Boosting Soccer Training with Smarter Drill Choices

Every coach knows that not all training drills are created equal. But here’s the kicker—new research tracking over 65,000 drills from professional teams shows just how much drill choice shapes a player’s physical readiness, injury risk, and game-day performance. Whether you’re a grassroots coach or managing an elite squad, these insights can help you get more from every session.

What the Study Looked At

Researchers followed 183 professional players over eight seasons in the Premier League, Championship, and League One. Using GPS and movement sensors, they analyzed six common training drill types:

1. Conditioning (CON) – High-intensity work with or without the ball
2. Position-Specific (PS) – Unit-based drills (e.g., defenders, midfielders)
3. Possession (POS) – Keep-ball games without goals
4. Small-Sided Games (SSG) – Match-like games with smaller teams/pitches
5. Tactical (TAC) – Team shape, set pieces, strategy
6. Technical (TEC) – Skills like passing, shooting, footwork

They also factored in the head coach’s philosophy and player position to see how these influenced physical outputs.

Key Takeaways for Coaches and Clubs

1. Conditioning Drills Are the High-Speed Kings

Conditioning sessions delivered the most high-speed running and sprinting—more than any other drill type. If your goal is to push aerobic and anaerobic capacity, these are your go-to.

Practical tip: Schedule conditioning drills 3–5 days before match day to boost fitness without harming recovery.

2. Drill Mix Changes with the Head Coach

One coach might make SSGs 44% of the week’s workload, while another drops them to 22%. This shift isn’t just about style—it changes total distances run, sprint counts, and acceleration loads.

Why it matters: Sudden changes in drill composition after a coaching change can increase injury risk if players aren’t eased into new patterns.

3. Position Matters—Especially for Midfielders

Midfielders consistently covered the most ground and logged the highest PlayerLoad™ scores. Goalkeepers, not surprisingly, recorded the lowest numbers, but their explosive movements weren’t fully captured by standard metrics.

Practical tip: Build position-specific conditioning into your weekly plan. Midfielders may need more recovery from volume, while goalkeepers benefit from tailored explosive power sessions.

4. Small-Sided Games Pack Acceleration Punch

While not the fastest drills in terms of sprint distance, SSGs delivered high rates of accelerations and decelerations—perfect for mimicking the quick bursts of match play.

Practical tip: Use SSGs to sharpen change-of-direction skills and tactical decision-making under fatigue.

Applying These Insights to Your Training

Here’s how to take the research from paper to pitch:

• Audit Your Drill Balance – Track how much time you spend in each category. Are you over-relying on tactical drills at the expense of conditioning?
• Plan for Match Day – Load up on high-intensity drills early in the week, taper down to lighter, technical work before games.
• Manage Transitions – When coaching staff changes, introduce new drill patterns gradually to avoid injury spikes.
• Customize by Position – Recognize that physical demands differ widely between positions—train accordingly.

Why This Matters for Long-Term Success

This study underscores a big truth in soccer: training isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how, when, and why you do it. The most successful teams align drill selection with tactical goals, physical targets, and individual needs—week after week.

Your Turn to Kick It Off

How do you structure your training week?

• Do you track the physical outputs of your drills, or go by feel?
• Have you noticed performance changes after adjusting your drill mix?
• How do you keep players match-ready while reducing injury risk?

Share your thoughts in the comments, or join the discussion with other coaches.