build-up play U18 soccer drills

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

Access more drills

6v6 (+2) possession game with play through the central zone

Ideal exercise for working like teams such as Liverpool or Manchester City. A short passing game followed by a through ball into a central area, followed by a new phase of possession. The quality of the 2 neutral players is crucial if you want to give rhythm to this exercise.

Animation: 6v6 (+2) possession game with play through the central zone
The goal of the team in possession is to pass the ball to the advanced neutral player inside the semicircle who plays a pass, one-touch if possible, to the neutral player on the other side of the circle, so that the latter can play it into the new zone.

Here is the exercise sequence (refer to the animation for a better view):
  • Initially, players play a 3 vs 3 (+ 2 neutral players in the central zone) in their half of the field.
  • After a minimum of 3 to 5 passes, players can switch to the other side using the neutral players in the circle zone with a one-touch passing sequence if possible. The neutral players are untouchable.
  • Then, the ball must be passed to a player from the same team inside the other half of the field.
  • If the defending team wins the ball, they continue the exercise by playing with the neutral players, in the same way.

U18 U19 Seniors

Build-up play

Discover our build-up play U18 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....
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
U16 - Seniors
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
Seniors - U15
Maintain possession in a rondo under pressure, then break out with dribbling after 10 passes to score in a mini-goal....
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....
Premium drills - Soccer Coach Lab

Progress with our drills

Join our community of amateur coaches and access 500+ premium drills with diagrams inspired by pro coaches. Get new drills every week.

Access drills
The U18 category includes players aged 17-18 years.
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
U19 - U14
Build-up play and connection between wide players and forwards in an 8v8 structured into five 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
Seniors - U17
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 - U14
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
U17 - U18
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....
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
U19 - U18
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
U19 - 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....
Pep Guardiola's Transition Work in a 5v5 Across 3 Zones

Pep Guardiola's Transition Work in a 5v5 Across 3 Zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - Seniors
Used by Pep Guardiola during his time at Bayern Munich, this exercise is ideal for working on quick execution and exploiting spaces during the defensive-attacking transition....
Working on build-up play with Marcelo Bielsa against 2 forwards

Working on build-up play with Marcelo Bielsa against 2 forwards

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U20
Suggested by Marcelo Bielsa to his players, this drill is ideal for working on build-up play against 2 attackers, particularly focusing on build-up play....
Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline

Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline

20 min
10-18 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U18
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
U17 - U16
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: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
Used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill, in the form of 8v6 game sequences, is ideal for training your players in build-up play and game construction under pressure....
Transition from one zone to another with positional play in 5v5 (+ 2 central supports)

Transition from one zone to another with positional play in 5v5 (+ 2 central supports)

18 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
Used by Unai Emery during a training session at Arsenal in 2018, this drill aims to work on positional play through a 5v5 possession game with 2 neutral 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....
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
U18 - U17
Inspired by an exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill will allow you to take advantage of a 3v1 situation in the wide areas....
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
U20 - U18
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
U17 - U18
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
U17 - U14
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
Seniors - U19
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....
6v6 (+2) possession game with play through the central zone

6v6 (+2) possession game with play through the central zone

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U19
Ideal exercise for working like teams such as Liverpool or Manchester City. A short passing game followed by a through ball into a central area, followed by a new phase of possession. The quality of the 2 neutral players is crucial if you want to give rhythm to this exercise....
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
U17 - U19
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
U17 - U18
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
U19 - Seniors
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....
Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal

Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal

25 min
16-18 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U20
Through a double 2v2, your players practice defensive recovery (defenders) as well as combinations and shooting (attackers)....
Positional attack and movements between the lines

Positional attack and movements between the lines

15 min
6-8 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U19
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 U18 soccer drills

U18 Agility soccer drills

  1. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
  2. Fast-paced 3v1 play with speed and agility work
  3. Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work
See all

U18 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play
  2. 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
  3. 9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones
See all

U18 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press
  2. Combinations with a one-touch play circuit and supporting player
  3. Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
See all

U18 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1
  2. Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
  3. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
See all

U18 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. Defensive-attacking transition: switch of play with possession in 2 areas
  2. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  3. Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
See all

U18 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. 3v3 Opposition with Goalkeepers and Neutral Support Players
  2. 6v3 Positional Play with Mini Goals
  3. Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
See all

U18 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports
  2. Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense
  3. Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6
See all

U18 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking
  2. Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid
  3. Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
See all

U18 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team
  2. Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
  3. Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
See all

U18 Duels soccer drills

  1. Aerial duel, second ball, and dynamic play in 5v3
  2. Defensive play training for the fullback
  3. Defending with a Numerical Disadvantage
See all

U18 Endurance soccer drills

  1. Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters
  2. 6v6 with central no-go zone – switches of play and attacks using width
  3. High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery
See all

U18 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery
  2. Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
  3. Aerobic Power Circuit (15–15–30) in Skill-Based Groups
See all

U18 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
  2. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
  3. Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal
See all

U18 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking
  2. Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones
  3. Direct play with a double 4v1 and a central zone
See all

U18 Motor skills soccer drills

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

U18 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space
  2. Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting
  3. Build-up play: finding space between the lines
See all

U18 Overload soccer drills

  1. 3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal
  2. Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
  3. Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)
See all

U18 Passes soccer drills

  1. Quick attacks by unbalancing the defense
  2. Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline
  3. Passing Square and Quick Combinations
See all

U18 Positional play soccer drills

  1. Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
  2. Switch of play and defensive positioning game
  3. "Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
See all

U18 Possession soccer drills

  1. Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones
  2. Possession game in 2 zones with role change
  3. Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
See all

U18 Pressing soccer drills

  1. Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone
  2. Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
  3. Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
See all

U18 Rondos soccer drills

  1. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  2. Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
  3. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
See all

U18 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline
  2. 3v3 Opposition with Goalkeepers and Neutral Support Players
  3. Rafael Benitez Passing Circuit with give and go, opening, and direct play
See all

U18 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill
  2. J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions
  3. 3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)
See all

U18 Support soccer drills

  1. 3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs
  2. 3v3 Opposition with Goalkeepers and Neutral Support Players
  3. "Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
See all

U18 Transition soccer drills

  1. "Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players
  2. Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones
  3. Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition
See all

U18 Using width soccer drills

  1. Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5
  2. Exploiting the Weak Side with this 8v4 by Marcelo Bielsa
  3. Passing Circuit by J. Klopp with Support and One-touch Play
See all