Browse U9, U10, U11, & U12 Soccer Drills and Soccer Practice Sessions
When coaching Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, and Under 12, the player's motor skills are becoming more refined. Most players can stay on task at a greater length allowing you to extend your practices to an hour and a half or, in some instances, competitive team environments, two hours. You will notice skills starting to emerge, and the repetition of technique is essential. Coaches should continue positive reinforcement as peer pressure is starting to become an issue.
With the player's technique learned at an earlier age is now time to refine these skills with an introduction to basic tactics. Small-sided games will become your primary teaching means. With small-sided games such as 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4, players will receive tons of touches while focusing on less complicated tactics than a 11v11 match.
My #1 piece of advice is to play small-sided games and put an emphasis on creating a competitive environment as much as possible. This will keep the small-sided games fun for the players and teach the game itself.
The soccer drills listed below are age specific soccer drills for Under 9 (U9, U-9, 9 and Under), Under 10 (U10, U-10, 10 and Under), Under 11 (U11, U-11, and 11 and Under), Under 12 (U12, U-12, 12 and Under).
EASY
This dribbling exercise that works on speed dribbling and getting the ball under control while dribbling with speed.
MEDIUM
This soccer passing drill is a great drill to teach players movement, awareness, accuracy, timing, first touch and passing with all parts of the foot. This exercise is a good passing and moving soccer drill.
MEDIUM
The 1v1v1 Triangle Game soccer drill focuses on attacking in a number-down situation. This game will encourage players to dribble, take players on, shield the ball from the defensive players, and the vision to find the open goal. Defensively this drill promotes players to stay aware of their defensive shape and tackling players on the dribble.
Hard
This soccer drill is perfect for working on attacking in the final third of the field, quick combination play near the goal, and shooting around the 18 yard line.
MEDIUM
This soccer drill is designed to help players identify the roles of the first defender (the closest player to the ball) and the second defender (the supporting player providing cover). It focuses on teaching players how to effectively pressure the ball handler while maintaining proper positioning for defensive support.
EASY
The Criss-Cross dribbling drill focuses on the younger player. This dribbling drill assists players play with speed while keeping their heads up. Be warned, this drill can be dangerous for players who have a tendency of dribbling with their head down.
MEDIUM
This 1v1 soccer defending drill will isolate the defender to focus on the first defender and defending the dribble. Modify this drill to focus on the first attacker taking on the defender.
EASY
This soccer shooting exercise will focus on shooting on the turn. Players will need to turn quickly towards the goal to get a shot on goal.
MEDIUM
The 2v2 Dribbling to Beat the Defender soccer dribbling drill helps players recognize when to dribble, pass, or get off a shot once they beat the first defender.
MEDIUM
This combination crossing and finishing drill will focus on crosses within the 18 and is designed to help players become comfortable on crosses inside the 18.
MEDIUM
The purpose of this drill is to isolate the defender to focus on the first defender and defending the dribble while working with a teammate. This teaches young soccer players to work together with your teammate to shut down the attacker.
MEDIUM
This is a great indoor soccer shooting drill to use while practicing indoors. This indoor soccer shooting drill also touches on dribbling, passing, using the walls, and finally shooting on goal.