EASY
Soccer Tic-Tac-Toe Warm-up
Soccer Tic-Tac-Toe is a fun warmup drill that focuses on making good decisions while under pressure.
9+ yrs.
6+ players
10 mins.
20X20 yds.
GK: no
U9, U10, U11, and U12 Soccer Drills
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).
U10-U12 Drills
EASY
MEDIUM
1v1 Speed and Reaction Game
This 1v1 Speed and Reaction Game is a fun addition to any practice that focuses on quick reaction and speed, ending with a 1v1 to small goals.
7+ yrs.
4+ players
15 mins.
15X25 yds.
GK: no
MEDIUM
2v2 with 4 Small Goals Funino
This drill enhances small-group play by developing combination play, defensive communication, and finishing under pressure. Players work on quick transitions between attack and defense in a game-like setting.
6+ yrs.
8+ players
15 mins.
20X30 yds.
GK: no
MEDIUM
1v1 Transition
This is a fast-paced 1v1 game that focuses on quickly transitioning from the attack to defense.
8+ yrs.
6+ players
20 mins.
25X25 yds.
GK: no
MEDIUM
Y Passing Drill - Variation 3
Develops players' ability to execute quick one-two passes, play accurate long balls, and transition into new positions efficiently. Encourages decision-making and proper body positioning for receiving and distributing passes.
9+ yrs.
6+ players
15 mins.
20X20 yds.
GK: no
MEDIUM
1v1 Escape Pressure from Behind
This drill teaches players how to handle pressure when receiving with their back to goal, a situation that happens constantly in games. Players learn to position their body between the opponent and the ball to protect possession. They develop the feel for where the defender is without looking and make smart decisions about when to turn, when to shield, and when to play quickly. Reading the pressure is the key skill here. If the defender is tight, players need patience and technique to spin away. If the defender gives space, players should recognize it instantly and turn to attack. The competitive race element builds urgency and simulates the real game pressure of winning a fifty-fifty ball. Scoring on small goals adds consequence and forces players to execute their escape move with a purpose.
9+ yrs.
6+ players
15 mins.
10X10 yds.
GK: no
EASY
Fixed Distance Passing Game
This drill helps players develop passing accuracy, weight of pass, and first-touch control. It also reinforces teamwork and focus while progressively increasing difficulty by narrowing the passing gate.
4-10 yrs.
2+ players
15 mins.
20X30 yds.
GK: no
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
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
Medium
Castle Game: Beautiful Chaos
This game is chaos on purpose. Two balls are live at the same time, so players cannot lock onto one thing and switch their brain off. They have to scan, talk, and decide fast. That is the whole point. Each team guards five cones on their own end line. Each team tries to knock over the other team's cones with the ball. Knock one down, sprint it back to your castle, and it belongs to you. Simple rules, and the players get it in about thirty seconds. What you get out of it is much bigger than the rules suggest. Players learn to keep their head up because a second ball can hit them from behind. They learn to pick a pass instead of blasting it, because an accurate ball knocks a cone over and a wild one does not. They learn to shift from attack to defense in a heartbeat, since both happen at once. And the sprint rule turns this into real conditioning without a single line drill. Nobody stands around. Nobody asks how much longer. Use it as a warm-up, a mid-session energizer, or the last twenty minutes when legs are tired and you still want quality touches. It fits U6 all the way to adults. You only change the grid size and the number of balls. Coaches, resist the urge to over-coach this one. Let it get loud. Step in for a quick word, then let them play. The best learning here happens on its own, and the kids will ask for it again next week.
6+ yrs.
12 players
20 min.
35x50 yds.
GK: no
Medium
4v1 Back Foot Rondo: No Pass Across
This 4v1 rondo has one simple rule that changes everything. Players cannot pass to the teammate straight across from them. The ball must go to the player on their left or their right. That one rule forces every player to open up their body and receive with the back foot, so the ball keeps moving around the grid. I have used this rondo for years because the game does the teaching. Players who receive closed get stuck and lose the ball. Players who open up and take the first touch across their body find the next pass with ease. You will see sharper passing, cleaner first touches, and better support angles in a tight space. It only takes five players and a few cones, so you can set up several grids and keep the whole team busy.
10+ yrs.
5 players
15 min.
8x8 yds.
GK: no
Medium
4v2 Back Foot Rondo: Play Left or Right
This 4v2 rondo takes a classic possession game and adds one rule that makes players think. No passes across the grid. The ball can only go to the teammate on the left or the right. With two defenders hunting the ball, players have no time to receive closed and turn. They must open up early and take the ball on the back foot so the next pass is ready to go. I love this game because the rule does the coaching for you. A player who faces the passer gets trapped. A player who opens the hips and lets the ball run across the body plays out with one clean touch. Expect quicker passing, smarter movement along the lines, and players who scan before the ball arrives. The two defenders also get great work on pressing as a pair. Set up one grid for every six players and let them compete.
10+ yrs.
6 players
15 min.
8x12 yds.
GK: no
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