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
Discover our gaps U17 drills
Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U14
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
Seniors - U20
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
U20 - U16
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
U14 - 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 - Seniors
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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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.
Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - 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
U18 - U19
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
U15 - U14
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
U18 - 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 - U18
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
U18 - Seniors
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
U16 - 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 - U18
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
U18 - 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
U15 - U16
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
U18 - U19
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 - U18
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
U18 - 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....
Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12 - U16
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
U19 - U20
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 - U16
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
U13 - U16
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
U18 - U19
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
U15 - 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
U15 - U16
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
U16 - U20
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
U16 - 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 - U18
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
U20 - 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
Seniors - U19
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
U18 - U19
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
- The warm-up with 3 stations by Carlo Ancelotti
- Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles
- Speed Work and 1v1 Duels
U17 Attacking transition soccer drills
- Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels
- 2v2 Situation and Shooting
- Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2
U17 Build-up play soccer drills
- Positional attack and movements between the lines
- Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement
- Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
U17 Circuit soccer drills
- The double passing sequence of F. Lampard
- Athletic and conditioning circuit in 4 sets
- Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players
U17 Cognitive soccer drills
- Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1
- Possession play and progressive switches of play
- Layoff in one-touch play during a passing sequence
U17 Counterattack soccer drills
- Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
- Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
- Transition and switch of play with support and neutral players (variation)
U17 Counter-pressing soccer drills
- José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
- Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
- Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills
- Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third
- Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense
- Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports
U17 Defensive transition soccer drills
- Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
- Shot then defensive transition in 1v1
- Attacking to defensive transition with a 5v3 in a dual zone
U17 Dribbling soccer drills
- Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
- Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team
- Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal
U17 Duels soccer drills
- Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals
- 1v1 Duels with Mini Goals Following a Passing Sequence
- Defending with a Numerical Disadvantage
U17 Endurance soccer drills
- Speed training: sprint variations in a diamond shape
- Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
- Warm-up with the ball, dribbling, and slalom
U17 Explosive strength soccer drills
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
- 3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
- Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns
U17 Fun Game soccer drills
- Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3
- Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
- 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
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
- Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
- Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting
- Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space
U17 Overload soccer drills
- Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels
- Possession play and progressive switches of play
- J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions
U17 Passes soccer drills
- Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
- Warm-up with Carlo Ancelotti's Y passing drill
- Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline
U17 Positional play soccer drills
- Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support
- 6v3 Positional Play with Mini Goals
- Practicing the diamond play with shooting on mini goals
U17 Possession soccer drills
- 6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
- 3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)
- Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones
U17 Pressing soccer drills
- Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
- Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones
- Build-up and transition in 5v3
U17 Rondos soccer drills
- "Juego de Posición" in possession 3v3 + 2 at high intensity
- Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
- Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
U17 Scanning soccer drills
- Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit
- Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting
- Diamond play with passing combinations
U17 Shooting soccer drills
- Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones
- Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team
- Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play
U17 Support soccer drills
- Short passing game and direct play with support
- Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
- Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations