transition U17 soccer drills
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Access more drillsOffensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
In this comprehensive drill, you will enable your players to work on several phases of play during a numerical advantage in 2v1 and then in 3v2. Many variations are possible.
Mark out an area equal to 2 times the penalty area, then place 2 mini-goals on the opposite width to the large goal. Then form 2 teams (offensive players vs defensive players) and position yourself at the midfield line with the ball source, as indicated in the animation.
The exercise will proceed as follows:
- You will play to one of the 2 offensive players who will enter the field in pairs.
- As soon as he/she controls the ball, a defender will enter the playing area.
- This leads to a 2vs1 where the objective of the team with the numerical advantage is to score on the large goal, while the defender must recover the ball to finish on one of the 2 mini-goals.
1st progression: place a cone between the 2 mini-goals to serve as a 3rd starting point for the offensive players. The players then play 3vs2 still in the same area, and the rules remain the same.
2nd progression: add a time limit (5 seconds) after which a 3rd defender enters the game to form a 3vs3 numerical equality. This will force your offensive players to quickly take advantage of the numerical advantage.
Entry of a 3rd defender after 5 seconds
3rd progression: in this evolution, you will ask a defender to enter the area as soon as his teammates recover the ball, to achieve a 3vs3. This will require the offensive players to work on their attacking-defensive transition.
Entry of a 3rd player upon recovery
The objectives of this exercise are multiple:
- Effectively exploit spaces during a numerical advantage.
- Work on the attacking-defensive transition
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TransitionDiscover our transition U17 drills
Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Opposition scenario where the defensive team must delay the attack, protect the penalty area, and prevent shots and crosses before counterattacking towards mini-goals....
9v9: midfield pressing and maintaining a compact block across 3 zones
12 min
18-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
9v9 game in zones to work on midfield pressing, central density, and the ability to play vertically under pressure....
Defensive transitions after loss in rondo games
12 min
14-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U17
Immediate reaction work upon losing possession through successive rondo sequences. Ideal as a warm-up for a session focused on counter-pressing....
Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Used during a training session at Manchester City, this high-intensity drill is ideal for working on the attacking-defensive transition and managing numerical advantage. All of this in a spirit of healthy competition....
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Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play
15 min
11-15 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Exercise focused on goalkeeper work and how players move when their goalkeeper has the ball in hand. The goalkeeper's decision-making is essential to determine whether it is preferable to play short or direct....
Using width in a double situation in 4v4
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Tactical drill that allows your players to better use width with a focus on the transition phase between ball recovery and the counterattack....
Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports
20 min
18-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Used by Pep Guardiola during a training session at Manchester City, this drill will help you work on the attacking-defensive transition in the upper part of the field....
4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
Attacking-defensive transition of Mikel Arteta in a 4v2
15 min
10-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Used by Mikel Arteta during a training session at Arsenal, this drill will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition with a 4v2 followed by a 6v4....
Xavi: using width in a 6v6 with 4 support players
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Used by Xavi at FC Barcelona, this drill will help your players work on using width and how to effectively take advantage of a numerical advantage....
Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6
20 min
15-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Used by J. Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, this drill is ideal for working on the defensive-to-attacking transition, emphasizing the speed of attacks when the opposing block is disorganized....
Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Used by José Mourinho, this exercise will allow you to set up game situations where the speed of the defensive-attacking transition is crucial, in order to take advantage of a numerical advantage....
Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
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
20 min
20-22 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
Continuous fast attacks with a 5v3 in 2 zones
15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17
This drill will help improve your players' speed in exploiting a numerical advantage during a counterattack. Highly appreciated by players!...
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Exercise used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, this 6v6 will allow your players to work on attacking and defensive transitions as well as game awareness. Decision-making and quick attacks will be the focus....
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....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
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
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
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
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17
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!...
1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
20 min
12-20 joueurs
Technical
U17
This very intense drill focuses on 1v1 duels and quick decision-making. Your players should enjoy it!...
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....
6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
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....
Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
20 min
8-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17
In this comprehensive drill, you will enable your players to work on several phases of play during a numerical advantage in 2v1 and then in 3v2. Many variations are possible....
Jurgen Klopp's Attacking-Defensive Transition with a Reduced 6v6 Game
20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Inspired by a Jurgen Klopp exercise, this 6v6 small-sided game (with 6 neutral players) is ideal for working on transitions, particularly the attacking-defensive transition....
José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
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)
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Great exercise in 9v5 to train your players on build-up play under pressure and reaction time to losing possession, while studying the attacking-defensive transition phase....
Exploiting a Numerical Advantage with 3v2 Duels
18 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Taken from a session with AS Roma, this drill allows you to work on the numerical advantage in a small area dynamically with 3v2 duels....
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....
Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
15 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
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
18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
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....
Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
20 min
15-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
Exploiting spaces in counterattack in the opponent's half
25 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17
11v11 game situation to work on the defensive-attacking transition and exploiting spaces in a counterattack. Inspired by an exercise used by Pep Guardiola, this drill is ideal at the end of a session....
Transition and switch of play with support and neutral players (variation)
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17
A variation of the possession game on 2 zones, this exercise will allow you to develop your team with formations similar to those you can use in a match. Intensity will be key!...
Defensive-attacking transition: switch of play with possession in 2 areas
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Possession game on 2 equivalent zones to work on the defensive-attacking transition in the defensive third. Having a "support" player is key during this transition....
Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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....
Counter-pressing work by J. Nagelsmann in 10v10 with 4 goals
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Used by Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig, this 10v10 exercise with 4 mini-goals will allow you to multiply counter-pressing situations....
Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U17
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....
Small group possession in 4 zones
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
4v2 possession exercise with switch of play and attacking-defensive transition that will require a lot of focus and intensity....
Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17
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....
1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U17
1v1 duels from different perspectives: first a 1v1, then a defensive transition to quickly move into a 2v1 on the large goal....
Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
Very dynamic drill in the form of 2 possession games in 4v2 with focus on pressing in tight spaces. Ideal for gradually increasing intensity!...
Warm-up with a small-sided game focused on counter-pressing
15 min
12-21 joueurs
Warm-up
U17
This drill is ideal for a warm-up before a session focused on counter-pressing work. Remember to gradually increase the intensity during the exercise....
High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
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....
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....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals
15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U17
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
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
15 min
17-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
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....
Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17
High-energy small-sided game with lots of changes in pace, this drill is perfect for working on attacking and defensive transitions and concentration. Your players will definitely love it!...
Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones
30 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
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!...
Aerial duel, second ball, and dynamic play in 5v3
15 min
14-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Game-based drill that will allow your players to work on recovering the second ball following an aerial duel, while keeping in mind the importance of the attacking-defensive transition....
4v4 game with line touch after each goal
15 min
12-22 joueurs
Conditioning
U17
Two teams play on a small field and try to score with one condition: every time a team loses possession, they must sprint, touch their goal line, and then come back to defend. Quite intense!...
Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
15 min
15-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17
An ideal exercise to work on ball possession and quick transitions while adopting the mindset of "Positional Play" and can be performed just as well in pre-season as during the year. Emphasize the intensity of the transitions!...
Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
20 min
11-22 joueurs
Technical
U17
With this drill, players are challenged to find creative solutions to maintain possession of the ball while constantly being put under pressure....
"Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players
20 min
11-12 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Inspired by Pep Guardiola's famous "Juego de Posición," this drill is perfect for working on your players' positioning and their relationship with space....
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles
15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U17
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)....
Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17
By having the defense work on zonal marking starting from a 6v6, your players improve on various tactical concepts: getting open, defensive cover, and balance to prevent the through ball....
Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
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)....
Attacking transition: recovery and retention
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Through this defensive-to-attacking transition drill, your players improve both ball retention/circulation and their game awareness (offensive). Ideal for progressing on pressing and recovery work....
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....
Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting
25 min
15-17 joueurs
Technical
U17
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....
2v2 Situation and Shooting
12 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17
Ideal exercise for having your players practice shooting from a 2v2 situation....
Possession and Recovery in 2v2
15 min
16-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U17
Starting from a 2v2, this warm-up exercise focuses on ball recovery and possession....
Attacking transition and game awareness
15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17
By alternating pressing and recovery with ball retention and circulation, your players work on attacking transitions and their game awareness....
Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area
15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U17
Back pass followed by a 2v2 near the penalty area. An exercise your players will definitely enjoy!...
Shot then defensive transition in 1v1
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17
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!...
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17
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!...
Other sub-theme U17 soccer drills
U17 Agility soccer drills
- Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
- Athletic circuit with ball: passing and agility work
- High-intensity 1v1 mini-tournament (promotion-relegation)
U17 Attacking transition soccer drills
- Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
- Transition and "support players" of Pep Guardiola (in 3 zones)
- Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
U17 Build-up play soccer drills
- Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3
- Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press
- Defensive transition of Pep Guardiola in an 8vs7 with 4 supports
U17 Circuit soccer drills
- Athletic circuit with ball: passing and agility work
- Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
- Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal
U17 Cognitive soccer drills
- Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals
- Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
- 1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing
U17 Counterattack soccer drills
- High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
- Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
- Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger
U17 Counter-pressing soccer drills
- Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side
- Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square
- Counter-pressing work by J. Nagelsmann in 10v10 with 4 goals
U17 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills
- 2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back
- Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
- Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery
U17 Defensive transition soccer drills
- Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
- Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
- Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting
U17 Dribbling soccer drills
- Fast ball dribbling athletic drill
- Pep Guardiola's triple one-two pass with give-and-go and directional control
- Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
U17 Dribbling soccer drills
- Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
- Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
- Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit
U17 Duels soccer drills
- Defensive work in pairs in a small area
- Double 2v1 following a passing combination
- Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3
U17 Endurance soccer drills
- Warm-up with the ball, dribbling, and slalom
- High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery
- Speed work: alternating jogging-sprint on a progressive run
U17 Explosive strength soccer drills
- Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit
- 3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
- Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns
U17 Fun Game soccer drills
- Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play
- 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
- Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
U17 Gaps soccer drills
- Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
- Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones
- Playing between the lines and quick transitions by Luis Enrique in 6v6
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
- Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4
- Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting
- Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting
U17 Overload soccer drills
- Pep Guardiola: Small-sided high-intensity play from 1v1 to 5v5
- Possession and quick counterattacks in a 3v2 followed by a 2v1
- Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery
U17 Passes soccer drills
- Possession game with 3 teams and river
- Dynamic possession game in 4v2 with 2 balls
- Breaking the lines: warm-up with passing circuit
U17 Positional play soccer drills
- Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
- 8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
- Effectively utilizing the spaces between the lines
U17 Possession soccer drills
- Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones
- 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
- Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
U17 Pressing soccer drills
- Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions
- José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines
- José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
U17 Rondos soccer drills
- Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
- Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
- 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
U17 Scanning soccer drills
- Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
- Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
- Warm-up with Carlo Ancelotti's Y passing drill
U17 Shooting soccer drills
- Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
- Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1
- Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
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