shooting 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).

Discover our shooting U17 drills

Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations

Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations

15 min
10-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U14
Offensive situation where the attacker plays under pressure and relies on two supports to create a 2v1 and find the best shooting option....
Shooting and using support during the build-up play

Shooting and using support during the build-up play

10 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U16
Very dynamic drill where the player must serve a winger on the run to initiate the counterattack....
Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger

Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger

15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
Defensive duel to recover the ball before immediately launching a winger in a counterattack....
Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third

Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U15
Exercise with 3 teams of 4 to work on managing danger in the final third, effectively closing down shooting and crossing angles, and defensive cohesion around the goalkeeper....
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
U15 - U14
3v3 midfield build-up exercise with the requirement to find a target forward in the final third before being able to finish....
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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.
3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
3v3 shooting sequence where players use the wide players as support before attacking the shooting area....
Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing

Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Individual drill for a forward with a curved run, directional control, followed by a quick double shooting into two mini-goals....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U16
Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
This double station, inspired by a training session from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is ideal for working on positioning during attacking combinations. Emphasize the importance of positioning on the field, as well as body positioning in relation to the ball....
Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team

Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Exercise used during a training camp with the Spanish national team, it allows your players to work on the weight and accuracy of the final pass, especially when they are facing away from the goal....
J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area

J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area

15 min
4-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session in 2021 at Liverpool, this highly intense drill allows for multiple shots around the edge of the penalty area, always in one-touch play....
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....
Using width in a double situation in 4v4

Using width in a double situation in 4v4

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U14
Tactical drill that allows your players to better use width with a focus on the transition phase between ball recovery and the counterattack....
Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play

Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play

15 min
7-21 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U18
With these 3 phases of shooting, this drill used by Jurgen Klopp will allow you to work on shooting, of course, but also the final pass and play around the penalty area....
Shooting drills with attacking combinations and support player

Shooting drills with attacking combinations and support player

20 min
8-22 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U16
A very dynamic exercise appreciated by players, it will allow you to work on offensive combinations as well as shooting from different angles: strike, shot, and 2v1....
One-touch offensive combinations with shooting

One-touch offensive combinations with shooting

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
A very simple exercise to set up, but it allows for numerous variations. You will work on several attacking combinations as well as the timing and precision of passes....
Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones

Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U14
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....
Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play

Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play

18 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Finishing workshop with 3 different phases of play that will allow your players to effectively work on various aspects specific to shooting, such as positioning in relation to the ball or their relationship to space....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels

Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
This two-step drill is inspired by an exercise implemented by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. It's ideal for working on attacking and defensive transitions in the defensive third of the field....
J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions

J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U17
Used by Jurgen Klopp during his time at Borussia Dortmund, this drill is perfect for working on quick attacks against a disorganized opponent, and thus perfecting the attacking transition in the high area of the field....
Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U18
Used in the Spanish national team, this drill helps work on duels at the edge of the penalty area, as well as switches of play. A very dynamic exercise and generally appreciated by players!...
Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting

Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting

20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Used by Unai Emery at Arsenal (2018), this attacking circuit emphasizes timing and speed of execution....
Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery

Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Simple exercise to set up, but it allows you to work on many aspects, from decision-making to shooting, including the trajectory of runs....
2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back

2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U14
Thanks to this 2v1 exercise with various progressions, you will be able to train your defenders with their backs to the goal, progressing to a 2v2 with a defender tracking back....
Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
On the agenda for this exercise: shooting, decision-making, and reaction time. An exercise that players generally enjoy a lot....
Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)

Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)

18 min
14-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U19
Inspired by an exercise used by the Spanish national team, this 5v5 small-sided game with support will allow you to work on several attacking combinations against a team that defends in a low block....
First touch and shooting within the box

First touch and shooting within the box

20 min
7-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
A very dynamic exercise that will allow your players to work on their first touch and shooting in the heart of the penalty area. Numerous progressions are possible....
Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work

Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U14
A highly dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on shooting with 1v1 duels on crosses. Ideal for U14-U15 but can be applied to different age groups (by adjusting the distances)....
Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal

Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U14
Shooting practice following a passing sequence inspired by the famous Tiki Taka used by FC Barcelona. Feel free to use variations to add tempo to the exercise....
Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U15
Creative exercise allowing you to work on attacking-defensive transitions with a double 2v1 and a combination of passes. Use the suggested variations to make the exercise closer to real match conditions....
Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)

Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Non-contact drill that will allow you to work on shooting and quick attacking sequences with a shot at the end of a slalom. Ideal for adding tempo to your session....
Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
Highly appreciated by players, this shooting exercise followed by an attacking-defensive transition and a 2v2 duel is ideal for working on various offensive combinations. Numerous variations are possible....
Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players

Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
This drill combining various attacking combinations is ideal for working on shooting from different aspects: shooting at the edge of the box, cut-back cross, etc....
The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work

The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work

20 min
10-19 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U17
How to work on defensive duels? Here you will have the opportunity to tackle numerous defensive situations in 1v1 then 2v2 from different angles. A rather intense exercise!...
Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2

Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U13
Exercise to work on attacking combinations and the final action in front of the goal. The sequence ends with a 2v2 duel, progressing to a 3v2 situation with a numerical advantage....
Jurgen Klopp's offensive combination with a double cross in front of the goal

Jurgen Klopp's offensive combination with a double cross in front of the goal

20 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
With this passing drill that ends with a double cross in front of the goal, you will be able to work on different aspects of shooting. Remember to vary the routes whenever you have the opportunity....
Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill

Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U18
Used at Bayern Munich, this technical circuit consists of a sequence of passes, mini speed drills, and concludes with shooting on a full-size goal....
Finishing exercise with diamond passing game

Finishing exercise with diamond passing game

15 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Finishing workshop focused on the repetition of techniques with a passing circuit where you can implement many variations: changing sides, pass and follow with shooting, 2v1 situation, etc....
Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2

Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U19 - Seniors
Used at Liverpool, this shooting exercise with a 3v2 attacking transition is ideal for practicing classic moves and working on positioning in front of the goal....
Shooting practice with slalom and body feint

Shooting practice with slalom and body feint

15 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U16
Ideal drill for working on shooting with a slalom, a pass into the run, and a body feint. It will allow you to work on strikes in a rhythmic manner, even with a large number of players....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
Quickly combine around and inside the penalty area

Quickly combine around and inside the penalty area

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U19
A very interesting drill to work on attacking combinations, it will allow you to multiply sequences at high intensity. Ideal for energizing a session!...
Combine in a 2v1 to eliminate the direct opponent

Combine in a 2v1 to eliminate the direct opponent

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U14
This drill is ideal for working on direct elimination in match situations, while using sideways support and finishing near the edge of the penalty area....
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 - U20
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)....
Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

18 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U16
Shooting drill with numerous variations, this exercise will definitely appeal to your attacking players. Directional controls, shots, quickness: it's all there!...
Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Drill conducted by Manchester City in 2016 during a pre-season training session, it perfectly combines numerous aspects such as athletic work, agility, shooting, and precision of passes....
3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U19 - Seniors
Possession, forward passes, layoff, and shooting on a full-size goal. This is a variation of a passing drill that brings together all the elements to offer a quality drill to your players....
One-touch shooting with diagonal run

One-touch shooting with diagonal run

12 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
This mirrored drill allows players to work on one-touch shooting through repetition. It enables your players to use a diagonal run and move behind a teammate to provide an option....
Combined attacking play with a through ball

Combined attacking play with a through ball

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U19
This drill, conducted in a confined space, allows for practicing offensive combinations. It is designed to develop team coordination, playing between the lines to prepare for the final pass....
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles

15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U13 - U14
Ideal drill to train your players on 2v2 and basic tactical principles (to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for attackers, and pressuring the ball carrier and defensive cover for defenders)....
1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

1v1 Duel Facing the Goal

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U13
Excellent 1v1 drill allowing your players to practice both the duel as the last defender (defensive) and the duel facing the goal to finish an action (offensive)....
Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U18
Excellent exercise for your forwards to practice quick combinations as well as crossing and shooting accurately....
Attacker Technique: Combination and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination and Shooting

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U18
Ideal exercise for training your forwards on offensive combinations (in pairs and threes) and shooting in front of the goal....
Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

25 min
15-17 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U20
Through a 2v2 drill ending with a shot, your players work on ball retention and recovery as well as shooting in front of the goal....
Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control

Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control

20 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U20
By having players practice shooting without controlling the ball at the end of a run, they work on both their quickness and speed of execution in ball control, as well as their accuracy in front of goal....
Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal

Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal

15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U20
By asking your players to combine on one side, they practice getting open and being available for their teammates. They also work on shooting and quick consecutive passes....
Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area

Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U17
Back pass followed by a 2v2 near the penalty area. An exercise your players will definitely enjoy!...
Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run

Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run

14 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U17
Pass into the run, dribbling, cross, and off-the-ball run to the near post... All the elements are combined in this drill to train your players under the best conditions!...
Shot then defensive transition in 1v1

Shot then defensive transition in 1v1

10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
The individual attacking-to-defensive transition is one of the most important aspects of modern soccer, yet it is often overlooked during certain sessions. Here is an exercise that should address this!...
5v5 Shooting Game

5v5 Shooting Game

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U17
Simple but incredibly effective drill to work on shooting. Find the right angle, position yourself, strike, all while simulating match situations....
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - U19
Ideal for learning to counterattack quickly and advance as a team. The defensive aspect is also present in this exercise, perfect for working your defenders!...

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