What a Training Format Is – and What It Isn't
A training format describes the organisational framework of a drill: how many players, with or against opponents, with or without finishing on goal, free or conditioned play.
A training format is not the same as:
- Drill content (what is being coached)
- Focus area (passing, pressing, etc.)
- Session phase (warm-up/activation, main part, etc.)
The training format is the container. What happens inside it is decided by you, the coach.
The 4 Selection Criteria
Before we go through the 10 formats: four criteria will help you make the right choice.
Criterion 1: Age group
Not every training format is suitable for every age group. Funino is ideal for U8–U12. Positional play with complex tasks is better suited to U14 and above.
Criterion 2: Number of players
How many players turn up to training? 6v6 works with 12 players. 7v3 positional play works with 10 players. The training format must fit your player numbers.
Criterion 3: Focus area
What should be the session's focus? Dribbling? Passing? Pressing? Certain training formats lend themselves better to specific focus areas.
Criterion 4: Session phase
Activation drills require different formats to the main part. Small, intensive formats for the start – larger, match-realistic formats for the main part.
The 10 Training Formats in Youth Football
Funino
What it is: Game format on 4 mini goals. Played in groups from 2v2 to 4v4. No goalkeepers. All goals are valid targets to attack.
Why it works:
- Maximum ball contacts for every player
- Lots of shots on goal
- Players constantly have to make decisions (where to go? which goal?)
- No waiting around in defence
When to use: Activation, free play at the end of a session, U8–U14
1v1
What it is: Direct duel – one attacker against one defender. With or without finishing on goal.
Why it works:
- Maximum intensity for both players
- Direct consequence: win or lose
- Technique under pressure
When to use: Technical block (dribbling, 1v1 duels), U10 and above
2v1
What it is: Two attackers against one defender. Exploiting an overload.
Why it works:
- Players learn to recognise and exploit overloads
- Demands communication between attackers
- For defenders: closing-down angles, delaying tactics
When to use: Build-up play, combination play, U10 and above
Rondo (Possession)
What it is: One group keeps possession against a smaller group. Classic formats: 5v2, 6v2, 4v1.
Why it works:
- Passing under pressure
- Speed of decision-making
- Players must move off the ball and offer passing options
When to use: Activation, passing focus, U12 and above
4v4 on mini goals
What it is: Small-sided game without goalkeepers on four mini goals or two standard mini goals.
Why it works:
- Lots of ball contacts, tight spaces
- High intensity
- All players are constantly involved
When to use: End of a technical block, activation, U8–U14
4v4 with bounce players
What it is: Game format with neutral bounce players stationed outside the pitch. The team in possession can play to external passing outlets.
Why it works:
- Moving off the ball and offering options is rewarded
- Players learn to utilise wide options
- High volume of ball circulation
When to use: Passing drills, build-up play topics, U10 and above
Conditioned game
What it is: Small to medium-sided game (4v4 to 8v8), but with a specific condition: bonus points for certain actions (e.g. "a goal scored with a maximum of 3 touches counts double").
Why it works:
- Players focus on the primary coaching topic
- Match-realistic situation with a specific learning objective
- Intrinsic motivation driven by the rule condition
When to use: Main part of any thematic session, U10 and above
Positional play
What it is: Possession game with an overload and positional constraints. Players occupy defined positions, retain the ball, and opponents press.
Why it works:
- Understanding of positioning
- Passing under pressing
- Spatial awareness and movement off the ball
When to use: Tactical sessions, build-up play topics, U14 and above
8v8 on standard goals
What it is: Game format on standard goals with goalkeepers. With or without conditions.
Why it works:
- Match-realistic situation
- Goalkeepers are integrated
- Set pieces occur naturally
- All tactical concepts can be tested
When to use: Final game format, match simulation, U12 and above
Free play
What it is: Playing without constraints. No conditions, no special rules. Just football.
Why it works:
- Players relax and enjoy themselves
- Creativity emerges without external constraints
- A positive final experience for every session
When to use: End of every session, always
Which Training Format for Which Focus Area?
| Focus Area | Recommended Formats |
|---|---|
| Dribbling/Technique | 1v1, Funino, conditioned game |
| Passing | Rondo, 4v4 with bounce players, conditioned game with touch limits |
| Pressing | 4v4 pressing condition, 8v8 with pressing conditions |
| Build-up play | 2v1, 4v4 with bounce players, positional play |
| Formation / Tactical system | 8v8 or 11v11 with system conditions |
| Enjoyment / Session finale | Funino, free play |
Coach OS: Training Formats Directly in the Drill Database
Coach OS categorises drills by training format. You can specifically search the database for Funino variations, filter for positional play, or explore conditioned games.
The AI generator automatically selects the right training format for every phase of your planned session – based on focus area, age group, and session duration.
→ Try Coach OS and the drill database for free: coach-os.com
Conclusion: Form Follows the Objective
The best training format is the one that fits your focus area, age group, and player numbers. There is no universally superior format – but there is always a format that is right for any given situation.
The 4 criteria help you decide quickly. The rest comes with experience.
FAQ: Training Formats in Youth Football
What is the difference between a training format and a drill?
The training format describes the organisational framework (e.g. 4v4 on mini goals). The drill defines the specific content (e.g. 4v4 with a pressing condition: a goal only counts after winning the ball through pressing). The format is the container; the content turns it into a drill.
What is Funino and from what age is it suitable?
Funino is a game format on 4 mini goals, played in small groups without goalkeepers. Designed for maximum touches and decisions per player. Suitable from U6/U8 and adaptable to any age group.
How many different training formats do I need per session?
2–4 formats per session are typical. A simpler format for activation, a more focused one for the technical block, a more match-realistic one for the main part, and free play to conclude.
At what age does positional play make sense?
Simple positional play (rondo) from U12. More complex positional play with tactical instructions from U14.
Can Coach OS plan training formats automatically?
Yes. The AI generator chooses suitable training formats for every phase of the session – based on your inputs for focus area, age group, and duration.
What is a conditioned game?
A game with a specific condition or rule that reinforces the training focus – e.g. "a goal only counts after at least 5 passes" for passing topics, or "a goal scored after pressing counts double" for pressing drills.