defensive recovery / tracking back U17 soccer drills

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Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1

In this comprehensive drill, you will enable your players to work on several phases of play during a numerical advantage in 2v1 and then in 3v2. Many variations are possible.

Animation: Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
Mark out an area equal to 2 times the penalty area, then place 2 mini-goals on the opposite width to the large goal. Then form 2 teams (offensive players vs defensive players) and position yourself at the midfield line with the ball source, as indicated in the animation.

The exercise will proceed as follows:
  1. You will play to one of the 2 offensive players who will enter the field in pairs.
  2. As soon as he/she controls the ball, a defender will enter the playing area.
  3. This leads to a 2vs1 where the objective of the team with the numerical advantage is to score on the large goal, while the defender must recover the ball to finish on one of the 2 mini-goals.

1st progression: place a cone between the 2 mini-goals to serve as a 3rd starting point for the offensive players. The players then play 3vs2 still in the same area, and the rules remain the same.

Progression in 3vs2
Progression in 3vs2


2nd progression: add a time limit (5 seconds) after which a 3rd defender enters the game to form a 3vs3 numerical equality. This will force your offensive players to quickly take advantage of the numerical advantage.

Entry of a 3rd defender after 5 seconds
Entry of a 3rd defender after 5 seconds

3rd progression: in this evolution, you will ask a defender to enter the area as soon as his teammates recover the ball, to achieve a 3vs3. This will require the offensive players to work on their attacking-defensive transition.

Entry of a 3rd player upon recovery
Entry of a 3rd player upon recovery


The objectives of this exercise are multiple:
  • Effectively exploit spaces during a numerical advantage.
  • Work on the attacking-defensive transition

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Progressez grâce à nos exercices

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