does when he joins the Barcelona attack.
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Dominate your 1 v 1 contests from now on, whether youre the defender or the attacker, with a little help from this drill, designed to teach you the skills of Barcelonas stylish sentry
PIQUES DEFENDIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.2
20 yds
20 yds
SET UP
Set out an area measuring 20 x 20 yards, with two mini-goals positioned at either end. Divide the players into two teams of three, with an extra player operating as a floater.
ACTION
Teams play 3 v 3 with the aim of scoring in either of their opponents goals. The floater plays for the team in possession creating a 4 v 3 scenario. Theyre not allowed to tackle or score, but they can give and receive passes. To progress, impose the condition that the teams have to complete a certain amount of consecutive passes before they can score. You can also restrict the players to one- or two-touch football. Change the floater every two minutes.
HOW IT HELPS
All over the pitch there will be 1 v 1 contests, working both defensive and technical skills. Like Pique, the floater must join the play as an additional attacker, offering themselves as an option and having the ability to maintain possession.
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If you plan to play attacking football as Barcelona do, get ready for the counter here, we teach you how to work as a unit and defy the odds when youre outnumbered in defence
PIQUES DEFENDIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.3
20 yds
10 yds
SET UP
Set out an area measuring 30 x 10 yards, comprising a 10 x 10-yard end zone and a 20 x 10 yard central zone. Split the players into two teams of five. Place two players from one team in the end zone and the remaining eight in the central zone, creating a 5 v 3.
ACTION
On the coachs command, play begins in the central zone with the team of five trying to complete 10 consecutive passes to score a point. If the team of three win the ball they have to try to get it to one of their two team-mates in the end zone. If they manage to do this they score a point, and the two targetmen switch roles with two of the defenders. If the ball goes out of play the game is dead and is restarted by the coach introducing a new ball.
HOW IT HELPS
The team of three have to work as a defensive unit, pressurising and harassing opposition players and chasing the ball. If they manage to gain possession, they must then display the piece of mind and technical ability to pick out one of the targetmen in the end zone.
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Steal the ball from the feet of a tricky forward and show them how its done when youre in possession, by learning skills from Coerver Coaching in this fun and functional workout
PIQUES DEFENDIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.4
20 yds
20 yds
SET UP
Mark out a 20 x 20-yard grid. Place a cone centrally along one of the sidelines, and place a ball on top of it. Have two players a defender and an attacker stand in front of this cone. Give the defender a ball.
ACTION
On the coachs command, the defender (pictured in blue) passes the ball through the attackers legs. The attacker (in red) has to retrieve the ball, turn and then try to beat the defender and knock the ball off the cone. If the defender wins possession they must try to dribble the ball over the sideline that is opposite to the cone.
HOW IT HELPS
This is another drill that incorporates both defensive and attacking elements for a defender. Firstly, theyre challenged to stand up and take on an attacker in a 1 v 1 situation, then if they gain possession they have to use their technical ability and carry the ball with confidence and skill. Its not just about winning the ball and treating it a like a hot potato. Pique is equally adept with the ball at his feet as he is trying to steal it from an opponent.
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Do you struggle to stay on your feet when faced with a eet-footed forward? FFT can show you how to stand up to the challenge, so get practising this scenario and dont dive in
PIQUES DEFENDIN G
PERFORMANCE
Drill No.5
15 yds
20 yds
SET UP
Set out a 15 x 20-yard grid. Position two mini-goals on one sideline and another two on opposing sidelines, leaving one side of the square open. Split the players into two teams: defenders and attackers. Position the players on the sideline between the two goals. The coach stands between the two teams with a supply of balls.
ACTION
The coach plays the ball into the path of the attacker who has to try and score in any of the four goals. The defender has to try and stop them from scoring. If the defender wins possession they are then allowed to try and score.
HOW IT HELPS
Allowing the attacker to score in multiple goals challenges the defender to be mobile and aware, covering as many angles as they can. If the defender dives in, theyre out of the game. Theyve got to stand up and wait to make the tackle at the right time. You rarely see Pique go to the floor. Hes able to jockey an attacker and step in, when the opportunity presents itself.
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