counterattack U17 soccer drills
counterattack U17 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the counterattack aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.
Access more drillsHigh press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
Great exercise to train your players in quick attacks following a high press. Offered at Tottenham, it's an ideal small-sided game to end a session.
Discover our counterattack U17 drills
Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger
15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
Defensive duel to recover the ball before immediately launching a winger in a counterattack....
2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U19 - Seniors
Anaerobic speed work with multiple quick attacks in 2v2 from a wide area with the option to use a layoff before shooting....
3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
15 min
12-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
Three-team transition game where two players press the team in possession within a zone, and roles rotate continuously....
Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U18
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
20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U20
Working on ball possession under pressure with immediate reaction to losing possession to strengthen defensive transition and coordinated pressing....
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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:
- 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…).
- Intensity and specificity : at this age, training should be intense and focused on specific elements for each session, with exercises simulating real match situations.
- The importance of individual and collective development: it is crucial to find a balance between individual improvement and team cohesion.
- 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:
- Positional play exercises: Develop tactical understanding by setting up various game situations.
- Shooting drills: Focus on improving shooting skills in different situations, under pressure.
- Specific physical training: sessions dedicated to improving a specific element like strength, speed, and endurance.
- Tactical sessions: representation of real match conditions, testing new strategies and formations…
- Shooting exercises: varied drills to sharpen effectiveness in front of goal under different pressures and angles.
- 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.
- Match simulations: generally conducted at the end of the match to develop quick decision-making and tactical adaptability in match conditions.
- 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.
Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6
20 min
15-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U16
Used by J. Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, this drill is ideal for working on the defensive-to-attacking transition, emphasizing the speed of attacks when the opposing block is disorganized....
Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U16
Used by José Mourinho, this exercise will allow you to set up game situations where the speed of the defensive-attacking transition is crucial, in order to take advantage of a numerical advantage....
Continuous fast attacks with a 5v3 in 2 zones
15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U17
This drill will help improve your players' speed in exploiting a numerical advantage during a counterattack. Highly appreciated by players!...
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U19
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....
J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Used by Jurgen Klopp during his time at Borussia Dortmund, this drill is perfect for working on quick attacks against a disorganized opponent, and thus perfecting the attacking transition in the high area of the field....
6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Exercise combining a 6v4 possession drill with transitions in various phases of attacking-defensive and defensive-attacking play. You can, of course, adjust the distances and the number of players based on the level of your group....
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....
Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Exercise to work on spacing during the defensive-offensive transition in the attacking third, with this 6v6 possession game including 2 neutral players providing support....
Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U20
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....
Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)
25 min
18-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U16
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....
Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
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....
Exploiting spaces in counterattack in the opponent's half
25 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
11v11 game situation to work on the defensive-attacking transition and exploiting spaces in a counterattack. Inspired by an exercise used by Pep Guardiola, this drill is ideal at the end of a session....
Transition and switch of play with support and neutral players (variation)
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
A variation of the possession game on 2 zones, this exercise will allow you to develop your team with formations similar to those you can use in a match. Intensity will be key!...
Defensive-attacking transition: switch of play with possession in 2 areas
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Possession game on 2 equivalent zones to work on the defensive-attacking transition in the defensive third. Having a "support" player is key during this transition....
High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Great exercise to train your players in quick attacks following a high press. Offered at Tottenham, it's an ideal small-sided game to end a session....
Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone
20 min
12-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with the possibility of implementing multiple variations....
Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
This drill is ideal for working on counterattacks in match situations. You can implement different variations to add rhythm to a session and offer a quality drill to your players (exercise used by Manchester City in April 2019)....
Possession and quick counterattacks in a 3v2 followed by a 2v1
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U14
Numerous variations are possible for this counterattack exercise. Your players will work on reactivity, movement, and concentration. That's all!...
Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U20
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)....
Attacking transition: recovery and retention
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U15
Through this defensive-to-attacking transition drill, your players improve both ball retention/circulation and their game awareness (offensive). Ideal for progressing on pressing and recovery work....
Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8
15 min
16-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U20
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....
Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U16 - U18
Ideal exercise for practicing pressing and playing under pressure, as well as triggering a counterattack upon ball recovery....
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....
Other sub-theme U17 soccer drills
U17 Agility soccer drills
- Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill
- Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
- Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work
U17 Attacking transition soccer drills
- Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches
- Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels
- Attacking transition and game awareness
U17 Build-up play soccer drills
- Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)
- Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
- 3v3 (+1) Build-up with mini-goals and first line pressing
U17 Circuit soccer drills
- Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
- Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters
- Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
U17 Cognitive soccer drills
- The 4 Colors of Unai Emery: Quickness and Reaction Time
- Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
- Layoff in one-touch play during a passing sequence
U17 Counter-pressing soccer drills
- 4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
- Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
- Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills
- Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2
- Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
- Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger
U17 Defensive transition soccer drills
- Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
- Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
- 9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones
U17 Dribbling soccer drills
- Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit
- Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal
- Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4
U17 Duels soccer drills
- Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third
- Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery
- Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations
U17 Endurance soccer drills
- Aerobic training and long balls
- Athletic and conditioning circuit in 4 sets
- Athletic work with alternating runs on half-field
U17 Explosive strength soccer drills
- Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
- Speed training: interval sprints on various courses
- Athletic and conditioning circuit in 4 sets
U17 Fun Game soccer drills
- Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play
- Agility and information gathering by color and by team
- Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
U17 Gaps soccer drills
- Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
- Possession play and progressive switches of play
- Positioning and movement to find space between the lines
U17 Motor skills soccer drills
- Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
- Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
U17 Offensive combinations soccer drills
- Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting
- Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players
- Double 2v1 following a passing combination
U17 Overload soccer drills
- Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)
- Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage
- Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing
U17 Passes soccer drills
- Unai Emery: small warm-up game in a triangle
- Passing drills with one-touch play and supporting player
- Playing between the lines and following up the action (2)
U17 Positional play soccer drills
- Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
- Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
U17 Possession soccer drills
- Possession play and progressive switches of play
- Possession play and switching against a low block
- Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing
U17 Pressing soccer drills
- Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing
- Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
- Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
U17 Rondos soccer drills
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
- Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
- 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
U17 Scanning soccer drills
- First touch and shooting within the box
- Positioning and movement to find space between the lines
- José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines
U17 Shooting soccer drills
- Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
- The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work
- Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2
U17 Support soccer drills
- Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
- Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support
- Shooting and using support during the build-up play