Under 9 Soccer Drills, Games, and Exercises

Quality age-appropriate soccer drills for kids in the U9, Under 9, 9 and Under age group.

Soccer drills for kids ages 9 and under emphasize skill development and game awareness through fun and engaging activities. This page offers drills designed to improve ball control, passing accuracy, and teamwork in a supportive learning environment.

Age-Specific Drills

Easy

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

In Soccer, 4v4 is the smallest version of a full-sided game. While on the attack, to be successful in a four vs. four soccer match, players must penetrate via the pass, dribble, or shot; players must provide support to the player with the ball, and players need to create width to the field. On the defensive side, a player must pressure the ball to delay the attack, another player should cover for the player pressuring the ball, and the remaining two players balance the field of play. This 4v4 practice focuses on all aspects of the match, including attacking, defending, passing, receiving, supporting, penetrating, and spreading the field.

4+ yrs. 8 players 20 min. 25X35 yds. GK: no

4.27 265,732 Chris Johnson

EASY

Pirates of the Pugg

This soccer dribbling drill is a great soccer drill using a Pugg Goal that can be tweaked to focus on many aspects of the game. For younger players ages 8-11, the primary focus should be on proper dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness. The coach can also focus on the transition from offense to defense if the ball is lost, or recovering from a tackle and finding safety. Defensively, this allows defenders to steal the ball from attackers and play to a particular goal or target.

8-12 yrs. 8+ players 15 mins. 30X30 yds. GK: no

4.25 753,043 John Bychok

EASY

1v1 Competition

This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side. On the offensive side you can get attackers to attack the defenders with speed, quick change of pace with an explosive touch to get away, getting behind the defensive players and shooting at half chances. On the defensive side, you can focus on closing down quickly, forcing the attacker to the side and closing down the attack.

9+ yrs. 5+ players 20 mins. 18x25 yds. GK: yes

4.2 356,293 Chris Johnson

Hard

1v1 or 2v2 - Get Outta Here

This drill is a very fast paced 1v1 or 2v2 soccer game that focuses on aspects of the small sided game such as dribbling, passing, and scoring.

9+ yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 15X25 yds. GK: no

4.2 183,967 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

Four Corners Passing Game

The Four Corners Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

9+ yrs. 6+ players 20 mins. 40X40 yds. GK: no

4.19 831,377 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

4v3 Attack vs. Defense

This attacking soccer drill is a great drill to focus on finishing. Since the attackers have the numerical advantage, they should learn how to exploit their advantage and finish with a shot on goal.

9+ yrs. 8+ players 15 mins. 30X30 yds. GK: yes

4.18 388,923 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

3v3 Plus 3

This drill focuses on keeping possession. Passing, receiving, movement, and angle of support can be singled out. Causes players to look up and be aware of the surrounding players.

9+ yrs. 9 players 15 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no

4.17 335,786 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

1v1 50/50 to Goal Team Competition

This 1v1 soccer drill focuses on soccer fitness, scoring goals, shooting, goalkeeping, and winning 50-50 balls. This is a fun soccer drill for the younger soccer player.

4-12 yrs. 6+ players 10 mins. PENALTY AREA yds. GK: yes

4.16 520,853 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

Split the Defenders Passing Game

The split the defenders passing game, soccer passing drill is excellent for a little more advanced player from 10 years old to 14 years and focuses on passing to split two defenders.

9+ yrs. 6+ players 15 mins. 18x18 yds. GK: no

4.16 369,282 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

1v1 to Goal

The 1v1 Soccer Drill to Goal is a great soccer drill to improve goal scoring opportunities. This drill focuses on beating the last defender, staying in control of the ball and finishing with a good shot on goal.

9+ yrs. 4+ players 20 mins. 25X30 yds. GK: yes

4.16 177,907 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

Attacking from the Midfield

This attacking soccer drill focuses on building an attack from the midfield and focuses on the midfield players getting forward into the attacking third.

9+ yrs. 12+ players 20 mins. HALF FIELD yds. GK: yes

4.15 369,858 Chris Johnson

MEDIUM

Trapping with Passive Opposition

This soccer trapping drill focus on trapping and control with the addition of a passive defender. The defender causes the receiving player to be more aware of their surroundings.

8+ yrs. 3+ players 15 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no

4.15 136,303 Chris Johnson