U9, U10, U11, and U12 Soccer Drills

Browse U9, U10, U11, & U12 Soccer Drills and Soccer Practice Sessions

Under 9 Under 10 Under 11 and Under 12 Soccer Drills (U9 U10 U11 & U12 Soccer Drills) U9 U10 U11 U12 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).

U10-U12 Drills

4v4, Thirds of the Field, Shape and Positioning MEDIUM

4v4, Thirds of the Field, Shape and Positioning

This 4v4 drill is great for improving shape and positioning. Each player has their own responsibility: 1) attacker/target player stretches the field closer to the goal they are attacking. 2) winger players stretch the width of the field. 3) defensive player gives support to wingers and target player while staying the last man.

7-14 yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 25X40 yds. GK: no
Dribbling Through Gates Competition Easy

Dribbling Through Gates Competition

Develop players' dribbling skills by challenging them to navigate through multiple gates within a 1-minute timeframe. This drill emphasizes quick decision-making and ball control under pressure. The goal is to enhance agility and precision while maintaining speed during dribbling.

4-10 yrs. 10+ players 10 min. 25x20 yds. GK: no
0 5,863 Chris Johnson
4v4 Scrimmage to Mini-Goals Medium

4v4 Scrimmage to Mini-Goals

The objective of a 4v4 soccer scrimmage to mini-goals is to replicate the dynamics of a full-sided game in a smaller, more controlled environment. This format encourages players to focus on quick decision-making, positioning, and maintaining possession under pressure, as well as improving their ability to transition between attacking and defending. The mini-goals emphasize accuracy and composure in front of the goal, helping players develop finishing skills without the presence of a goalkeeper.

4+ yrs. 8 players 15 min. 30x20 yds. GK: no
3v1 Transition Rondo Medium

3v1 Transition Rondo

The 3v1 Transition Rondo drill emphasizes quick combination passing to unbalance the defender and shift the point of attack to an adjacent grid. This exercise challenges the defender to transition rapidly between areas, enhancing their ability to react under pressure. The focus is on sharp passing and strategic movement to exploit defensive weaknesses.

9+ yrs. 5 players 15 min. 7x14 yds. GK: no
0 7,287 Chris Johnson
Three-Cone Passing Drill EASY

Three-Cone Passing Drill

The three-cone passing drill focuses on passing, awareness, and movement after the pass. This is a great warmup to focus on passing technique and movement after the pass.

9+ yrs. 2 players 10 mins. 10X10 yds. GK: no
0 12,710 Chris Johnson
4v2 Rondo Medium

4v2 Rondo

The 4v2 Rondo is a great soccer possession game to work on passing, angles of support, and movement off the ball to maintain possession.

10+ yrs. 6 players 10 min. 10x10 yds. GK: no
0 10,959 Chris Johnson
Hexagonal Rondo Medium

Hexagonal Rondo

The Hexagonal Rondo drill focuses on quick passing and movement within a six-sided grid, emphasizing control and spatial awareness. Players work to maintain possession by creating passing angles and exploiting gaps in the defensive shape. The objective is to enhance technical precision, quick decision-making, and fluid team coordination.

10+ yrs. 10 players 15 min. 10x15 yds. GK: no
1v1 Battle - Attacking and Reaction Drill MEDIUM

1v1 Battle - Attacking and Reaction Drill

This 1v1 soccer battle drill will focus on the attacker's change of direction, change of pace, and burst of speed to the goal all while working on the defender's ability to close down the attacker quickly, reaction time, speed of recovery, and angles of defense.

9+ yrs. 4+ players 20 mins. 30X40 yds. GK: no
0 21,220 Chris Johnson