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

Passing and Receiving Warm-up MEDIUM

Passing and Receiving Warm-up

This soccer warm-up drill focuses on passing and receiving and can be used for players 9 years and older. It's a good drill that can be tweaked to focus on any types of passing or receiving skills.

9+ yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4 91,411 Chris Johnson
Passing Warm-up Drill MEDIUM

Passing Warm-up Drill

This is a passing warm-up drill that is a great start to every practice and before a game. Players will get a lot of touches on the ball and can focus on receiving and passing while getting in a good warm-up.

7+ yrs. 4+ players 15 mins. 20X30 yds. GK: no
4 119,506 Chris Johnson
Free Dribble EASY

Free Dribble

This drill builds fundamental ball mastery and comfort on the ball through unlimited touches and creative exploration. Players develop a natural feel for the ball by using all surfaces of their feet without the pressure of structured patterns or defenders. The confined space demands close control and quick adjustments, which translate directly into tight game situations. By encouraging experimentation with different moves and feints, players discover what works for their style and build confidence to try skills in actual games. Keeping their heads up while dribbling fosters awareness, helping players see teammates and opponents during matches. The freestyle environment removes the fear of mistakes and lets players push their limits, where real skill development happens. This drill is perfect for warming up because it gives players plenty of touches on the ball while allowing them to express themselves and have fun.

4-14 yrs. 4+ players 10 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4 822 Chris Johnson
1v1 Escape Pressure from Behind 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
4v4 Zone Game Hard

4v4 Zone Game

This 4v4 possession soccer drill helps players keep possession for a purpose with short and long passing combinations. This drill also allows one to focus on defensive transition by quickly close down space and eliminate passing lanes.

9+ yrs. 12+ players 20 mins. 15X24 yds. GK: no
Soccer Tennis Hard

Soccer Tennis

Soccer Tennis is a great game to focus on volleys and balls out of the air. It can be played virtually anywhere, and the older kids will love it.

10+ yrs. 4+ players 20 mins. 12X24 yds. GK: no
3.98 140,543 Chris Johnson
Goalkeeper - Shooting Angle EASY

Goalkeeper - Shooting Angle

This Goalkeeping Shooting Angle Drill is excellent for improving Goalkeeper positioning and angles when handling shots. This drill focuses on correct footwork, proper angles, and quickly setting the goalkeeper's feet for the shot.

9+ yrs. 4-8 players 15 mins. 20X30 yds. GK: yes
3.98 133,875 Chris Johnson
Goalkeeper Warm-up Drill MEDIUM

Goalkeeper Warm-up Drill

The Goalkeeper Warm-up Drill is a great soccer goalkeeper warm-up drill to add to the pregame warm-up. Goalkeepers will love this warm-up.

9+ yrs. 2 players 10 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: yes
3.98 123,893 Chris Johnson
Figure Eight Dribbling Drill EASY

Figure Eight Dribbling Drill

The Figure Eight soccer dribbling drill is a good change to weaving in and out of cones and is great for dribbling with the inside and outside of the foot.

9+ yrs. 1 players 10 mins. 10X10 yds. GK: no
3.97 114,743 Chris Johnson