In the world of soccer, talent is only the beginning. To become elite, players must train with a level of structure, consistency, and obsession that goes far beyond the average team practice.
Recently, videos of Lamine Yamal and Martin Ødegaard’s youth soccer training schedules have gone viral—shedding light on how the best players in the world trained during their formative years. These routines reveal two powerful truths:
- They were obsessed with getting better.
- Team training alone was not enough.
If you’re serious about soccer development, or you’re a parent trying to understand what it really takes, this blog will give you a clear picture—and challenge you to ask:
Are we really doing enough?
Lamine Yamal’s Youth Training Schedule
At just 13 years old, Lamine Yamal’s commitment to soccer was evident in his rigorous weekly schedule, totaling approximately 22 hours of training:
- Team Training: 5 sessions per week
- Individual Technical Work: 3 sessions per week
- Small Group Training: 2 sessions per week
- Match Play: 1 game per week
This structure emphasized not only team dynamics but also personal skill development. Yamal’s additional focus on individual and small group sessions allowed him to refine his technique and tactical understanding beyond the standard team practices.
Martin Ødegaard’s Youth Training Schedule
Martin Ødegaard’s path to becoming a professional was marked by an equally intense and structured training routine:
- Team Training: 5 sessions per week
- Individual Skill Development: 3 sessions per week
- Strength and Conditioning: 2 sessions per week
- Match Play: 1-2 games per week
Ødegaard’s regimen balanced technical skills, physical fitness, and game experience. His dedication to consistent, multifaceted training played a significant role in his development into a top-tier midfielder.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Soccer Players and Parents
Here’s what their schedules teach us:
✅ Team training is not enough — Most of a player’s technical growth comes from private training and small group work.
✅ Deliberate repetition matters — These players repeated skills thousands of times outside normal practices.
✅ Obsession isn’t optional — If you want to be world-class, you must fall in love with the process, not just the outcome.
✅ The mental side is crucial — Visualization, journaling, and match analysis were part of their routine before they hit puberty.
How Southside Footy Mirrors Elite-Level Training in Lakeland
At Southside Footy Lakeland, we believe in building technical, confident, and game-intelligent players through deliberate, structured soccer training.
Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to reach the next level, our approach reflects what the best in the world are doing:
⚽ Private Training – Individualized attention focused on skill mastery
⚽ Small Group Training – Intense, targeted reps in a collaborative environment
⚽ Developmental Roadmaps – Clear structure, progress tracking, and long-term goals
⚽ Mindset Work – Growth-oriented coaching, mental toughness, and performance habits
We’re not here just to run drills—we’re here to build players.
Final Thoughts
The gap between average and elite isn’t always talent—it’s how you train.
If your current routine only includes team practices and weekend games, you’re missing the biggest piece of the puzzle. Lamine Yamal and Martin Ødegaard didn’t wait for practice to get better—they created their own path through focused training and discipline.
Want to train like the best?
🔥 Ready to take your development seriously?
Join Southside Footy for private or small group soccer training in Lakeland and start building your game with the same obsession the pros had.
Because talent is common—training like a pro is rare.
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