pressing U17 soccer drills

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Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 2-1-2

Excellent exercise for working on build-up play when your center backs are under pressure. It will also allow your players to work on their automatic movements when executing a switch of play during a restart.

Animation: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 2-1-2
On a half field, place 2 mini-goals on the halfway line as well as 2 zones of 5x5m about 10m from the halfway line (see animation). Then set up 5 cones to form a 2-1-2 system with 2 central defenders, 1 defensive midfielder, and 2 attacking midfielders. Then place 2 players at each cone.

The exercise proceeds as follows:
  1. The left center back starts with a back pass to their goalkeeper, who will then play to the opposite side to the 1st central defender.
  2. This player controls, then plays to the central attacking midfielder who will call for the ball by dropping back.
  3. He/she will then play a one-touch pass to the central defensive midfielder. This player will perform an oriented control before playing to the opposite side.
  4. The 1st player will then call for the ball a step higher in the 5x5m square zone before finishing on the mini-goal.
  5. The exercise restarts on the opposite side in the same manner.

Exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, it is ideal for working on build-up play when your central defenders are under pressure. It requires a 2-1-2 setup but can easily adapt to different playing systems. This soccer build-up exercise allows your players to position themselves better during build-up play, while feeling an opposing presence, which will make them more effective in match situations. As a reminder, build-up play in soccer consists of a sequence of passes and movements allowing you to get out of a situation often under pressure in the lower area of the field, in order to find yourself in an offensive position in the mid (or high) zone.

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Pressing

Discover our pressing 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....
Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third

Build-up in 3v3 and finding the support in the final third

15 min
8-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
3v3 midfield build-up exercise with the requirement to find a target forward in the final third before being able to finish....
Fast-paced 3v1 play with speed and agility work

Fast-paced 3v1 play with speed and agility work

10 min
4-16 joueurs
Conditioning
Seniors - U20
Quick possession game in 3v1 where the reds must finish in a mini-goal before the central player touches the mannequin....
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
U14 - U17
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 - 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....
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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 with quick transitions upon losing the ball

Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
Working on ball possession under pressure with immediate reaction to losing possession to strengthen defensive transition and coordinated pressing....
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
U18 - U14
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player

Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - 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

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....
José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines

José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines

25 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - 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....
Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press

Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
Excellent double circuit used by Marcelo Bielsa, which is ideal for working on build-up play against a high press....
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 - U14
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....
Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa

Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa

18 min
4-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Inspired by an exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill will allow you to take advantage of a 3v1 situation in the wide areas....
Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 2-1-2

Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 2-1-2

12 min
6-14 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U14
Excellent exercise for working on build-up play when your center backs are under pressure. It will also allow your players to work on their automatic movements when executing a switch of play during a restart....
José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
Exercise used by José Mourinho at Real Madrid, it will allow you to work on counter-pressing in an 8v4 situation with 4 support players. Be sure to close down spaces immediately after losing possession!...
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
U19 - 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....
Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square

Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square

15 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U17
In this 3v2 (and 3v3 with pressing), your players will be able to work on coordinated press as well as transition play when losing the ball. Used by Mauricio Pochettino during his time at Tottenham....
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
U18 - U17
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....
3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)

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

20 min
15-19 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - 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....
Small group possession in 4 zones

Small group possession in 4 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
4v2 possession exercise with switch of play and attacking-defensive transition that will require a lot of focus and intensity....
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
U16 - U17
Classic possession game in 4v2 with a central river and quick attacking-defensive transitions....
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
U18 - U19
Very dynamic drill in the form of 2 possession games in 4v2 with focus on pressing in tight spaces. Ideal for gradually increasing intensity!...
High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals

High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U20
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....
Possession play and high press in 2 zones

Possession play and high press in 2 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - 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
U16 - Seniors
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....
Possession and quick counterattacks in a 3v2 followed by a 2v1

Possession and quick counterattacks in a 3v2 followed by a 2v1

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U15
Numerous variations are possible for this counterattack exercise. Your players will work on reactivity, movement, and concentration. That's all!...
Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones

Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones

30 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Still based on Positional Play, this exercise allows you to work with your players on quick recovery (gegenpressing) as well as switching play under pressure. A perfect mix!...
Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement

Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U12
Long passing drill ideal for training your players to find the right passing angle, improve the accuracy of long balls, and work on attackers' movement off the ball....
Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation

Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
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)....
Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing

Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Warm-up
Seniors - U19
By creating a numerical advantage situation for the attackers in a small space, your players work on both game awareness, ball movement, and ball retention (attack) as well as coordinated pressing (defenders)....
Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8

Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8

15 min
16-18 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - Seniors
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

Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U18 - U17
Ideal exercise for practicing pressing and playing under pressure, as well as triggering a counterattack upon ball recovery....
Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting

Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U16
With this exercise, your forwards work on positioning between the lines to provide options in build-up play and attack construction. They also practice shooting....
Build-up and transition in 5v3

Build-up and transition in 5v3

12 min
8-10 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
By creating an imbalance with this 5v3, you allow your players to calmly work on the attacking-defensive transition....

Other sub-theme U17 soccer drills

U17 Agility soccer drills

  1. 3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
  2. Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill
  3. The 4 Colors of Unai Emery: Quickness and Reaction Time
See all

U17 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Exploiting spaces in counterattack in the opponent's half
  2. Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
  3. Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
See all

U17 Build-up play soccer drills

  1. Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press
  2. Tracking back by forwards and involvement in build-up play
  3. Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8
See all

U17 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Mr. Bielsa: working on lateral-winger automatisms with a passing circuit
  2. Aerobic Training for Early Season in 6 Phases
  3. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
See all

U17 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box
  2. Possession and Recovery in 2v2
  3. Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work
See all

U17 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
  2. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  3. Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter
See all

U17 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
  2. Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
  3. 3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs
See all

U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery
  2. 4v4 game with line touch after each goal
  3. Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play
See all

U17 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. 1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1
  2. Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting
  3. 9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones
See all

U17 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. One-touch short passing drill in a diamond formation
  2. Warm-up with the ball, dribbling, and slalom
  3. Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal
See all

U17 Duels soccer drills

  1. Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery
  2. Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery
  3. 1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing
See all

U17 Endurance soccer drills

  1. 2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
  2. Aerobic Power Circuit (15–15–30) in Skill-Based Groups
  3. High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
See all

U17 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Dribbling, passing, and diagonal run
  2. Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
  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. Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3
  3. 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
See all

U17 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier
  2. Effectively utilizing the spaces between the lines
  3. Positioning and movement to find space between the lines
See all

U17 Motor skills soccer drills

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

U17 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Double 2v1 following a passing combination
  2. Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting
  3. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
See all

U17 Overload soccer drills

  1. 5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces
  2. Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
  3. Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)
See all

U17 Passes soccer drills

  1. 1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
  2. Ball control and passing
  3. Finishing exercise with diamond passing game
See all

U17 Positional play soccer drills

  1. Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5
  2. Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
  3. Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
See all

U17 Possession soccer drills

  1. Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
  2. Possession play and high press in 2 zones
  3. Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone
See all

U17 Rondos soccer drills

  1. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
  2. Rondo in 3 zones to find the 9 and exploit the numerical advantage
  3. Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)
See all

U17 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition and game awareness
  2. Diamond play with passing combinations
  3. Rafael Benitez Passing Circuit with give and go, opening, and direct play
See all

U17 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting
  2. 5v5 Shooting Game
  3. Quickly combine around and inside the penalty area
See all

U17 Support soccer drills

  1. Warm-up: working on play with support
  2. 5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces
  3. Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations
See all

U17 Transition soccer drills

  1. Shot then defensive transition in 1v1
  2. 1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
  3. Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
See all

U17 Using width soccer drills

  1. Using width in a double situation in 4v4
  2. 4v4 game with 1 neutral player and shooting with a stop-ball
  3. Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
See all