tactical U17 soccer drills
tactical U17 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the tactical aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.
Access more drillsPossession 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.
Discover our tactical U17 drills
M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Ball circulation sequence working on build-up play under pressure on the strong side, followed by a quick switch of play to the weak side to finish in a mini-goal, inspired by a session proposed by Marcelo Bielsa....
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....
3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs
15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
3v3 shooting sequence where players use the wide players as support before attacking the shooting area....
8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
15 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U19
Build-up play and connection between wide players and forwards in an 8v8 structured into five zones....
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - Seniors
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
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What does the U17 category in soccer consist of?
The U17 category includes players aged 16-17 and is often very important in the progression of your players. It's the age where most major clubs send their scouts to the sidelines to discover new talents who may have emerged later. The U17 category is a decisive turning point for young aspiring professional soccer players. At this stage, players already possess a solid technical foundation and enter a phase where tactical finesse, physical strength, and mental maturity become crucial to becoming a standout player. This age generally marks the starting point of a more professional soccer journey, or conversely, a more amateur one.
As a coach, many new challenges will arise when coaching a U17 team to maximize the personal development of each player while considering the locker room and collective results. The U17 training sessions must above all be dynamic. It's an age where you can start emphasizing the athletic aspect of your exercises while maintaining a good dose of technical and tactical drills. Here is a detailed sheet to help you prepare your U17 training sessions and better choose the exercises to offer.
Objectives with your U17 players
The main objective at this age is to prepare players for the challenges of senior soccer. This involves advanced technical refinement, a deep understanding of game tactics, and rigorous and more advanced physical preparation.
Simultaneously, psychological aspects, such as pressure management, resilience, and team spirit, become increasingly important.
Some tips for coaching a U17 team
To coach a U17 team, certain principles should be kept in mind as a soccer coach. Here is a non-exhaustive list:
- Strategic planning: sessions must be carefully planned with clear objectives, focused on specific skills to develop (set pieces, dribbles, build-up play from defense, counterattack, tactical positioning…).
- Intensity and specificity : at this age, training should be intense and focused on specific elements for each session, with exercises simulating real match situations.
- The importance of individual and collective development: it is crucial to find a balance between individual improvement and team cohesion.
- Psychological support: provide mental support to help players manage stress and stay motivated before, during, and after each match. Indeed, this age also marks the beginning of more official competitions at different levels (regional, national…).
Integrating recovery periods is also essential to prevent injuries and promote healthy growth.
What training exercises for U17s?
To best help you build your U17 training sessions, here are some relevant exercise ideas:
- Positional play exercises: Develop tactical understanding by setting up various game situations.
- Shooting drills: Focus on improving shooting skills in different situations, under pressure.
- Specific physical training: sessions dedicated to improving a specific element like strength, speed, and endurance.
- Tactical sessions: representation of real match conditions, testing new strategies and formations…
- Shooting exercises: varied drills to sharpen effectiveness in front of goal under different pressures and angles.
- Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating short passing game, direct play: this exercise primarily focuses on goalkeeper development, highlighting how players should position themselves and move when the goalkeeper has the ball.
- Match simulations: generally conducted at the end of the match to develop quick decision-making and tactical adaptability in match conditions.
- Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola: inspired by Manchester City training, this exercise is perfect for developing a precise offensive sequence, encouraging playing between the lines through a targeted passing sequence.
Passing Circuit by J. Klopp with Support and One-touch Play
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used during a Liverpool training session in 2022, this drill helps work on different passing combinations, particularly useful in the heart of the game....
Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play
15 min
11-15 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
This drill, used during a training session at Manchester City, is ideal for working on a specific offensive combination with playing between the lines through a passing circuit....
Possession play and switching against a low block
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
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....
Mr. Bielsa: working on lateral-winger automatisms with a passing circuit
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Marcelo Bielsa during a training session, this drill is ideal for working on the chemistry between fullbacks and wingers, in the form of 2 passing circuits without opposition....
Using width in a double situation in 4v4
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
Tactical drill that allows your players to better use width with a focus on the transition phase between ball recovery and the counterattack....
Practicing the diamond play with shooting on mini goals
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
Small passing drill with shooting on mini goals, ideal for working on automatisms and getting your players accustomed to triangle play when positioned in a diamond formation....
Diamond play with passing combinations
18 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U19
Simple drill to set up but allows working on the diamond shape from different angles and through various combinations. This is actually a drill used by the German national team during a training session....
Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6
20 min
15-20 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
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....
Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
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!...
Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
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....
Continuous fast attacks with a 5v3 in 2 zones
15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
This drill will help improve your players' speed in exploiting a numerical advantage during a counterattack. Highly appreciated by players!...
Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline
20 min
10-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Exercise developed by Marcelo Bielsa and used during his time at Leeds, it will help your players learn to create spaces and exploit them to effectively build-up play....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacks: Working on Transitions in 6v6
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
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....
Passes between the lines with 2 final third zones in 5v5
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by R. Benitez during a training session in Naples, this drill will help you work on two essential aspects: finding the gap for the team in possession of the ball, and effectively blocking passing lanes for the defending team....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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 - Seniors
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....
Exploiting the Weak Side with this 8v4 by Marcelo Bielsa
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Very useful for managing a numerical advantage during a switch of play, this exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa should appeal to your players!...
Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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
U14 - 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....
Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press
15 min
12-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Excellent double circuit used by Marcelo Bielsa, which is ideal for working on build-up play against a high press....
Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
20 min
8-18 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - 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....
Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates
20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
This situational exercise is ideal for working on the build-up play phase. Used in Naples a few years ago, you can use it at the end of a session....
Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa
18 min
4-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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
12 min
6-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
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)
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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!...
Defensive work in pairs in a small area
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
This drill in the form of a 2v2 with support is ideal for working on two-player defense and positioning in tight spaces....
Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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 - Seniors
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....
Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone
18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - 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....
Exploiting spaces in counterattack in the opponent's half
25 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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 - Seniors
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 - Seniors
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....
Counter-pressing work by J. Nagelsmann in 10v10 with 4 goals
20 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig, this 10v10 exercise with 4 mini-goals will allow you to multiply counter-pressing situations....
Zonal defense with a 3v3 in an expanded area
15 min
6-24 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
Excellent exercise to work on ball circulation to find a shooting angle. It will allow your players to multiply offensive combinations while having your defenders work on zonal marking....
5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces
20 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used by RB Leipzig under Julian Nagelsmann, this transition drill is ideal for working on counter-pressing as well as vertical play, a trademark of the new German tactical school....
Combining offensively using a pivot in 5v5
20 min
10-18 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U17
Possession drill that will allow your players to work on offensive combinations using a central player who will act as a pivot....
Positional play and movement in 9v7 on 3 goals
20 min
19-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Used in 2014 by Pep Guardiola during Bayern Munich's summer preparation, this exercise is ideal for training your players in the famous "positional play," as well as the importance of movement....
Creating a numerical advantage in a possession game across 3 zones
25 min
15-21 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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....
One-touch short passing drill in a diamond formation
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
A simple drill to set up but with multiple variations. You will work on passing from different angles. Inspired by Bayern Munich during a training session in October 2014....
Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones
30 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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 - Seniors
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....
"Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
20 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
The "Juego de Posicion" popularized by Pep Guardiola is an important element of this game, ideal for a large number of players. Positioning will be crucial throughout the drill....
Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
15 min
15-18 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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!...
"Juego de Posición" in possession 3v3 + 2 at high intensity
12 min
8-24 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
A typical game of "Positional Play" popularized by Pep Guardiola, which will allow your players to work on the attacking-defensive transition while consistently maintaining a high level of intensity....
Effectively utilizing the spaces between the lines
18 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
This drill is perfect for learning how to exploit spaces between the opposing lines. It was designed to find the free player between the lines and in the space available created by the gap between the defense and the midfield....
"Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players
20 min
11-12 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
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
U13 - 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)....
2v2 Drill Starting from a 6v6
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
By requiring your players to only play 2v2 on half the field, this excellent drill allows them to calmly apply basic tactical principles: to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for the attackers, and closing down the ball carrier and defensive cover for the defenders....
Playing between the lines and following up the action (2)
15 min
6-12 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U17
Through a 3v3 drill with support, your players practice making through balls to the forward and following their pass to continue the play....
Training on Long Balls and Off-the-ball Movement
15 min
8-12 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U17
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....
Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - 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....
Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support
12 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U12 - U17
By limiting the number of passes before the shot and providing deep support, your players practice moving the ball quickly to set up a teammate for a shot. The limited number of passes also encourages initiative and creativity....
Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - 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)....
Attacking transition: recovery and retention
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - 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
U15 - Seniors
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....
Tracking back by forwards and involvement in build-up play
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Through this exercise, your forwards practice participating in the collective build-up play and the optimal timing of the off-the-ball run on the wings....
Positioned Attack and Offensive Movements (8v8)
15 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Excellent 8v8 game exercise, your players enhance their creativity and ability to identify, based on their position, the most effective paths to attack the opponent's goal. This exercise also allows the team to work on offensive movements in line with the required style of play....
Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8
15 min
16-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - 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....
Defensive Block: Positioning in the Game and Tactical Principles
20 min
13-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
In a 4v4 situation within a confined space and with a defense starting with a 3-second delay, your defenders work on the tactical aspect of collective positioning in the game. The attacking players will work on compensation and defensive recovery....
Zonal marking: defensive positioning and team block
8 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Excellent exercise to train your players on defensive positioning and the team's zonal defense....
Build-up play: finding space between the lines
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Starting with a 7v7 on half a field, your players practice finding open space between the opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play. The focus is also on seeking to stretch the opposing team to open up spaces....
Building the Attack: Movement and Finding Open Space
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
Starting from a 7v7 on a half-field, your players practice finding open space between opponents and behind them to offer solutions during the build-up play....
2v2 Situation and Shooting
12 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for having your players practice shooting from a 2v2 situation....
Positioning and movement to find space between the lines
20 min
6-8 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Through the build-up play of a set attack without a shot on goal, your players work on positioning and movement to find open space between the opposing lines and offer solutions to the ball carrier....
Positional attack and movements between the lines
15 min
6-8 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
By placing cones that should not be touched, this drill is ideal for training your forwards in building a set attack and optimizing movements between the lines. Additionally, they practice shooting in front of the goal....
Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - Seniors
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....
Attacking transition and game awareness
15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
By alternating pressing and recovery with ball retention and circulation, your players work on attacking transitions and their game awareness....
Switch of play and defensive positioning game
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Exercise focusing on training your players on switches of play and positional play in defense. It also allows the coach to emphasize either attack or defense according to their requirements....
Switch of play, information gathering, and defensive positioning play
20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U19
By adding a goalkeeper, this drill allows your players to work on switches of play and game awareness before initiating the pass (attack), as well as positional play in defense....
Switch of play, possession, and defensive positional play
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U19
By offering the opportunity to score in multiple goals, this drill allows you to train your players in switches of play, ball retention, and positional play in defense....
Restricted zone: Using the wide areas in 5v5
20 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U17
Ideal exercise for working on space utilization and playing in the wide areas. A simple constraint that will allow your players to quickly improve....
Build-up and transition in 5v3
12 min
8-10 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
By creating an imbalance with this 5v3, you allow your players to calmly work on the attacking-defensive transition....
Possession game with 3 teams and river
20 min
12-15 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Ideal possession exercise to work on passing speed and game awareness on a defined area. Remind your players of the importance of communication during this possession drill....
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U15 - Seniors
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!...
Defending with a Numerical Disadvantage
12 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - Seniors
Excellent exercise to learn how to defend when outnumbered, where it is common for one or two defenders to find themselves at a numerical disadvantage. Show your defensively-minded players how to manage these situations and get your attackers accustomed to exploiting them to the fullest!...
Other theme U17 soccer drills
U17 Conditioning soccer drills
- Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
- Alternating small-sided games and intermittent training
- Active endurance work in 4 phases
U17 Small-sided games soccer drills
- Attacking transition of José Mourinho with quick attacks in 5v3
- High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals
- 3v3 with 4 supports and a central player