possession U17 soccer drills

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Possession play and switching against a low block

Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense.

Animation: Possession play and switching against a low block
On a half-field, create a space of about 20x30m on the left side, as well as an adjacent 5x30m area, as indicated in the diagram. Then place 2 mini-goals and 4 mannequins (or constri-foot) with a cone about 35m from the goal on the right side. Then set up a 5vs4 in the large area, place 1 player in the small area, and then a final player on the opposite side at the cone level.

The exercise will proceed as follows: 
  1. The offensive players (here in blue) start with a possession game against the 4 defenders in the large area.
  2. After making at least 3 passes, they play to their teammate in the small area. No defender can press this player.
  3. The player will then make a through ball behind the defense to their teammate on the opposite side.
  4. This player finishes their action on the large goal.
  5. If the defenders regain possession, they must score as quickly as possible on one of the 2 mini-goals.
  6. Change the 2 offensive players every 3 minutes or so.

Progression

After a few rounds, you can propose these different progressions: 
  • A defender can press the player in the small area (only one).
  • Players are limited to 2 touches of the ball.
  • The player in the small area can participate in the possession game (which then creates a 6vs4).
  • Players must make at least 5 passes before playing to the player in the small area.
  • The game is played in the same way, but on the opposite side (remember to set up the cones before the start of the exercise).

U16 U17 U18 U19 U20 Seniors

Possession

Discover our possession U17 drills

Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play

Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play

20 min
15-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Positional play in 4 zones where the team in possession must maintain a 3v3 (+3 neutral players) and then switch of play to another zone after 8 to 10 passes....
5v2 possession game with dribbling exit

5v2 possession game with dribbling exit

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U16
Maintain possession in a rondo under pressure, then break out with dribbling after 10 passes to score in a mini-goal....
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 - Seniors
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
U16 - Seniors
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: 
  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.
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....
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U14
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense....
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 - U13
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....
Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches

Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Used by Claudio Ranieri during a training session at Leicester, this dynamic drill is perfect for getting your players to work on the defensive-to-attacking transition in the high area of the field....
Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support

Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support

20 min
20-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U18
Small-sided game with a focus on possession work and an attacking transition, which forms the core of this exercise. Note that several variations are possible....
6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition

6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U16
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....
Dynamic possession game in 4v2 with 2 balls

Dynamic possession game in 4v2 with 2 balls

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U16
Very dynamic exercise that will allow your players to work on positioning and movement in a small space in a 4v2. A specific feature: some periods will be played with 2 balls....
Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)

Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - Seniors
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....
Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - Seniors
This exercise on 3 zones by Diego Simeone, used at Atlético Madrid during the 2013/2014 season, is ideal for working on the defensive-to-attacking transition in the defensive third, with a situation of numerical disadvantage....
Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5

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....
3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)

3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)

20 min
15-19 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U14
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....
Possession game in 2v4 then 4v8 with central zone

Possession game in 2v4 then 4v8 with central zone

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
Small-sided game with 3 teams of 4 players and a central zone ("river") to work on positioning and movement in tight spaces....
4v2 Possession Game with River Crossing

4v2 Possession Game with River Crossing

20 min
12-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U14
Classic possession game in 4v2 with a central river and quick attacking-defensive transitions....
Possession play and progressive switches of play

Possession play and progressive switches of play

20 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U19
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....
Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing

Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Very dynamic drill in the form of 2 possession games in 4v2 with focus on pressing in tight spaces. Ideal for gradually increasing intensity!...
Possession play and high press in 2 zones

Possession play and high press in 2 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U17
Used by Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, this exercise is ideal for working on the high press on the field and quick transitions. Emphasize the importance of executing the press collectively....
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
U18 - U20
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....
7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes

7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes

15 min
17-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Used by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in February 2019, this possession game is ideal for working on the positioning and movement of your players....
Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack

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)....
6v6 possession game with 2 neutral players and shooting on small goals

6v6 possession game with 2 neutral players and shooting on small goals

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U16
This possession drill focuses on three aspects: space management, passing quality, and speed of execution. With numerous variations, it is ideal for adding tempo to your session....
Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones

Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones

25 min
15-21 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Used by Guardiola at FC Barcelona (B team) in 2008, this possession exercise with a numerical advantage is perfect for training your players to utilize the advantage of numbers during an attacking phase....

Other sub-theme U17 soccer drills

U17 Agility soccer drills

  1. Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
  2. Speed Work and 1v1 Duels
  3. High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
See all

U17 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3
  2. 6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
  3. Using width in a double situation in 4v4
See all

U17 Build-up play soccer drills

  1. Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline
  2. Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
  3. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
See all

U17 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Pep Guardiola's triple one-two pass with give-and-go and directional control
  2. Diamond play with passing combinations
  3. Warm-up Circuit: Speed and Agility Work
See all

U17 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support
  2. Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
  3. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
See all

U17 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. 2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
  2. Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8
  3. 3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
See all

U17 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
  2. "Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
  3. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
See all

U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  2. Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches
  3. Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third
See all

U17 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. 6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
  2. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
  3. José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
See all

U17 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. One-touch short passing drill in a diamond formation
  2. Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
  3. Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work
See all

U17 Duels soccer drills

  1. Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery
  2. 3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
  3. Defending with a Numerical Disadvantage
See all

U17 Endurance soccer drills

  1. Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
  2. Aerobic training and long balls
  3. 4v4 game with line touch after each goal
See all

U17 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters
  2. Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
  3. Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill
See all

U17 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
  2. Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
  3. Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3
See all

U17 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones (variation)
  2. Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier
  3. Small-sided game in numerical disadvantage
See all

U17 Motor skills soccer drills

  1. Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
  2. Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
See all

U17 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting
  2. Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
  3. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
See all

U17 Overload soccer drills

  1. Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
  2. Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations
  3. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
See all

U17 Passes soccer drills

  1. 6v3 Game: Playing between the lines and reactive movement
  2. José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines
  3. Luis Enrique: High-Intensity Passing Sequence
See all

U17 Positional play soccer drills

  1. Rondo and Switch of Play in 4 Zones by Rafael Benitez
  2. Diamond play with passing combinations
  3. Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
See all

U17 Pressing soccer drills

  1. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  2. Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
  3. Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
See all

U17 Rondos soccer drills

  1. Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
  2. 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
  3. Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
See all

U17 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
  2. Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
  3. Information gathering, ball control, and passing in groups of 3
See all

U17 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Shooting and using support during the build-up play
  2. Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
  3. 2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles
See all

U17 Support soccer drills

  1. 5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces
  2. Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
  3. Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
See all

U17 Transition soccer drills

  1. Possession play and defensive-attacking transition with players providing support
  2. 2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles
  3. Attacking transition: recovery and retention
See all

U17 Using width soccer drills

  1. Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
  2. Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
  3. Switch of play and defensive positioning game
See all