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

Escape EASY

Escape

This drill enhances a player’s ability to move under pressure while maintaining balance and control. It also encourages teamwork and coordination among defenders using their hips to contain the central player.

4-10 yrs. 6 players 5-10 mins. 10X10 yds. GK: no
0 14,402 Chris Johnson
Troll Crossing Game EASY

Troll Crossing Game

Develops dribbling under pressure, decision-making in 1v1 situations, and ball protection. Players learn to change direction and use feints to evade defenders.

4-9 yrs. 6+ players 15 mins. 18X25 yds. GK: no
0 14,332 Chris Johnson
2v1 with Keepers MEDIUM

2v1 with Keepers

Develops attacking players' ability to exploit numerical advantages in a 2v1 situation. Encourages defenders to delay and disrupt play while improving goalkeeper distribution and decision-making.

9-14 yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 30X15 yds. GK: yes
1v1 Elimination Challenge EASY

1v1 Elimination Challenge

This drill sharpens 1v1 attacking, defending, and finishing under pressure. Players must react quickly after scoring, transition between attack and defense, and stay composed in high-pressure situations.

7+ yrs. 4+ players 20 mins. 20X30 yds. GK: no
0 10,264 Chris Johnson
Dribble Speed Tag EASY

Dribble Speed Tag

This drill enhances dribbling under pressure, quick changes of direction, and spatial awareness. Players learn to protect the ball while navigating through a crowded area at speed.

4-9 yrs. 6+ players 15 mins. 15X15 yds. GK: no
0 4,266 Chris Johnson
1v1 with 4 Small Goals  Funino MEDIUM

1v1 with 4 Small Goals Funino

This drill improves 1v1 attacking skills, defensive positioning, and finishing under pressure. Players learn to recognize attacking opportunities while also being responsible for defending their assigned goals.

4+ yrs. 4+ players 15 mins. 20X30 yds. GK: no
0 4,063 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
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 6,190 Chris Johnson