A coach running a training session with cones

Session guide

Coach it with confidence

Session guide · Veterans 35+

How to build a training session for Veterans 35+

A 60-minute session, step by step: warm-up, technical, game, conditioning and cool-down, built from the We Are Matchday drill library.

Download the Veterans 35+ programmes PDF All programmes

Session at a glance

BlockTimeActivity
1. Warm-up9 minShadow Defending
2. Technical12 minPassing Diamond
3. Technical12 minTriangle Passing
4. Game16 minWalking Football Match
5. Conditioning6 minBodyweight Circuit
6. Cool-down5 minMobility Cool-down

Squad size: 8-16 · Focus this example: Passing · Kit: 20 cones, bibs in 2 colours, a ball each, 2 small goals, water.

Step by step

10m × 10m

Warm-up · 9 min

Shadow Defending

Mirror the attacker in a low, side-on stance.

Players: 2+ · Equipment: cones, bibs, balls

What to look for

  • Lots of touches, everyone moving
  • Build effort bit by bit
  • Head up, scan the space

Make it harder: Add a ball each / reduce the space

15m × 15m

Technical · 12 min

Passing Diamond

Pass and follow round the diamond, add one-twos.

Players: 6+ · Equipment: cones, bibs, balls

What to look for

  • Show once, then let them play
  • Both feet, first touch out of feet
  • Praise effort and good decisions

Make it harder: Limit touches, add a walking-pace then active defender

10m × 10m

Technical · 12 min

Triangle Passing

3 players, 10m triangle, pass and move to the open cone.

Players: 3+ · Equipment: cones, bibs, balls

What to look for

  • Show once, then let them play
  • Both feet, first touch out of feet
  • Praise effort and good decisions

Make it harder: Limit touches, add a walking-pace then active defender

30m × 20m

Game · 16 min

Walking Football Match

No running (one foot grounded), ball below head height, no contact.

Players: 8+ · Equipment: cones, bibs, balls

What to look for

  • Let the game be the teacher
  • Freeze only now and then, ask questions
  • Keep score to raise effort

Make it harder: Add a target or condition (e.g. 2-touch), change numbers (overload/underload)

12m × 10m

Conditioning · 6 min

Bodyweight Circuit

4 stations x 30 seconds: squat, lunge, plank, glute bridge.

Players: 1+ · Equipment: cones, bibs, balls

What to look for

  • Work:rest ratios suited to age
  • Quality over quantity
  • Stop if technique fails

Make it harder: Increase reps or reduce rest a little week to week

12m × 10m

Cool-down · 5 min

Mobility Cool-down

Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.

Players: 1+ · Equipment: cones, bibs, balls

What to look for

  • Slow jog and easy stretches
  • Recap one key learning point
  • Set the homework

Make it harder: Players lead it themselves

The Veterans 35+ programmes

  • 6-week pre-season: 6 weeks, foci Fitness, Passing, Dribbling, Shooting, Defending. 2 team sessions a week plus a match, with linked solo homework each week.
  • 6-week in-season: 6 weeks, foci Passing, Dribbling, Shooting, Defending. 2 team sessions a week plus a match, with linked solo homework each week.
  • 4-week off-season (solo): 4 weeks, foci Dribbling, Shooting, Passing, Fitness. Solo sessions only, 3 a week.
  • 6-week goalkeeper: 6 weeks, foci Goalkeeping. 2 team sessions a week plus a match, with linked solo homework each week.

Each week in the PDF lists the days, a full session with diagrams and the linked solo homework.

Linked solo homework

  • Warm-up, 5 min: GK Footwork & Set Position – Shuffle across the goal, set feet on cue
  • Technical, 7 min: Wall Volleys – Volley and half-volley returns from 3m
  • Technical, 7 min: Wall Passing – 1 and 2-touch passes against a wall from 5m, alternate feet
  • Challenge, 6 min: Solo Juggling Challenge – Beat your record: feet, thighs, head-free juggling
  • Cool-down, 5 min: Mobility Cool-down – Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones

Set this at the cool-down so it practises the same skill as the session.

Safety and heading guidance

  • Keep heading to a minimum (FA adult guidance: max 10 higher-force headers a week). In walking football heading isn't allowed.
  • Check the area for hazards; goals must be anchored.
  • Water breaks every 15-20 minutes; adjust for heat and cold.
  • Have a first-aid kit and emergency contacts; follow your club's safeguarding policy (DBS-checked coaches for under-18s).

Source: The FA heading guidance. General guidance only; adapt to your players.