On the training ground with Roger Schmidt: Part 1

In elite football, the best coaches don’t just have a philosophy, they have a method for transmitting it. This new series offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the training ground of Roger Schmidt, one of the most distinctive tactical minds in the modern game.

Across five parts, we explore five carefully selected training exercises that go beyond fitness or technical repetition. Each one is a tactical blueprint designed to instil the intensity, structure and verticality that define Schmidt’s teams.

From relentless pressing to lightning-fast transitions, Schmidt’s football is bold, aggressive and purposeful. These exercises are not just components of a session; they are the heartbeat of his playing identity. Each drill is used regularly and crafted to embed the core principles that drive his teams’ success.

(1/7) Roger Schmidt’s coaching journey is a testament to persistence, adaptability and tactical innovation.

(2/7) Having originally trained as an engineer, Schmidt began his managerial career in 2004 with Delbrücker SC in the lower tiers of German football.

(3/7) His methodical mindset and analytical approach quickly became evident, and he steadily climbed the ranks, managing SC Preußen Münster and SC Paderborn.

(4/7) His breakthrough came at Red Bull Salzburg in 2012, where he implemented a high-octane pressing system that led the club to a domestic double in the 2013–14 season.

(5/7) This success earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he brought his aggressive, front-foot football to the Bundesliga.

(6/7) Later stints at Beijing Guoan and PSV Eindhoven further showcased his ability to adapt his philosophy across cultures and leagues.

(7/7) His most recent chapter has been with SL Benfica, where he led the club to the Primeira Liga title and the Supertaça.

Series overview
The series is anchored by five training videos that combine dynamic footage with tactical insights and exclusive interview clips. Each article introduces one specific exercise, breaking down its design, tactical relevance and practical delivery, offering coaches and football enthusiasts a clear window into Schmidt’s methodology:

Part 1: Tactical activation through possession and transition I
Part 2: Tactical activation through possession and transition II
Part 3: Tactical activation through possession and transition III
Part 4: 7v7 Pressing tournament – Team tactics in action
Part 5: Conditioned 11v11 – Instilling tactical identity through constraints

Tactical Activation through Possession and Transition

The first training video presents one of Roger Schmidt’s go-to activation exercises – a high-tempo, possession-based game that sets the tone for everything that follows.

The setup

Three teams of four players and two neutral players take part in this game which is played across three zones. At the beginning of every round, each team occupies one zone, with the middle team acting as defenders.

(1/4) The coach initiates play by passing the ball to one of the outside teams. That team, together with one neutral player, tries to complete 10 passes under pressure from two defenders who enter from the central zone.

(2/4) If successful, the attacking team then attempts to switch the ball to the opposite outside zone. The remaining two defenders in the middle try to intercept the switch. A successful switch earns the attacking team one point.

(3/4) Should the defenders win the ball or force it out of bounds(1), the team that lost possession immediately becomes the new defending team(2) in the other outside zone.

(4/4) As an additional incentive for defenders, if they win the ball and can immediately play a forward pass to the third team on the far side, they score a point.

Why it matters

This is more than just a warm-up. It is a tactical activation. It primes players physically, mentally and tactically for the demands of Schmidt’s style. Fast, complex and competitive, the drill reinforces four key behaviors central to his footballing identity:

Forward-thinking play: Players are encouraged to find vertical passes and move the ball with intent.

Quick transitions: The drill is built on rapid changes of possession, teaching players to switch mindsets instantly.

High-intensity defending: Defenders apply immediate pressure, mirroring the aggressive pressing seen in Schmidt’s teams.

Purposeful ball recovery: Rewarding teams only when they turn defensive actions into attacking opportunities.

Design and delivery

What makes this exercise especially effective is the dual scoring system. Teams can score by keeping the ball and progressing it forward, or by winning it and quickly switching play. This reflects the dual nature of Schmidt’s game model: his teams are trained to create chances both in possession, through quick, vertical combinations and out of possession, by using intense pressing and counter-pressing as tools to win the ball high and strike immediately. In this philosophy, defending is not just about preventing goals, but about creating opportunities to score.

The orange team reacts instantly after losing the ball, sprinting into the next zone to apply immediate pressure and force a turnover.

The effectiveness of this exercise depends not only on the setup, but also on how it is delivered. Small adjustments in duration, intensity or flow can significantly affect its impact.

Key 1: Rounds last only 90 seconds, allowing players to operate at maximum intensity.

Key 2: The coach ensures continuous play by immediately feeding new balls into the game.

Key 3: Scorekeeping adds a competitive edge and keeps players mentally engaged.

This design pushes players physically while anchoring them tactically. It’s a mental reset and a clear message: this is how we train, and this is how we play.

What is next?

This opening exercise lays the foundation for the rest of the session. It is not just preparation, it is indoctrination. Within minutes, players are immersed in the behaviours that define Roger Schmidt’s teams.

In the next article, we will build on these foundations with a second possession-based game that shifts the tactical emphasis, while maintaining the same intensity and principles. Stay tuned for more insights into how one of Europe’s most daring coaches brings his bold philosophy to life on the training ground.