build-up play U17 soccer drills

build-up play U17 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the build-up play aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

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Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

This situational exercise is ideal for working on the build-up play phase. Used in Naples a few years ago, you can use it at the end of a session.

Animation: Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates
On a half-field, place a large goal at the midfield line, as well as 4 gates on each side of the field using 4 cones (see animation). Then form 2 teams of 9 players with 1 goalkeeper per team.

The opposition starts and the objective for each team is to score on the opposing goal. However, they must pass through a gate on each side of the field before they can finish their action. After passing through at least 2 gates, players can finish on the opposing goal.

Used by Rafael Benitez during a training session in Naples, the objective of this opposition is threefold:
  • Work on the build-up play
  • Work on attacking movements
  • Work on the accuracy of passes

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Build-up play

Discover our build-up play U17 drills

M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release

M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Ball circulation sequence working on build-up play under pressure on the strong side, followed by a quick switch of play to the weak side to finish in a mini-goal, inspired by a session proposed by Marcelo Bielsa....
3v3 (+1) Build-up with mini-goals and first line pressing

3v3 (+1) Build-up with mini-goals and first line pressing

15 min
7-14 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
Numerical advantage build-up situation (GK + 3 players) to beat the first line of press and find outlets towards mini-goals....
Shooting and using support during the build-up play

Shooting and using support during the build-up play

10 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U15
Very dynamic drill where the player must serve a winger on the run to initiate the counterattack....
Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6

Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Opposition scenario where the defensive team must delay the attack, protect the penalty area, and prevent shots and crosses before counterattacking towards mini-goals....
5v2 possession game with dribbling exit

5v2 possession game with dribbling exit

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U20
Maintain possession in a rondo under pressure, then break out with dribbling after 10 passes to score in a mini-goal....
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What does the U17 category in soccer consist of?


The U17 category includes players aged 16-17 and is often very important in the progression of your players. It's the age where most major clubs send their scouts to the sidelines to discover new talents who may have emerged later. The U17 category is a decisive turning point for young aspiring professional soccer players. At this stage, players already possess a solid technical foundation and enter a phase where tactical finesse, physical strength, and mental maturity become crucial to becoming a standout player. This age generally marks the starting point of a more professional soccer journey, or conversely, a more amateur one. 

As a coach, many new challenges will arise when coaching a U17 team to maximize the personal development of each player while considering the locker room and collective results. The U17 training sessions must above all be dynamic. It's an age where you can start emphasizing the athletic aspect of your exercises while maintaining a good dose of technical and tactical drills. Here is a detailed sheet to help you prepare your U17 training sessions and better choose the exercises to offer.

Objectives with your U17 players


The main objective at this age is to prepare players for the challenges of senior soccer. This involves advanced technical refinement, a deep understanding of game tactics, and rigorous and more advanced physical preparation. 

Simultaneously, psychological aspects, such as pressure management, resilience, and team spirit, become increasingly important. 

Some tips for coaching a U17 team


To coach a U17 team, certain principles should be kept in mind as a soccer coach. Here is a non-exhaustive list: 
  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…).

Integrating recovery periods is also essential to prevent injuries and promote healthy growth.

What training exercises for U17s?


To best help you build your U17 training sessions, here are some relevant exercise ideas:
  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.
Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage

Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Possession-focused drill in 3 zones with the objective of connecting with the 9, then supporting the drive to finish in the mini-goals....
8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones

8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U15
Build-up play and connection between wide players and forwards in an 8v8 structured into five zones....
Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)

Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U14
Possession game where the objective is to connect one goalkeeper to the other by prioritizing the forward pass in a 4v4 with two goalkeepers in the side zones....
Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U20
Three-zone possession exercise to work on reactions to transitions, the disadvantage on the weak side, and movements preparing for a potential loss of possession and counter-pressing....
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
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
U18 - U17
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....
Breaking the lines with passing combinations in 3 drills

Breaking the lines with passing combinations in 3 drills

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
This drill used with youth teams at Manchester City is divided into 3 stations, allowing players to work on different passing combinations to develop automatic movements....
Mr. Bielsa: working on lateral-winger automatisms with a passing circuit

Mr. Bielsa: working on lateral-winger automatisms with a passing circuit

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U19
Used by Marcelo Bielsa during a training session, this drill is ideal for working on the chemistry between fullbacks and wingers, in the form of 2 passing circuits without opposition....
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
Seniors - U20
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....
Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones

Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U17
This small-sided game, used by Vicente Del Bosque during a training session at Real Madrid, is ideal for working on smooth transitions in midfield and quickly getting into goal-scoring situations....
Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3

Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3

20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U16
Exercise inspired by a training session of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, it will allow your players to work on their positioning in a 4-3-3 formation, while allowing the opposing team to practice a high press....
Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline

Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline

20 min
10-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Exercise developed by Marcelo Bielsa and used during his time at Leeds, it will help your players learn to create spaces and exploit them to effectively build-up play....
Exploiting the Weak Side with this 8v4 by Marcelo Bielsa

Exploiting the Weak Side with this 8v4 by Marcelo Bielsa

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - Seniors
Very useful for managing a numerical advantage during a switch of play, this exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa should appeal to your players!...
Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press

Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Excellent double circuit used by Marcelo Bielsa, which is ideal for working on build-up play against a high press....
Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
This situational exercise is ideal for working on the build-up play phase. Used in Naples a few years ago, you can use it at the end of a session....
Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa

Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa

18 min
4-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
Inspired by an exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill will allow you to take advantage of a 3v1 situation in the wide areas....
Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 2-1-2

Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 2-1-2

12 min
6-14 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U16
Excellent exercise for working on build-up play when your center backs are under pressure. It will also allow your players to work on their automatic movements when executing a switch of play during a restart....
Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)

Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)

20 min
11-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U19
With a clear objective, the contribution of several supports during quick attacks, this exercise used by Luis Enrique at FC Barcelona is ideal if you're looking for a small-sided game to offer your 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 - U19
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 play and progressive switches of play

Possession play and progressive switches of play

20 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - Seniors
This small-sided game with a numerical advantage and progression from zone to zone is ideal for youth teams and will help improve concentration while adding a competitive element....
Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones

Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones

25 min
15-21 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Used by Guardiola at FC Barcelona (B team) in 2008, this possession exercise with a numerical advantage is perfect for training your players to utilize the advantage of numbers during an attacking phase....
Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement

Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U14
Long passing drill ideal for training your players to find the right passing angle, improve the accuracy of long balls, and work on attackers' movement off the ball....
Tracking back by forwards and involvement in build-up play

Tracking back by forwards and involvement in build-up play

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U17
Through this exercise, your forwards practice participating in the collective build-up play and the optimal timing of the off-the-ball run on the wings....
Positioned Attack and Offensive Movements (8v8)

Positioned Attack and Offensive Movements (8v8)

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Excellent 8v8 game exercise, your players enhance their creativity and ability to identify, based on their position, the most effective paths to attack the opponent's goal. This exercise also allows the team to work on offensive movements in line with the required style of play....
Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8

Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8

15 min
16-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U16
In an 8v8 setup with one team playing without a goalkeeper, your players practice counterattacking and pressing with a numerical advantage, as well as maintaining possession under opponent pressing....
Positional attack and movements between the lines

Positional attack and movements between the lines

15 min
6-8 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U17
By placing cones that should not be touched, this drill is ideal for training your forwards in building a set attack and optimizing movements between the lines. Additionally, they practice shooting in front of the goal....

Other sub-theme U17 soccer drills

U17 Agility soccer drills

  1. Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work
  2. Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
  3. J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area
See all

U17 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
  2. 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
  3. Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
See all

U17 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Luis Enrique: High-Intensity Passing Sequence
  2. Rafael Benitez Passing Circuit with give and go, opening, and direct play
  3. Pep Guardiola's triple one-two pass with give-and-go and directional control
See all

U17 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Possession play and progressive switches of play
  2. 1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing
  3. 1v1 Duels with Mini Goals Following a Passing Sequence
See all

U17 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition: recovery and retention
  2. Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)
  3. Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
See all

U17 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. 4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
  2. Jurgen Klopp's Attacking-Defensive Transition with a Reduced 6v6 Game
  3. 3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
See all

U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Continuous fast attacks with a 5v3 in 2 zones
  2. Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play
  3. Defensive Block: Positioning in the Game and Tactical Principles
See all

U17 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  2. Aerial duel, second ball, and dynamic play in 5v3
  3. Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
See all

U17 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
  2. Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels
  3. Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
See all

U17 Duels soccer drills

  1. 2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles
  2. Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
  3. 1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
See all

U17 Endurance soccer drills

  1. Athletic circuit with ball: passing and agility work
  2. Speed training: sprint variations in a diamond shape
  3. 4v4 game with line touch after each goal
See all

U17 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Alternating small-sided games and intermittent training
  2. Fundamental endurance with an athletic circuit over 3 stations
  3. Athletic circuit with ball: passing and agility work
See all

U17 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
  2. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
  3. Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play
See all

U17 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Build-up play: finding space between the lines
  2. 3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)
  3. Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage
See all

U17 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

U17 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Double 2v1 following a passing combination
  2. Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal
  3. Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting
See all

U17 Overload soccer drills

  1. 5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces
  2. Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals
  3. 1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1
See all

U17 Passes soccer drills

  1. Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play
  2. Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
  3. Passing Circuit by J. Klopp with Support and One-touch Play
See all

U17 Positional play soccer drills

  1. Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
  2. Build-up play: finding space between the lines
  3. 8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
See all

U17 Possession soccer drills

  1. 3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)
  2. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  3. Possession play and high press in 2 zones
See all

U17 Pressing soccer drills

  1. Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing
  2. Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
  3. Possession game in 2 zones with role change
See all

U17 Rondos soccer drills

  1. Fast Play: Speed of Passing and Play
  2. Short passing game and direct play with support
  3. 5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces
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U17 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
  2. José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines
  3. Forward play with possession in 6v3
See all

U17 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal
  2. Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2
  3. Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1
See all

U17 Support soccer drills

  1. Warm-up: working on play with support
  2. Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
  3. Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
See all

U17 Transition soccer drills

  1. Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
  2. Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
  3. Small group possession in 4 zones
See all

U17 Using width soccer drills

  1. 2v2 Drill Starting from a 6v6
  2. Positional play and movement in 9v7 on 3 goals
  3. 8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
See all