Soccer Drills for 9 and 10 Year Olds

What U10 players need (ages 8 to 10)

U9 and U10 players have better balance and control than younger kids, and they can start to think about teammates, space and positions. U9 is also a big jump: goalkeepers, a bigger field and new rules arrive all at once. Practice should reflect that:

• Passing and receiving become the core skill. Work on the first touch away from pressure and passes to a teammate's correct foot.
• They can understand space. Small-sided games teach width, support angles and when to pass or dribble far better than walking through positions.
• Keepers are new. Give every willing player a turn in goal during Keeper Wars, 2v1 to Goal and the Build-Out Game.
• They compare themselves to others. Use personal bests and team challenges, and never rank players out loud.
• Short explanations still win. Freeze play once or twice per activity, ask a question and restart within 30 seconds.

US Soccer's 2026 U.S. WAY guidance lists up to 7v7 for U9–U10. Its small-sided standards (PDI) set the details:

The build-out line is the rule that changes practice most. Teams that rehearse playing out from the keeper handle it calmly on game day. For field markings, see the 7v7 field dimensions guide.

Best U10 soccer drills (U9 and U10)

These 11 soccer drills for 9 and 10 year olds work just as well as football drills for any U9–U10 team outside the US. They're grouped by skill, from technique to team play. In the diagrams, GK marks a goalkeeper and light red arrows are shots.

Team A Team B Coach Keeper Cone Pass Run Dribble Shot

Dribbling and ball mastery

Moves practiced at speed carry into games. For a pure ball mastery warm-up, use the Ball Mastery Warm-Up with its harder progressions.

Moves Square: Fake, Cut and Go

Focus: 1v1 moves at speed with both feet: step-over, scissors, drag-back and body feint

Ages

U9–U10 (ages 8–10)

Players

Any number, one ball each

Time

8–10 minutes

Space

20 × 20 yards

Equipment

1 ball per player, 8 cones

How it works

1. The coach names a move and shows it once. Players dribble at any middle cone and do the move just before they reach it.
2. After the move, speed up past the cone and dribble out to a different side of the square, then turn and go again.
3. Do each move for about a minute with the right foot, then the left.
4. Finish with free choice: players use their favorite move, and the coach calls out the best ones.

Coaching points

• Attack the cone at speed, slow down for the move, then explode away
• Sell the fake: drop your shoulder and lean
• Push the ball past the cone with your first touch after the move
• Look up before you pick a cone so you don't crash into a teammate

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: walk through each move, then jog
• Harder: swap the middle cones for players who defend at walking pace, then half speed
• Combine two moves in a row before you speed up

Passing drills for 10 year olds

Start with a pattern for clean technique, then add a defender.

Passing Square: Pass and Follow

Focus: Accurate inside-foot passing, receiving across the body, moving after the pass

Ages

U9–U12 (ages 8–12)

Players

8–12, two or three at each cone

Time

10 minutes

Space

12 × 12 yards

Equipment

2 balls per square, 4 cones

How it works

1. Pass to the next cone clockwise, then follow your pass and join that line.
2. The receiver takes a first touch across their body toward the next cone, then passes on.
3. After 2 minutes, switch to counterclockwise so players use the other foot.
4. Challenge: how many passes can the group make in 60 seconds without a mistake?

Coaching points

• Open your body and receive with the foot farther from the ball
• First touch out of your feet, toward where you'll pass next
• Pass firm and on the ground, to your teammate's correct foot
• Step away, then come toward the ball as it's passed

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: one ball, two touches each, and a bigger square
• Harder: one-touch passing, or add a third ball
• Pass across the square, then sprint around the outside to the next cone

Rondo 4v1

Focus: Passing under pressure, body shape, supporting at good angles

Ages

U9–U12 (ages 8–12)

Players

Groups of 5

Time

10–12 minutes

Space

10 × 10 yards per group

Equipment

1 ball per group, 4 cones per group, 1 pinnie per group

How it works

1. The four outside players pass around and across the square while the defender tries to win the ball.
2. Outside players slide along their side of the square to stay open, but can't step inside it.
3. If the defender wins the ball or it leaves the square, the player who made the mistake swaps into the middle.
4. Ten passes in a row earns a point. Swap the defender at least every 90 seconds.

Coaching points

• Pick the pass the defender can't block
• Open your body to see the ball and your next pass before it arrives
• Two-touch rhythm: control away from pressure, then pass
• Support on both sides of the ball so the passer always has two options

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: a bigger square, or the defender can only intercept, not tackle
• Harder: one-touch passes earn double points
• Move up to 5v2 once groups regularly reach ten passes

Receiving and turning

A good first touch decides what happens next. This drill teaches players to look before the ball arrives and turn with it.

Receive and Turn: Three in a Line

Focus: Checking away and back to the ball, receiving on the half-turn, turning with the first touch

Ages

U9–U10 (ages 8–10)

Players

Groups of 3

Time

10–12 minutes

Space

About 20 × 5 yards per group

Equipment

1 ball per group, 2 cones per group

How it works

1. The middle player steps away, then checks toward the end player with the ball and calls for it.
2. They receive with the foot farther from the passer, turn with the first touch and pass to the other end player.
3. Then they turn back to receive from that side. After 60 seconds, swap the middle player.
4. Practice three turns: receiving across the body, the inside hook and the outside hook. Once turns are clean, add a defender behind the middle player.

Coaching points

• Look over your shoulder before the ball arrives
• Stand side-on so you can see both ends
• Take the ball across your body with your first touch
• Passer: firm and on the ground, to the receiver's back foot

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: stop the ball first, then turn with a second touch
• Harder: add a defender behind the middle player: turn if there's space, pass back if not
• Count turns in 60 seconds and try to beat your score

Shooting with a goalkeeper

Small fields and real keepers mean lots of shots, saves and rebounds.

Shoot on Sight: 3v3 With Keepers

Focus: Shooting early and low, following shots for rebounds, and keeping goal

Ages

U9–U10 (ages 8–10)

Players

6–8 plus two goalkeepers (3v3 or 4v4)

Time

10–12 minutes

Space

25 × 20 yards

Equipment

Lots of balls, 4 cones, 2 goals, Pinnies

How it works

1. Play with keepers. Players can shoot from anywhere on the field.
2. After a save or a goal, the keeper restarts quickly with a roll or a throw to a teammate.
3. A goal from a rebound counts double, so attackers follow every shot.
4. Play 3-minute games and change keepers after each game.

Coaching points

• Look at the goal before the ball arrives so you know if a shot is on
• Shoot low and toward the corners
• Follow every shot in for the rebound
• Keepers: set your feet as the shooter strikes and get your body behind the ball

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: play 3v2 for more open shots
• Harder: two touches at most
• Give each team a support player on the sideline who can pass but not shoot

1v1 and 2v1 attacking

Keep a 1v1 game in most practices so players keep taking defenders on, then add a teammate.

1v1 Two-Gate Battles

Focus: 1v1 moves (fakes, cuts, step-overs), changing direction, defending 1v1

Ages

U9–U12 (ages 8–12)

Players

Pairs, on as many fields as you need

Time

10 minutes

Space

15 × 15 yards per field

Equipment

1 ball per pair, 4 corner cones, 8 cones for four 2-yard gates

How it works

1. One player passes to the other from their end line. The receiver attacks; the passer steps out to defend.
2. Score by dribbling through either of the opponent's gates under control.
3. Play nonstop for 60–90 seconds: after a goal, the player who was scored on restarts from their own end line.
4. Rest while another pair plays, then switch opponents.

Coaching points

• Fake toward one gate to move the defender, then explode toward the other
• Attack at speed, slow down to make the move, then speed up again
• Shield with your body when the defender gets tight
• Defender: angle your body to push the attacker toward one gate, then block it

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: 3-yard gates, or the defender starts 5 yards farther back
• Harder: the attacker has 6 seconds to score
• Add a third gate in the middle of each end line, or play 2v2

2v1 to Goal With a Keeper

Focus: Attacking a 2v1: drawing the defender, timing the pass, finishing

Ages

U9–U12 (ages 8–12)

Players

6–8, plus a goalkeeper

Time

12–15 minutes

Space

25 × 30 yards

Equipment

Balls, 6 cones, 1 goal, Pinnies

How it works

1. The defender passes to the attackers and steps out. The two attackers try to score.
2. The player on the ball dribbles straight at the defender, then passes or keeps going depending on what the defender does.
3. If the defender or keeper wins the ball, they score by passing or dribbling through the gate at the far end.
4. Rotate roles every turn so everyone attacks and defends. Keep turns under 20 seconds. With more than 8 players, set up a second goal with another keeper.

Coaching points

• Dribble at the defender: if they come to you, pass; if they stay with your teammate, keep going and shoot
• Supporting attacker: stay level or slightly behind, and wide enough that one defender can't cover you both
• Shoot low and toward the corners
• Defender: slow the attack down, stay between the ball and the goal and force an early pass

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: the defender starts a few yards farther back
• Harder: add a recovering defender who starts at the far end (2v1 becomes 2v2)
• Play 3v2

Defending 1v1

U10 is a good age to start teaching defenders how to approach the ball, not just chase it.

1v1 Defending: Show Them Wide

Focus: Defending 1v1: closing down, getting side-on and steering the attacker away from goal

Ages

U9–U12 (ages 8–12)

Players

Pairs, one channel per pair

Time

8–10 minutes

Space

15 × 20 yards per channel

Equipment

1 ball per pair, 8 cones per channel

How it works

1. The defender passes to the attacker and steps out to defend.
2. The attacker scores 3 points by dribbling through the middle gate, or 1 point through a corner gate.
3. The defender scores 2 points by winning the ball and dribbling over the attacker's end line.
4. Swap roles after every turn. Play to 10, then change partners.

Coaching points

• Close down fast while the pass travels, then slow down as you get near
• Stop about an arm's length away, get low and stand side-on
• Angle your body to push the attacker toward a sideline, away from the middle gate
• Be patient: tackle when the attacker takes a heavy touch

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: the defender starts halfway down the channel
• Harder: the attacker has 8 seconds to score
• Make it 2v1: the defender delays until a second defender sprints back to help

Goalkeeping for every player

Rotate keepers at this age. This game lets the whole team practice catching and distribution at once.

Keeper Wars: Roll, Throw, Save

Focus: Goalkeeper ready position, catching, and accurate rolls and throws

Ages

U9–U10 (ages 8–10)

Players

Pairs; every player who wants a turn gets one

Time

8–10 minutes

Space

12 × 14 yards per pair

Equipment

3–4 balls per pair, 4 cones, 2 small goals (or cone goals 5 yards wide)

How it works

1. Players take turns trying to score in the other goal with a roll, an overarm throw or a pass along the ground. No punts or drop kicks, just as in 7v7.
2. The keeper tries to catch every ball. A goal is a point for the thrower; a clean catch is a point for the keeper.
3. After a catch, the keeper becomes the thrower straight away, from where they caught it.
4. Play to 5, then switch partners.

Coaching points

• Ready position: feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight forward, hands up
• Move your feet to get your body behind the ball
• Catch balls above the waist with your hands in a W shape, and scoop low balls into your chest
• Roll like bowling and throw overarm, aiming for a corner

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: move the goals closer and use rolls only
• Harder: 6-yard goals, or release within 3 seconds of a catch
• Kneeling saves: the keeper kneels and the thrower rolls the ball to the side, so keepers learn to go down on their side safely

Small-sided games and the build-out line

Both games use the 7v7 rules your players face on game day.

Build-Out Game: Keeper Plus 3v2

Focus: Playing out from the goalkeeper under 7v7 build-out line rules

Ages

U9–U10 (ages 8–10)

Players

Up to 12: run it in both halves of a 7v7 field, each with a keeper, three defenders and two attackers

Time

12–15 minutes

Space

35 × 30 yards (half of a 7v7 field)

Equipment

Balls, 10 cones, 1 goal, Pinnies

How it works

1. The keeper starts with the ball in hand. The two attackers wait behind the build-out line until the keeper puts the ball into play.
2. The keeper rolls, throws or passes to one of the three defenders. No punts or drop kicks, just as in a 7v7 game.
3. The keeper's team scores by dribbling through either gate on the halfway line. If the attackers win the ball, they try to score in the big goal.
4. After each try, restart with the keeper. Rotate defenders and attackers every three or four tries.

Coaching points

• Defenders split wide toward the sidelines as soon as the keeper has the ball
• Keeper: pass to the open side, on the ground, to the receiver's far foot
• Receive side-on so you can see forward; if the way is clear, dribble forward
• Under pressure, play back to the keeper or across: the keeper is an extra player

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: play 3v1
• Harder: add a third attacker (3v3 plus keeper)
• Add a target player in the far half: a pass to them is worth 2 points

End Zone Game

Focus: Passing forward, support angles, timing runs into space

Ages

U9–U12 (ages 8–12)

Players

8–12 (4v4 to 6v6)

Time

12–15 minutes

Space

40 × 25 yards, including two 5-yard end zones

Equipment

Balls, 8 cones, Pinnies

How it works

1. Play 4v4 to 6v6. Score by receiving a pass inside the end zone you attack and controlling it.
2. Nobody can wait in an end zone: receivers have to time their run in from the field.
3. After a score, the other team restarts from its own end zone.
4. Play 4-minute games and rotate teams.

Coaching points

• Look forward first: is a run into the end zone on?
• Make your run when the passer looks up, not before
• Support at an angle so the player on the ball always has a safe pass
• Spread wide when your team has the ball and squeeze together when you lose it

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: add a neutral player who always plays for the team with the ball
• Harder: the receiver must dribble back out of the end zone under control, or limit players to three touches
• Score by dribbling into the end zone instead, to encourage 1v1s

75-minute U10 soccer practice plan

This soccer practice for 10 year olds is week 1 of the season plan below. Split into groups of three for Receive and Turn and groups of five for the rondo, so nobody waits.

Coaching U9 in their first 7v7 season? Run week 3 first, so players learn the build-out line in the Build-Out Game before their first game.

8-week U10 soccer season plan

Keep the 75-minute shape above and change the drills each week: a technical warm-up, a skill drill, two game-like drills, then the scrimmage. Games return every few weeks with a new focus, so players spend less time learning rules.

Scrimmage twists: in week 6, rebound goals count double; in week 7, a goal soon after winning the ball counts double; in week 8, play two halves with subs, like game day. After week 8, repeat the cycle with the harder versions, or spend an extra week on whatever your games show you need most.

Tips for volunteer coaches running U10 practice

• Work in groups of three to six. Two small areas side by side, with a parent helper on one, beat one big drill with a line.
• Rotate keepers every practice. Anyone who wants a turn gets one. Put keepers in the 2v1 and build-out drills, not in a separate corner.
• Teach the build-out line before game day. Walk it through once, then let the Build-Out Game do the teaching. Our 7v7 formations page shows how backs split wide in a 2-3-1.
• Encourage both feet. Count passes with the weaker foot in the passing square.
• Keep it positive and safe. Water breaks, shin guards, and no running or push-ups as punishment. Praise the decision, not just the result.

U10 game day: formations, subs and next steps

The 2-3-1 is a good default for most U9–U10 teams, with the 3-2-1 as a safer option if you concede a lot. Our 7v7 soccer formations guide has diagrams of each shape, and the youth soccer age groups page explains which age group your players are in this season.

With rosters of up to 12 for seven spots, fair minutes take planning. US Soccer recommends that every player plays at least 50% of each game. A sub every 5 minutes gives ten windows across two 25-minute halves; our youth substitution strategy guide explains how to rotate players and keepers.

Looking for simpler games for younger players? See the U8 soccer drills. Ready for 9v9? Move on to our U12 soccer drills for 11 and 12 year olds.