technical U17 soccer drills
technical U17 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the technical aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.
Access more drillsShooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
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.
Discover our technical U17 drills
Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations
15 min
10-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Offensive situation where the attacker plays under pressure and relies on two supports to create a 2v1 and find the best shooting option....
Offensive "Y" Combination with Support Play and Shooting
15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Y combination work integrating layoff, support play, and shooting from the half-spaces....
Shooting and using support during the build-up play
10 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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
15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Defensive duel to recover the ball before immediately launching a winger in a counterattack....
Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Dynamic layoff-support circuit where players combine quick passes, directional controls, and support runs before attacking the depth....
Progress with our drills
Join our community of amateur coaches and access 500+ premium drills with diagrams inspired by pro coaches. Get new drills every week.
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.
Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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
15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - Seniors
Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work
12 min
5-15 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U17
In this highly dynamic exercise, your players will be able to work on passing in various forms, emphasizing the use of both feet....
Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Ideal for working on ball control and dribbling under pressure, this circuit will allow your players to express their creativity while working on duels with a direct opponent....
Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
15 min
4-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Breaking the lines with passing combinations in 3 drills
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
This drill used with youth teams at Manchester City is divided into 3 stations, allowing players to work on different passing combinations to develop automatic movements....
Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play
15 min
7-21 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
20 min
8-22 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U19
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....
1v1 Duels with Mini Goals Following a Passing Sequence
15 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
1v1 duel drill with many possible variations that will call upon the cognitive qualities of your players....
One-touch offensive combinations with shooting
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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....
Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play
18 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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....
Luis Enrique: High-Intensity Passing Sequence
12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Luis Enrique with the Spanish national team last August, this drill will help your players improve their passing quality at high intensity and their ability to stay focused within a set time frame....
Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Used by Unai Emery at Arsenal (2018), this attacking circuit emphasizes timing and speed of execution....
1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
20 min
12-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
This very intense drill focuses on 1v1 duels and quick decision-making. Your players should enjoy it!...
Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
On the agenda for this exercise: shooting, decision-making, and reaction time. An exercise that players generally enjoy a lot....
First touch and shooting within the box
20 min
7-14 joueurs
Technical
U14 - 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
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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)....
Double square: combinations and sequences of short passing game
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Numerous possible combinations in this double square drill to work on the fluidity of passes and movements before and after receiving the ball....
Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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....
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....
Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - 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
20 min
10-19 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U12 - 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....
Goalkeeper build-up into 1v2 duels with defensive recovery
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
This highly dynamic drill starts with a goalkeeper's distribution followed by a series of 1v2 duels with a defender in pursuit, potentially evolving into a 3v3....
Jurgen Klopp's offensive combination with a double cross in front of the goal
20 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Layoff in one-touch play during a passing sequence
12 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Drill consisting of a double sequence of simultaneous passes to work on one-touch layoffs and movement in tight spaces. Be sure to keep your head up!...
Finishing exercise with diamond passing game
15 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Speed Work and 1v1 Duels
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U19
This speed-agility drill with 1v1 duels and shooting on a full-size goal is ideal after a complete warm-up. You can add your personal touch to it....
Information gathering, ball control, and passing in groups of 3
15 min
3-21 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
A very simple exercise to set up that helps work on information gathering through a color-based game....
1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - Seniors
On the agenda: 1v1 duels followed by 2v1 with a defender in pursuit. Quick decision-making will be crucial!...
Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - 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....
1v1 Duels then Defensive Transition in 2v1
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
1v1 duels from different perspectives: first a 1v1, then a defensive transition to quickly move into a 2v1 on the large goal....
Double 2v1 following a passing combination
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Intense and very interesting 2v1 exercise to work on offensive combinations. Consider offering progressions during the drill....
Finding the Ideal Position with Passing Sequence
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Creative passing game with rules that will require your players to work on their concentration and improve their decision-making speed....
Shooting practice with slalom and body feint
15 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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....
4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
10 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U17
This rondo across 2 zones involving a total of 6 players is very dynamic and offers a very engaging exercise for your players. Be sure to clearly demonstrate the drill so that the rondo is as smooth as possible....
Passing Square and Quick Combinations
10 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used at Bayern Munich, this drill emphasizes the quality of passing and speed of execution. Recommended for U17-Seniors, it can also be adapted for younger age groups....
Tracking back in 1v1 situations with variations by Jurgen Klopp
20 min
6-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used in Dortmund, this drill, which allows for numerous variations, will require your players to work on defensive recovery in an organized manner. The program includes: short passing game, duels, and shooting on small goals....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals
15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U15 - Seniors
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
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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....
Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box
18 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Shooting drill with numerous variations, this exercise will definitely appeal to your attacking players. Directional controls, shots, quickness: it's all there!...
Forward passing circuit with one-touch layoff
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Offensive combination with one-touch layoffs in a confined space, this drill used by Jürgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund) was designed to develop coordination and the final pass before shooting....
Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Ideal for working on passing and movement in a small area, this drill emphasizes quick play. Consider doubling the station if you have a large number of players....
Offensive combination with short passing game, overlap, and shooting
20 min
12-21 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Mix of quick offensive combination play, overlap, and shooting, this exercise used by Unai Emery at Arsenal in 2018 is ideal and can be used throughout the year....
Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
20 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Another exercise used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich during a public training session, this circuit is ideal for working on agility: reaction time, concentration, and footwork. Your players will not be disappointed!...
Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U17
Ideal technical drill to grasp playing between the lines, it will enable your players to perform a technical circuit while staying constantly engaged in the game....
Defensive cover and tracking back in a three-man defense
14 min
9-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Excellent technical drill for defenders to work on speed of movement, agility, and coordination. Conducted by Bayern Munich during a training session in 2013....
Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit
12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
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)
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - 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....
Short and long passes in a square with combination play
12 min
5-10 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U19
Small drill in the form of short passing combinations and long balls to work on ball play and the technical quality of your players during a possession phase....
One-two pass and forward run in a passing square
10 min
5-25 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Several aspects are highlighted during this exercise: passing game, directional control, and movement. Many variations are possible....
One-two pass circuit with speed work
18 min
6-12 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Discover a passing circuit with different combinations that should help your players improve on two aspects: the pure quality of the passes and the movement after making the pass....
3v1 Exchange, layoff and shooting on small goal
20 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Possession, forward passes, layoff, and shooting on a small goal. All the elements are in place to offer a quality drill to your players....
Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
18 min
6-12 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Exercise used by Pep Guardiola during a training session at Manchester City, it is ideal for working on different aspects: passing quality, off-the-ball runs to create space, and finally shooting....
Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
20 min
11-22 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
With this drill, players are challenged to find creative solutions to maintain possession of the ball while constantly being put under pressure....
One-touch shooting with diagonal run
12 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U19
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
15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
1v1 Duel Facing the Goal
15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U17
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)....
Playing between the lines and following up the action
15 min
4-12 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Through a 1v1 with 2 attackers providing support, your players practice making penetrating passes to the attacker and following the action. The attackers also practice layoffs....
Passing Technique Training
12 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U17
Ideal drill to train your players on execution and technique for making accurate passes....
Speed of play and quickness in 6v6 with support
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Through a 6v6 with support players, this drill works on both the quickness of your players and ball control in high-speed play....
Short passing game and direct play with support
20 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for your players to practice the short passing game and direct play, with several phases of possession under strict instructions, including a variation that allows your players more freedom....
Fast Play: Speed of Passing and Play
25 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Through a quick play exercise with support, your players work on the speed of ball movement in the short passing game and finding the available teammate....
Defensive play training for the fullback
15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U15 - U19
Ideal exercise for training your fullbacks in defensive play on the wing and the sequence of defensive actions....
Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Excellent exercise for your forwards to practice quick combinations as well as crossing and shooting accurately....
Attacker Technique: Combination and Shooting
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for training your forwards on offensive combinations (in pairs and threes) and shooting in front of the goal....
Crosses and Heading with 2 Side Zones
15 min
14-16 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Exercise that trains your players in both crosses and heading, by setting up 2 wide areas reserved for attacking players....
Working on Heading
12 min
4-8 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Ideal exercise for practicing headers and crosses with your players, with an increase in aerial duels....
Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting
25 min
15-17 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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....
Collective play in deflection: movement and availability
20 min
14-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Through a 4v4 passing game with the possibility of support, your players work on layoff play and following their movements to remain available. They also practice keeping their heads up and gathering information....
Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control
20 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
14 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
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
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - 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!...
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....
Other theme U17 soccer drills
U17 Conditioning soccer drills
- Curved interval training with footwork on a 20-20
- Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
U17 Small-sided games soccer drills
- Sequence of small-sided games in 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, then 3v2
- Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play
- Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5