Trapping and Control with No Opposition
This soccer skills drill aims to practice trapping and control with the foot, chest, and thigh.
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).
This soccer skills drill aims to practice trapping and control with the foot, chest, and thigh.
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.
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.
This is a fast-paced 1v1 game that focuses on quickly transitioning from the attack to defense.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This combination crossing and finishing drill is a great cross and finish drill that allows you to focus on a short build-up, combination play, timing of runs, and crossing and finishing.