1UP Outdoor 2026 Training Menu & Technical Details
All sessions are carefully designed by 1UP’s Director of Player Development and Current pro Niko Myroniuk & 1UP’s founder Graham Fisher. These consist of all important player habits needed to excel and improve in today's modern game within GAME REALISTIC training activities. Niko brings real-life experience from the highest levels of youth and professional soccer, while Graham contributes 7 years of youth & professional experience in Germany, Ireland, Spain & England, as well as his 3 National Coaching licenses to bring the players and coaching staff a second to none training environment.
Sessions Structure
Each session consists of three fast paced, game realistic mini stations, for around 18 minutes each, usually consisting of:
Unopposed Activity (No defenders)
High repetition, lower amount of decision making
Opposed Activity
Higher amount of decision making, lower repetition
Mini Game
Fast paced, game realistic, designed to bridge gap between technical learning’s and player’s games.
*Most session will include a shot or finish on goal in at least one station! This way players will improve their goal scoring every week.
Session Topic Breakdown (Objectives & Coaching Points)
1) Escape Skills (May 1st - May 3rd)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to dribble, manipulate, protect and evade opponents in pressure pockets containing 2 or more defenders.
Coaching Points:
Rapid touches with BOTH feet
Find the space to escape
Creativity and disguise
Effective ball protection (safe side from nearest defender)
2) Protecting & Shielding (May 4th - May 10th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to effectively use their bodies to protect the ball from defenders.
Coaching Points:
First to the ball
Shift weight towards defender (Low hips)
Create maximum separation (side on body shape, ball far away, arm up!)
Whats next? “Vision while protecting”
Use the defenders momentum to spin
3) Passing & Moving (Short & Long Range) (May 11th - May 17th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to receive and pass at varying distance quickly and accurately (or play one touch) to increase your speed of play in possession to become a more dangerous player.
Coaching Points:
Vision & Awareness before receiving (decision made before pass arrives)
Select body shape
Select pass type
Pass technique & execution
Find the next space quickly!
4) Overloaded attacking (May 18th - May 24th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to be effective in attacking overloads as a ball carrier and with their off the ball movements.
Coaching Points:
Commit defender
Analyze Defenders Movement
Analyze Teammates Movement
Disguise(pass or use run as fake)
5) Technical Competitions Week (May 25th - May 31st)
Objective: Players will use the last 4 weeks of learnings to compete in technical competitions that will allow them to put their learnings into competitions that are game translatable.
Goal Scoring Month
6) In The Box Finishing (June 1st - June 7th)
Objective: Players will gain the instincts of a striker and finish in small spaces under pressure.
Coaching Points:
Early Decision
Change of speed into the box
Body shape set early (clear or disguise?)
Body over the ball
Accuracy over power, aim for bottom corners
7) Long Range Finishing (June 8th - June 14th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to shoot from distance with accuracy using different techniques and scenarios.
Strikes:
Hips facing goal
Big Step Towards Goal
Heel to butt (engage thigh)
Plant beside ball
Contact (with laces, toes down, strong ankle)
Follow through
Land on shooting foot
8) Advanced Finishing (June 15th - June 21st)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to finish chances in and around the box, with three of the most clinical shooting techniques when in tight situations.
Coaching Points:
Whips (inside of foot) & Trivela (Outside of foot)
Hips Facing Corner Flag
Contact Cheek of ball, with inside (toes up)
Close hips sharply during contact
Big follow through
Chip
Hips facing target
Contact chin of the ball, with top of the toes
NO FOLLOW THROUGH
9) Finishing Competitions Week (June 22nd - June 28th)
10) Advanced Creativity (June 29th - July 5th)
Objective: Players will learn and practice a blend of skill moves and tricks to allow them to explore their touch and personality with the ball.
Coaching Points:
Rapid touches with BOTH feet
Find the space to escape
Creativity and disguise
Effective ball protection (safe side from nearest defender)
11) Incisive Passing (July 6th - July 12th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to break lines with passes to creating chances while their team is in possession.
Coaching Points:
Vision & Awareness before receiving (decision made before pass arrives)
Select body shape
Select pass type
Pass technique & execution
Disguise
12) In the Box Defending (July 13th - July 19th)
Objective: To take pride in defending your 18 yard box, learn to defend and win the ball to attack.
Coaching Points:
Arrive at the ball quickly
Slow down as you get close
Get low and deny
Wait for a trigger to bite or block
bad touch
attacker’s head is down
attacker turns their back
13) Team Based Competitions Week (July 20th - July 26th)
Objective: Players will use the last 3 weeks of learnings to compete in activities that will allow them to put their learnings into competitions that are game translatable.
14) Cuts and Turns (July 27th - August 2nd)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to effectively change directions at tempo while recognizing the spaces around them.
Coaching points:
Analyze the spaces (Dead-end or open?)
Select angle to cut (Forwards or secure?)
Select touch type (inside, outside, disguise)
Changing directions with one touch
Ball 1st, hips 2nd
Effective ball protection (safe side)
15) Aerial Finishing (August 3rd - August 9th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to properly contact the ball off a cross in the air. Players will learn specific situations to use these striking techniques.
Volley:
Body Shape (Straight hips towards goal)
Toes down and ankle locked, laces contact
Timing of Strike (height)
Controlled follow through
Bravery!
Headers:
Engage neck
Contact with forehead
Follow through towards target
16) Protecting & Shielding (August 10th - August 16th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to effectively use their bodies to protect the ball from defenders.
Coaching Points:
First to the ball
Shift weight towards defender (Low hips)
Create maximum separation (side on body shape, ball far away, arm up!)
Whats next? “Vision while protecting”
Use the defenders momentum to spin
17) Speed of Play Competitions Week (August 17th - August 23rd)
Objective: Players will use the last 3 weeks of learnings to compete in speed of play competitions that will allow them to put their learnings into competitions that are game translatable.
18) Turning In the 1/2 Space (August 24th - August 30th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to be comfortable turning under pressure within the lines.
Coaching Points:
Analyze the space
Double movement while scanning to arrive in the space
Open body shape
Select part of body for touch (Inside, outside, laces, chest, thigh, etc)
Select touch type (clear or disguise)
Drive at speed
Next action! (pass, shot, dribble)
19) Vision and Awareness (August 31st - September 6th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to affectively scan and play while receiving the ball, recognizing space, defenders and teammates. The ultimate objective is to be able to have plan A and plan B before ball is received.
Coaching Points:
Double movement to shake defender
Demand ball
See space in front
Technique of Shoulder Check
Side on body shape “check shoulder not back”
Length of check - “take a picture not video”
Timing of Shoulder Check - For short pass, before the pass is made
Check too early? Picture behind can change
Check too late? Technique fails
Body shape
Facing desired direction
Facing away from desired direction (disguised)
20) Aerial Control (September 7th - September 13th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to control the ball from the air using all parts of their body and get more shots on target while the ball is in the air.
Coaching Points:
Effective ball protection (safe side)
Body Shape
Technique of touch (inside, outside, laces, body)
Timing of control (height)
Effective cushioning of the ball
Bravery!
21) Creativity Competitions Week (September 14th - September 20th)
Objective: Players will use the last 3 weeks of learnings to compete in creativity activities that will allow them to put their learnings into competitions that are game translatable.
1v1 Battles Block
23) 1v1 Attacking (September 21st - September 27th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to beat defenders by both dribbles and a double pass with teammate
Coaching Points:
Commit defender
Analyze space between defender and ball
Analyze space behind defender
Decision: Dribble or pass (try to add disguise)
Change of pace after ball beats defender ball
24) 1v1 Defending (September 28th - October 4th)
Objective: To become confident in 1v1 duels against attackers, learn to defend and win the ball so we can attack.
Coaching Points:
Arrive at the ball quickly
Slow down as you get close
Get low and delay
Wait for a trigger to win the ball
bad touch
attacker’s head is down
attacker turns their back
25) 1v1 Battles Competitions Week (October 5th - October 11th)
Objective: Players will use the last 2 weeks of learnings to compete in 1v1 activities that will allow them to put their learnings into competitions that are game translatable.
26) ???(October 12th - October 18th)
27) ??? (October 19th - October 25th)
28) ??? (October 26th - October 30th)
2) Vision and Awareness (November 10th to November 16th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to effectively scan and play while receiving the ball, recognizing space, defenders and teammates. The ultimate objective is to be able to have plan A and plan B before ball is received.
Coaching Points:
Double movement to shake defender
Demand ball
See space in front
Technique of Shoulder Check
Side on body shape “check shoulder not back”
Length of check - “take a picture not video”
Timing of Shoulder Check - For short pass, before the pass is made
Check too early? Picture behind can change
Check too late? Technique fails
Body shape
Facing desired direction
Facing away from desired direction (disguised)
3) Delay, Deny, Destroy (November 17th to November 23rd)
Objective: To become confident in 1v1 duels against attackers, learn to defend and win the ball so we can attack.
Coaching Points:
Arrive at the ball quickly
Slow down as you get close
Get low and delay
Wait for a trigger to win the ball
Bad touch
Attacker’s head is down
Attacker turns their back
4) Mini Games Week (November 24th to November 30th)
Objective: Players will have the freedom to enjoy competitive mini games in an attempt to show, perform and execute the previous 3 weeks of learnings. Players will be given tips and encouragement on how to translate 1UP training topics into their club training sessions, and more importantly, their club matches! Enjoy the Process!!!
5) Attacking Transitions (December 1st to December 7th)
Objective: Players will gain the tools necessary to begin transitions, allowing them to control all moments of the game.
Coaching Points:
Commit defender
Analyze space between defender and ball
Analyze space behind defender
Decision: Dribble or pass (try to add disguise)
Change of pace after ball beats defender
6) Defensive Transitions (December 8th to December 14th)
Objective: Players will gain the tools necessary to stop counter attacks, allowing them to control all moments of the game.
Coaching Points:
Arrive at the ball quickly
Slow down as you get close
Get low and delay
Wait for a trigger to win the ball
Bad touch
Attacker’s head is down
Attacker turns their back
7) Mini Games Week (December 15th to December 19th)
Objective: Players will have the freedom to enjoy competitive mini games, in an attempt to show, perform and execute the previous 2 weeks of learnings. Players will be given tips and encouragement on how to translate 1UP training topics into their club training sessions, and more importantly, their club matches! Enjoy the Process!!!
Goal-Scoring Month!
For the month of January, all topics will be focused on striking and scoring in all areas of the game. There will be topics on Advanced Finishing, Volleys & Acrobatic Finishes, In The Box Finishing and more!
8) In The Box Finishing (January 5th to January 11th)
Objective: Players will gain the instincts of a striker and finish in small spaces under pressure.
Coaching Points:
Early Decision
Change of speed into the box
Body shape set early (clear or disguise?)
Body over the ball
Accuracy over power, aim for bottom corners
9) Volleys, Headers, & Acrobatic Finshes (January 12th to January 18th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to properly contact the ball off a cross in the air and will learn specific situations to use these striking techniques.
Volley:
Body Shape (Straight hips towards goal)
Toes down and ankle locked, laces contact
Timing of Strike (height)
Controlled follow through
Bravery!
Headers:
Engage neck
Contact with forehead
Follow through towards target
10) Advanced Finishing(January 19th to January 25th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to finish chances in and around the box, with three of the most clinical shooting techniques when in tight situations.
Coaching Points:
Whips (inside of foot) & Trivela (Outside of foot)
Hips Facing Corner Flag
Contact Cheek of ball, with inside (toes up)
Close hips sharply during contact
Big follow through
Chip
Hips facing target
Contact chin of the ball, with top of the toes
NO FOLLOW THROUGH
11) Competitions Week! (January 26th to February 1st)
Objective: Players will have the freedom to enjoy competitive finishing sessions, in an attempt to show, perform and execute the previous 3 weeks of learnings. Players will be given tips and encouragement on how to translate 1UP training topics into their club training sessions, and more importantly, their club matches! Every player gets a wristband, every goal they score, they get a tally! The player with the most goals at the end wins! Enjoy the Process!!!
12) GegenPress(February 2nd to February 8th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to win the ball off of a set press to create positive attacking chances.
Coaching Points:
Arrive at the ball quickly
Slow down as you get close
Get low and delay
Wait for a trigger to win the ball
Bad touch
Attacker’s head is down
Attacker turns their back
13) Turning In the 1/2 Space (February 9th to February 12th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to be comfortable turning under pressure within the lines.
Coaching Points:
Analyze the space
Double movement while scanning to arrive in the space
Open body shape
Select part of body for touch (Inside, outside, laces, chest, thigh, etc)
Select touch type (clear or disguise)
Drive at speed
Next action! (pass, shot, dribble)
14) Protecting and Shielding (February 17th to February 22nd)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to effectively use their bodies to protect the ball from defenders.
Coaching Points:
First to the ball
Shift weight towards defender (Low hips)
Create maximum seperation (side on body shape, ball far away, arm up!)
Whats next? “Vision while protecting”
15) Mini Games Week (February 23rd to March 1st)
Objective: Players will have the freedom to enjoy competitive mini games, in an attempt to show, perform and execute the previous 2 weeks of learnings. Players will be given tips and encouragement on how to translate 1UP training topics into their club training sessions, and more importantly, their club matches! Enjoy the Process!!!
Position Specific Month!
For the month of March, all topics will be focused on developing players ability and knowledge of each position on the pitch. There will be individual weeks developing the techniques and habits of Defenders (FB/CB), Midfielders (6,8,10), and Attackers (ST/RW/LW) with a games week for players to play multiple positions in a match.
16) Defender(Center Back/Full Back) (March 2nd to March 8th)
Objective: Giving players the tools of a Center-Back and Full-Back.
Coaching Points:
Full back
Dictate the attackers movement
Regain possession to play forward
Effective angle of hips
Effective first touch
Center Back
Step to close space
Effective weight shift
Commanding
Calm in possession
Ruthless to win the ball
17) Midfielder(6,8, & 10) (March 9th to March 14th)
Objective: Giving players the tools of a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and attacking midfielder.
Coaching Points:
Effective angle of hips
Scanning when arriving in space
First touch
Dictate speed of play(when to go, when to play slow)
Texture of pass(weight, curve, safe foot)
Willingness to get in the cut back zone(2nd phase finishes)
18) Attacker(Winger/Striker) (March 15th to March 22nd)
Objective: Giving players the tools of a winger and striker.
Effective ball protection
Creativity & Disguise in the final 3rd
Clinical in final action
Set + spin
Change of speed
19) Mini Games Week (March 23rd to March 29th)
Objective: Players will have the freedom to enjoy competitive mini games, in an attempt to show, perform and execute the previous 2 weeks of learnings. Players will be given tips and encouragement on how to translate 1UP training topics into their club training sessions, and more importantly, their club matches! Enjoy the Process!!!
20) Volleys & Aerial Control (March 30th to April 2nd)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to control the ball from the air using all parts of their body and get more shots on target while the ball is in the air.
Coaching Points:
Effective ball protection (safe side)
Body Shape
Technique of touch (inside, outside, laces, body)
Timing of control (height)
Effective cushioning of the ball
Bravery!
21) isolated 1v1s (April 7th to April 12th)
Objective: Players will gain the ability to beat an isolated defender by both on the dribble and a double pass with a teammate.
Coaching Points:
Commit defender
Analyze space between defender and ball
Analyze space behind defender
Decision: Dribble or pass (try to add disguise)
Change of pace after ball beats defender ball
22) Tiki Taka and 1-2’s(April 13th to April 19th)
Objective: Quick combinations with 1-2’s to have players think quickly and make decisions before they get the ball.
Coaching Points:
Scan and Plan
Analyze space between defender and ball
Analyze space behind defender
Play and Move
Change of pace after ball beats defender ball
23) Mini Games Week (April 20th to April 26th)
Objective: Players will have the freedom to enjoy competitive mini games, in an attempt to show, perform and execute the previous 2 weeks of learnings. Players will be given tips and encouragement on how to translate 1UP training topics into their club training sessions, and more importantly, their club matches! Enjoy the Process!!!