gaps U17 soccer drills
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Access more drillsAttacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with the possibility of implementing multiple variations.
Mark out an initial space of 30x25m approximately, then place a second central zone of 20x15m inside this rectangle. Form a team of 5 players that you will place in the central zone, and a team of 7 players with 3 players in the central zone and the remaining 4 players in the large zone.
The exercise begins with a 5vs3 possession game inside the central zone. The objective for the players with a numerical advantage is to make 10 consecutive passes without losing the ball. If the opposing team regains the ball, their objective is to find the outside players to create a 7vs5 in the large zone.
When the team of 5 players regains possession, they must play again in the central zone to resume the 5vs3 possession game inside the central zone.
You can work in sessions of 4 to 5 minutes with team rotations.
You can work in sessions of 4 to 5 minutes with team rotations.
Variation: set up 2 small goals and organize a 4vs4 in the small zone, as well as 2 players from each team in the wide zone. The objective is then to make 5 consecutive passes in the central zone before finding a teammate outside to finish on the small goals with one-touch play.
Variation: shooting on small goals
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GapsDiscover our gaps U17 drills
Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17
Dynamic layoff-support circuit where players combine quick passes, directional controls, and support runs before attacking the depth....
3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
15 min
12-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Three-team transition game where two players press the team in possession within a zone, and roles rotate continuously....
Possession game in 2 zones with role change
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
Forward play with possession in 6v3
15 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Possession exercise emphasizing the importance of playing quickly forward with a 6v3 possession and constant defensive pressure....
Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
This drill, used during a training session at Manchester City, is ideal for working on a specific offensive combination with playing between the lines through a passing circuit....
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Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
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....
Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
This exercise used by Luis Enrique is ideal for working on communication and anticipation during a press. It is also very easy to set up!...
Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17
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....
Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
20 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Excellent exercise proposed by Luis Enrique during his time at AS Roma, with this 6v6 small-sided game on 3 mini goals, which allows for addressing different themes such as the use of width or playing between the lines....
Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Used by R. Benitez during a training session in Naples, this drill will help you work on two essential aspects: finding the gap for the team in possession of the ball, and effectively blocking passing lanes for the defending team....
José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines
25 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Used at Chelsea, this drill consists of a 3v3 possession game with two external zones. It will help your players work on passing angles and playing between the lines....
Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting
20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U17
Used by Unai Emery at Arsenal (2018), this attacking circuit emphasizes timing and speed of execution....
Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Used by Luis Enrique during a training session at FC Barcelona in 2015, this drill, which places your players in a situation across 3 zones, will allow you to work on finding the free player and playing between the lines....
Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)
25 min
18-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
4v4 game with 1 neutral player and shooting with a stop-ball
20 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
4v4 possession exercise with an attacking neutral player and 2 channels that allow for full use of width and work on field occupation, even in a reduced area....
3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)
20 min
15-19 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
This exercise involves a 6v6 match with 3 attacking jokers on a reduced field. It's ideal for working on movement and decision-making under opponent pressure....
Direct play with a double 4v1 and a central zone
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
4v1 possession drill with a focus on direct play, while under pressure from a defender. A high-paced session to be introduced after a thorough warm-up!...
Possession play and progressive switches of play
20 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Small-sided game ideal for your players to work on transitions in numerical advantage/disadvantage and implement your guidance independently....
Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone
20 min
12-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with the possibility of implementing multiple variations....
Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones (variation)
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
By encouraging your players to focus on aerial play and facilitating crosses, this drill allows them to work on their aerial game (heading and volleying) while staying in match conditions....
Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U17
Ideal technical drill to grasp playing between the lines, it will enable your players to perform a technical circuit while staying constantly engaged in the game....
Effectively utilizing the spaces between the lines
18 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
This drill is perfect for learning how to exploit spaces between the opposing lines. It was designed to find the free player between the lines and in the space available created by the gap between the defense and the midfield....
Playing between the lines and following up the action (2)
15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Through a 3v3 drill with support, your players practice making through balls to the forward and following their pass to continue the play....
Playing between the lines and following up the action
15 min
4-12 joueurs
Technical
U17
Through a 1v1 with 2 attackers providing support, your players practice making penetrating passes to the attacker and following the action. The attackers also practice layoffs....
Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
In a 7v7 on a half-field, you work with your defenders and central midfielders on collective zonal defensive positioning and the quick reformation of the defensive block....
Zonal marking: defensive positioning and team block
8 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Excellent exercise to train your players on defensive positioning and the team's zonal defense....
Build-up play: finding space between the lines
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Starting with a 7v7 on half a field, your players practice finding open space between the opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play. The focus is also on seeking to stretch the opposing team to open up spaces....
Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Starting from a 7v7 on a half-field, your players practice finding open space between opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play....
Positioning and movement to find space between the lines
20 min
6-8 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Through the build-up play of a set attack without a shot on goal, your players work on positioning and movement to find open space between the opposing lines and offer solutions to the ball carrier....
Collective play in deflection: movement and availability
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Technical
U17
Through a 4v4 passing game with the possibility of support, your players work on layoff play and following their movements to remain available. They also practice keeping their heads up and gathering information....
Other sub-theme U17 soccer drills
U17 Agility soccer drills
- Speed Work and 1v1 Duels
- High-intensity 1v1 mini-tournament (promotion-relegation)
- Dribbling, passing, and diagonal run
U17 Attacking transition soccer drills
- Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area
- Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone
- Attacking transition and game awareness
U17 Build-up play soccer drills
- Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
- Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa
- Shooting and using support during the build-up play
U17 Circuit soccer drills
- Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
- Diamond play with passing combinations
- Offensive "Y" Combination with Support Play and Shooting
U17 Cognitive soccer drills
- Layoff in one-touch play during a passing sequence
- Information gathering, ball control, and passing in groups of 3
- Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1
U17 Counterattack soccer drills
- Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)
- Exploiting spaces in counterattack in the opponent's half
- Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
U17 Counter-pressing soccer drills
- José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
- Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
- Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills
- Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery
- Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels
- Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports
U17 Defensive transition soccer drills
- Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
- 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
- Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier
U17 Dribbling soccer drills
- Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
- Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit
- Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
U17 Dribbling soccer drills
- Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
- Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
- Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
U17 Duels soccer drills
- 1v1 Duels with Mini Goals Following a Passing Sequence
- Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery
- Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)
U17 Endurance soccer drills
- Athletic work with the "1 to 4" then "4 to 1" pyramid
- Alternating small-sided games and intermittent training
- Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
U17 Explosive strength soccer drills
- Speed training: long and repeated sprints over 3 distances
- High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery
- Alternating small-sided games and intermittent training
U17 Fun Game soccer drills
- Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play
- Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
- Agility and information gathering by color and by team
U17 Motor skills soccer drills
- Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
- Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
U17 Offensive combinations soccer drills
- Shooting drills with attacking combinations and support player
- Offensive "Y" Combination with Support Play and Shooting
- Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal
U17 Overload soccer drills
- 3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)
- Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)
- Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals
U17 Passes soccer drills
- Double square: combinations and sequences of short passing game
- Playing between the lines and following up the action
- Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control
U17 Positional play soccer drills
- Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
- 8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
- Practicing the diamond play with shooting on mini goals
U17 Possession soccer drills
- Possession game in 2 zones with role change
- 4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
- 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
U17 Pressing soccer drills
- Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8
- Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
- Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
U17 Rondos soccer drills
- Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
- Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
- Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5
U17 Scanning soccer drills
- Double square: combinations and sequences of short passing game
- Zonal marking: defensive positioning and team block
- Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
U17 Shooting soccer drills
- 3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs
- Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger
- Finishing exercise with diamond passing game
U17 Support soccer drills
- Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
- Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
- Short passing game and direct play with support
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