counter-pressing U17 soccer 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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Counter-pressing

Discover our counter-pressing U17 drills

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
U20 - Seniors
Numerical advantage build-up situation (GK + 3 players) to beat the first line of press and find outlets towards mini-goals....
6v3 Positional Play with Mini Goals

6v3 Positional Play with Mini Goals

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
Positional play where 6 players maintain possession against 3 pressing, with objectives of passing and quick transitions to mini-goals....
Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third

Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U17
Exercise with 3 teams of 4 to work on managing danger in the final third, effectively closing down shooting and crossing angles, and defensive cohesion around the goalkeeper....
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
U17 - U16
Opposition scenario where the defensive team must delay the attack, protect the penalty area, and prevent shots and crosses before counterattacking towards mini-goals....
3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones

3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones

15 min
12-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Three-team transition game where two players press the team in possession within a zone, and roles rotate continuously....
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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.
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
U18 - U17
9v9 game in zones to work on midfield pressing, central density, and the ability to play vertically under pressure....
3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U17
3v3 shooting sequence where players use the wide players as support before attacking the shooting area....
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
U17 - U19
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 with quick transitions upon losing the ball

Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
Working on ball possession under pressure with immediate reaction to losing possession to strengthen defensive transition and coordinated pressing....
Possession game in 2 zones with role change

Possession game in 2 zones with role change

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
Defensive transitions after loss in rondo games

Defensive transitions after loss in rondo games

12 min
14-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U12 - U18
Immediate reaction work upon losing possession through successive rondo sequences. Ideal as a warm-up for a session focused on counter-pressing....
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U20
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
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 - U17
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....
4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team

4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12 - U14
This drill, in the form of a small-sided 4v4 game with supporting players, will allow you to address concepts such as transition phases and focus upon losing possession....
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!...
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....
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
U18 - U17
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
U19 - U17
4v2 possession exercise with switch of play and attacking-defensive transition that will require a lot of focus and 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
U19 - Seniors
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....
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
U19 - Seniors
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....
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
U18 - U19
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!...
"Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players

"Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players

20 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
The "Juego de Posicion" popularized by Pep Guardiola is an important element of this game, ideal for a large number of players. Positioning will be crucial throughout the drill....
Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure

Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure

20 min
11-22 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U18
With this drill, players are challenged to find creative solutions to maintain possession of the ball while constantly being put under pressure....
Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation

Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U19
Through a drill with a single goal in the middle of the field, your players work on defensive-to-attacking transitions: pressing and recovery (defensive), circulation and combination play towards attack (offensive)....

Other sub-theme U17 soccer drills

U17 Agility soccer drills

  1. Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
  2. Fast-paced 3v1 play with speed and agility work
  3. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
See all

U17 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. 9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones
  2. 2v2 Situation and Shooting
  3. Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
See all

U17 Build-up play soccer drills

  1. Shooting and using support during the build-up play
  2. M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release
  3. Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement
See all

U17 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Aerobic Training for Early Season in 6 Phases
  2. Forward passing circuit with one-touch layoff
  3. Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting
See all

U17 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
  2. 1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing
  3. Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work
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U17 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. 6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
  2. Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter
  3. High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
See all

U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
  2. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels
  3. Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense
See all

U17 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
  2. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  3. Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
See all

U17 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns
  2. Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4
  3. One-touch short passing drill in a diamond formation
See all

U17 Duels soccer drills

  1. 2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back
  2. 2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles
  3. Combine in a 2v1 to eliminate the direct opponent
See all

U17 Endurance soccer drills

  1. Fast ball dribbling athletic drill
  2. Aerobic Training for Early Season in 6 Phases
  3. High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery
See all

U17 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Speed training: sprint variations in a diamond shape
  2. Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters
  3. High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
See all

U17 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
  2. 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
  3. Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
See all

U17 Gaps soccer drills

  1. 3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
  2. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
  3. Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5
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. Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
  2. Build-up play: finding space between the lines
  3. Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third
See all

U17 Overload soccer drills

  1. Possession play and progressive switches of play
  2. Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
  3. J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions
See all

U17 Passes soccer drills

  1. 1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
  2. Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)
  3. The double passing sequence of F. Lampard
See all

U17 Positional play soccer drills

  1. "Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players
  2. Pep Guardiola's triple one-two pass with give-and-go and directional control
  3. 6v6 with central no-go zone – switches of play and attacks using width
See all

U17 Possession soccer drills

  1. Possession play and high press in 2 zones
  2. Possession play and switching against a low block
  3. 6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
See all

U17 Pressing soccer drills

  1. Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement
  2. Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
  3. Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing
See all

U17 Rondos soccer drills

  1. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  2. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
  3. Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support
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U17 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition and game awareness
  2. Diamond play with passing combinations
  3. Zonal marking: defensive positioning and team block
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U17 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
  2. Shooting practice with slalom and body feint
  3. Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control
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U17 Support soccer drills

  1. Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support
  2. Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
  3. "Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
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U17 Transition soccer drills

  1. Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier
  2. 6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
  3. Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches
See all

U17 Using width soccer drills

  1. Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support
  2. Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates
  3. Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage
See all