defensive transition U18 soccer drills

defensive transition U18 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the defensive transition aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

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José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

Exercise used by José Mourinho at Real Madrid, it will allow you to work on counter-pressing in an 8v4 situation with 4 support players. Be sure to close down spaces immediately after losing possession!

Animation: José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
Mark out a 30x30m area and then place 2 large goals on each width. Then form a team of 4 players and a team of 8 players. The team of 4 positions itself in the area, and the team of 8 places 4 players in the area and 2 players on each length of the field.

The exercise starts with a 4vs4 within the area with 4 players as support. The objective for the team with a numerical advantage is to complete a series of 8 consecutive passes before being able to score. The objective of the defending team is to recover the ball and score without a pass limit.

Upon losing the ball, the players on the sides must quickly close the spaces and press the ball carrier. The idea is to perform a counter-pressing and recover the ball within 6 to 8 seconds after losing it.

The rules of the exercise are as follows: 
  1. The players with a numerical advantage are limited to 2 touches of the ball. The opposing players (the team of 4) have no touch limit.
  2. The team of 8 scores a point for each series of 8 consecutive passes.
  3. The team of 4 scores 1 point if they recover the ball and score on the large goal. If the opposing team recovers the ball within 6 seconds after losing it, they score 1 point.

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Defensive transition

Discover our defensive transition U18 drills

9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones

9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones

12 min
18-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
9v9 game in zones to work on midfield pressing, central density, and the ability to play vertically under pressure....
Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5

Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U16
Used during a training session at Manchester City, this high-intensity drill is ideal for working on the attacking-defensive transition and managing numerical advantage. All of this in a spirit of healthy competition....
Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play

Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play

15 min
11-15 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - Seniors
Exercise focused on goalkeeper work and how players move when their goalkeeper has the ball in hand. The goalkeeper's decision-making is essential to determine whether it is preferable to play short or direct....
Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports

Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports

20 min
18-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Used by Pep Guardiola during a training session at Manchester City, this drill will help you work on the attacking-defensive transition in the upper part of the field....
Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2

Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2

15 min
10-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Used by Mikel Arteta during a training session at Arsenal, this drill will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with a 4v2 followed by a 6v4....
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The U18 category includes players aged 17-18 years.
Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players

Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U18
Used by Xavi at FC Barcelona, this drill will help your players work on using width and how to effectively take advantage of a numerical advantage....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6

Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U16
Exercise used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, this 6v6 will allow your players to work on attacking and defensive transitions as well as game awareness. Decision-making and quick attacks will be the focus....
Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6

Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6

20 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Excellent exercise proposed by Luis Enrique during his time at AS Roma, with this 6v6 small-sided game on 3 mini goals, which allows for addressing different themes such as the use of width or playing between the lines....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels

Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U17
This two-step drill is inspired by an exercise implemented by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. It's ideal for working on attacking and defensive transitions in the defensive third of the field....
Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U17
Used in the Spanish national team, this drill helps work on duels at the edge of the penalty area, as well as switches of play. A very dynamic exercise and generally appreciated by players!...
Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier

Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U19
Used by Luis Enrique during a training session at FC Barcelona in 2015, this drill, which places your players in a situation across 3 zones, will allow you to work on finding the free player and playing between the lines....
Jurgen Klopp's Attacking-Defensive Transition with a Reduced 6v6 Game

Jurgen Klopp's Attacking-Defensive Transition with a Reduced 6v6 Game

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Inspired by a Jurgen Klopp exercise, this 6v6 small-sided game (with 6 neutral players) is ideal for working on transitions, particularly the attacking-defensive transition....
José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Exercise used by José Mourinho at Real Madrid, it will allow you to work on counter-pressing in an 8v4 situation with 4 support players. Be sure to close down spaces immediately after losing possession!...
Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)

Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Great exercise in 9v5 to train your players on build-up play under pressure and reaction time to losing possession, while studying the attacking-defensive transition phase....
Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels

Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels

18 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Taken from a session with AS Roma, this drill allows you to work on the numerical advantage in a small area dynamically with 3v2 duels....
Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)

Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)

25 min
18-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U19
Taken from a training session of Bayern Munich (2013/2014), this exercise focuses on working on the defensive-attacking transition in the defensive third with the support of players....
Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square

Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square

15 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
In this 3v2 (and 3v3 with pressing), your players will be able to work on coordinated press as well as transition play when losing the ball. Used by Mauricio Pochettino during his time at Tottenham....
Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5

Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U19
Inspired by a session from José Mourinho at Real Madrid, this exercise focuses on working on the attacking-defensive transitions in the high area of the field. The intensity you demand from your players upon losing the ball will be key during this drill....
Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U20
Highly appreciated by players, this shooting exercise followed by an attacking-defensive transition and a 2v2 duel is ideal for working on various offensive combinations. Numerous variations are possible....
Counter-pressing work by J. Nagelsmann in 10v10 with 4 goals

Counter-pressing work by J. Nagelsmann in 10v10 with 4 goals

20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig, this 10v10 exercise with 4 mini-goals will allow you to multiply counter-pressing situations....
Small group possession in 4 zones

Small group possession in 4 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U19
4v2 possession exercise with switch of play and attacking-defensive transition that will require a lot of focus and intensity....
1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1

1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U20
1v1 duels from different perspectives: first a 1v1, then a defensive transition to quickly move into a 2v1 on the large goal....
Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing

Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Very dynamic drill in the form of 2 possession games in 4v2 with focus on pressing in tight spaces. Ideal for gradually increasing intensity!...
Warm-up with a small-sided game focused on counter-pressing

Warm-up with a small-sided game focused on counter-pressing

15 min
12-21 joueurs
Warm-up
U18 - U17
This drill is ideal for a warm-up before a session focused on counter-pressing work. Remember to gradually increase the intensity during the exercise....
Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone

Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone

20 min
12-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with the possibility of implementing multiple variations....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U19
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U20
A relatively simple possession drill to set up, but with certain constraints that will allow your players to work on transition play and counter-pressing, initiated by Ralf Rangnick....
7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes

7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes

15 min
17-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U16
Used by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in February 2019, this possession game is ideal for working on the positioning and movement of your players....
Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones

Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones

30 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Still based on Positional Play, this exercise allows you to work with your players on quick recovery (gegenpressing) as well as switching play under pressure. A perfect mix!...
Aerial duel, second ball, and dynamic play in 5v3

Aerial duel, second ball, and dynamic play in 5v3

15 min
14-22 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U17
Game-based drill that will allow your players to work on recovering the second ball following an aerial duel, while keeping in mind the importance of the attacking-defensive transition....
4v4 game with line touch after each goal

4v4 game with line touch after each goal

15 min
12-22 joueurs
Conditioning
U20 - U17
Two teams play on a small field and try to score with one condition: every time a team loses possession, they must sprint, touch their goal line, and then come back to defend. Quite intense!...
"Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players

"Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players

20 min
11-12 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U19
Inspired by Pep Guardiola's famous "Juego de Posición," this drill is perfect for working on your players' positioning and their relationship with space....
Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid

Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
The principle is simple: possession in the small central square, then opening up to the large square. In this drill, players learn to quickly transition from defense to attack and from attack to defense. Gegenpressing, or counter-pressing, is an important training objective....
Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking

Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U15
In a 7v7 on a half-field, you work with your defenders and central midfielders on collective zonal defensive positioning and the quick reformation of the defensive block....
Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

25 min
15-17 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U20
Through a 2v2 drill ending with a shot, your players work on ball retention and recovery as well as shooting in front of the goal....
Possession and Recovery in 2v2

Possession and Recovery in 2v2

15 min
16-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U20 - U17
Starting from a 2v2, this warm-up exercise focuses on ball recovery and possession....
Attacking transition and game awareness

Attacking transition and game awareness

15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
By alternating pressing and recovery with ball retention and circulation, your players work on attacking transitions and their game awareness....
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U20
Ideal for learning to counterattack quickly and advance as a team. The defensive aspect is also present in this exercise, perfect for working your defenders!...

Other sub-theme U18 soccer drills

U18 Agility soccer drills

  1. Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
  2. J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area
  3. Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work
See all

U18 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Pep Guardiola's Transition Work in a 5v5 Across 3 Zones
  2. High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
  3. Transition and switch of play with support and neutral players (variation)
See all

U18 Build-up play soccer drills

  1. 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
  2. Positional attack and movements between the lines
  3. Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones
See all

U18 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Active endurance work in 4 phases
  2. Breaking the lines: warm-up with passing circuit
  3. Combinations with a one-touch play circuit and supporting player
See all

U18 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
  2. The 4 Colors of Unai Emery: Quickness and Reaction Time
  3. Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals
See all

U18 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
  2. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
  3. Jurgen Klopp's Attacking-Defensive Transition with a Reduced 6v6 Game
See all

U18 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  2. 3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs
  3. 9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones
See all

U18 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  2. Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense
  3. Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
See all

U18 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. J. Klopp: agility and reaction time training with the ball
  2. Warm-up with Bayern Munich Relay
  3. Mr. Bielsa: working on lateral-winger automatisms with a passing circuit
See all

U18 Duels soccer drills

  1. Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp
  2. Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal
  3. 2v2 Situation and Shooting
See all

U18 Endurance soccer drills

  1. Circuit training: aerobic endurance and explosiveness
  2. High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery
  3. Aerobic training and long balls
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U18 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Athletic circuit with ball: passing and agility work
  2. Anaerobic with interval work in 10/20/30
  3. Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
See all

U18 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
  2. Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal
  3. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
See all

U18 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Possession play and progressive switches of play
  2. Possession game in 2 zones with role change
  3. Collective play in deflection: movement and availability
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U18 Motor skills soccer drills

  1. Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
  2. Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
See all

U18 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting
  2. Build-up play: finding space between the lines
  3. Build-up and transition in 5v3
See all

U18 Overload soccer drills

  1. Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone
  2. 5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces
  3. Possession play and switching against a low block
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U18 Passes soccer drills

  1. Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline
  2. One-two pass and forward run in a passing square
  3. 3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal
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U18 Positional play soccer drills

  1. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
  2. Diamond play with passing combinations
  3. "Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players
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U18 Possession soccer drills

  1. Possession play and progressive switches of play
  2. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  3. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
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U18 Pressing soccer drills

  1. High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
  2. Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
  3. Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
See all

U18 Rondos soccer drills

  1. 5v2 possession game with dribbling exit
  2. Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
  3. Fast Play: Speed of Passing and Play
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U18 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
  2. Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
  3. Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2
See all

U18 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)
  2. Possession play and switching against a low block
  3. Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box
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U18 Support soccer drills

  1. 3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
  2. Transition from one zone to another with positional play in 5v5 (+ 2 central supports)
  3. "Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
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U18 Transition soccer drills

  1. Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area
  2. Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking
  3. 11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wide areas
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U18 Using width soccer drills

  1. Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
  2. Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5
  3. Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)
See all