attacking transition U17 soccer drills

What does the U17 category in soccer consist of?

Objectives with your U17 players

Some tips for coaching a U17 team

1. Strategic planning: sessions must be carefully planned with clear objectives, focused on specific skills to develop (set pieces, dribbles, build-up play from defense, counterattack, tactical positioning…).
2. Intensity and specificity : at this age, training should be intense and focused on specific elements for each session, with exercises simulating real match situations.
3. The importance of individual and collective development: it is crucial to find a balance between individual improvement and team cohesion.
4. Psychological support: provide mental support to help players manage stress and stay motivated before, during, and after each match. Indeed, this age also marks the beginning of more official competitions at different levels (regional, national…).

What training exercises for U17s?

1. Positional play exercises: Develop tactical understanding by setting up various game situations.
2. Shooting drills: Focus on improving shooting skills in different situations, under pressure.
3. Specific physical training: sessions dedicated to improving a specific element like strength, speed, and endurance.
4. Tactical sessions: representation of real match conditions, testing new strategies and formations…
5. Shooting exercises: varied drills to sharpen effectiveness in front of goal under different pressures and angles.
6. Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating short passing game, direct play: this exercise primarily focuses on goalkeeper development, highlighting how players should position themselves and move when the goalkeeper has the ball.
7. Match simulations: generally conducted at the end of the match to develop quick decision-making and tactical adaptability in match conditions.
8. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola: inspired by Manchester City training, this exercise is perfect for developing a precise offensive sequence, encouraging playing between the lines through a targeted passing sequence.