tactical U20 soccer drills

tactical U20 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the tactical aspect. Sign up to receive our latest 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 tactical U20 drills

M. Bielsa: Build-up play on the strong side with a switch of play to draw a defender and release

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....
3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

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....
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

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....
Passing Circuit by J. Klopp with Support and One-touch Play

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

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....
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Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola

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

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

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....
Tactical drill by Diego Simeone with defensive transition to attacking Transition work

Tactical drill by Diego Simeone with defensive transition to attacking Transition work

18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid, this drill will help you work on quick attacks during an attacking transition in the central area....
Pep Guardiola's Transition Work in a 5v5 Across 3 Zones

Pep Guardiola's Transition Work in a 5v5 Across 3 Zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Pep Guardiola during his time at Bayern Munich, this exercise is ideal for working on quick execution and exploiting spaces during the defensive-attacking transition....
Working on build-up play with Marcelo Bielsa against 2 forwards

Working on build-up play with Marcelo Bielsa against 2 forwards

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Suggested by Marcelo Bielsa to his players, this drill is ideal for working on build-up play against 2 attackers, particularly focusing on build-up play....
Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6

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: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones

Luis Enrique: possession play in 10v10 across 6 zones

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Luis Enrique with the Spanish national team, this possession game takes place in 6 zones and will allow your players to work on passing combinations and creating spaces for playing between the lines....
Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side

Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side

25 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
This exercise, inspired by a training session of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, will allow you to work on the switch of play from the weak side, in order to directly deliver a cross behind the defense....
11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wide areas

11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wide areas

20 min
20-22 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Exercise used by the Spanish national team, it will help your players get accustomed to using width while presenting them with a specific situation: a 2v1 on the wide areas....
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 - 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

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....
Mr. Bielsa: Creating and Exploiting Space Along the Touchline

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

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

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

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

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

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!...
Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill, in the form of 8v6 game sequences, is ideal for training your players in build-up play and game construction under pressure....
Luis Enrique: dynamic situation in 3 zones with support for the ball carrier

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....
Transition from one zone to another with positional play in 5v5 (+ 2 central supports)

Transition from one zone to another with positional play in 5v5 (+ 2 central supports)

18 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Used by Unai Emery during a training session at Arsenal in 2018, this drill aims to work on positional play through a 5v5 possession game with 2 neutral players....
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 - Seniors
Excellent double circuit used by Marcelo Bielsa, which is ideal for working on build-up play against a high press....
Defensive transition on 4 zones by Jurgen Klopp (9vs5)

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

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

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

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)

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

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....
5v5 attacking game with 4 support players in tight spaces

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....
Positional play and movement in 9v7 on 3 goals

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

"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....
Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid

Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
The principle is simple: possession in the small central square, then opening up to the large square. In this drill, players learn to quickly transition from defense to attack and from attack to defense. Gegenpressing, or counter-pressing, is an important training objective....
Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation

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)....
Collective Defensive Positioning in Zonal Marking

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

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)

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....
Quick attacks by unbalancing the defense

Quick attacks by unbalancing the defense

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
By disrupting the defense and creating opportunities for quick counterattacks, this drill trains your players in rapid attacks and exploiting the disorganization of the opposing defense....
Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8

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

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

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

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

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....
Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal

Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal

25 min
16-18 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - Seniors
Through a double 2v2, your players practice defensive recovery (defenders) as well as combinations and shooting (attackers)....
2v2 Situation and Shooting

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

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

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

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

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

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....
Build-up and transition in 5v3

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

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

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

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!...