Skip to main content
Sponsors
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Your Ad Here
Advertise
intermediatefitness15-20 minutes8-20 players

Endurance Run with Ball

Aerobic conditioning drill combining endurance running with ball control. Develops cardiovascular fitness whilst maintaining technical ability under fatigue.

U13-U14U15+

Setup

Create a large circuit (full pitch or large area) with cones marking the route. Players dribble around the circuit at controlled pace (60-70% maximum effort) with a ball. Include technical elements at stations: ball mastery, turns, passing through gates. Maintain steady pace for specified duration (10-15 minutes). Focus on building aerobic base whilst maintaining ball control.

Coaching Points

  • 1Maintain steady, sustainable pace throughout
  • 2Keep ball control quality high even when tired
  • 3Focus on breathing rhythm and relaxation
  • 4Use different parts of feet for ball control variety
  • 5Stay mentally engaged, do not switch off
  • 6Build gradually, do not start too fast

Variations

  • ✓Add technical challenges at specific points
  • ✓Include passing combinations with partners
  • ✓Progress to tempo runs (higher intensity)
  • ✓Create competitive elements (distance covered)
  • ✓Vary terrain and surfaces for additional challenge

Frequently Asked Questions

Why combine endurance running with ball work?

Combining endurance work with ball control develops aerobic fitness whilst maintaining technical ability under fatigue. This replicates match conditions where players must execute skills when tired and builds the capacity to perform technically throughout 90 minutes.

How does aerobic fitness help footballers?

Aerobic fitness provides the base for repeated high-intensity efforts during matches. Players with good aerobic capacity recover faster between sprints, maintain technical quality when tired, and perform consistently throughout the full match duration.

How long should endurance runs last?

Football-specific endurance runs typically last 15-20 minutes at moderate intensity (60-70% maximum). This develops aerobic base without excessive fatigue. Build duration gradually as fitness improves, but avoid runs longer than 30 minutes for footballers.

When should teams do endurance training?

Focus on aerobic base-building during pre-season (2-3 sessions weekly). During the season, reduce to 1 session weekly to maintain fitness without causing excessive fatigue that could impact match performance.

Related Drills

Interval Sprint Drill

High-intensity fitness drill developing anaerobic capacity and recovery. Players perform repeated sprints with controlled rest periods to build match fitness.

Agility Ladder Drill

Footwork and coordination drill using agility ladder to develop quick feet, balance, and body control. Improves acceleration and change of direction abilities.

Expert Advisors

⚽

General Coach

All-round coaching

⚽

General Player

All-round player development

🌱

Grassroots Guru

Youth football U5-U12

Related Keywords

fitnessenduranceaerobicstaminaconditioningball controlfootball fitnesscardiovascular trainingfootball trainingcoaching drillsstamina buildingtechnical endurance

Generate Custom Drills with AI

Tell FootballGPT your age group, player count, and focus area. Get a personalised drill with an animated diagram.

Try FootballGPT Free
Endurance Run with Ball - Football Coaching Drill | FootballGPT