Soccer drills U9
Complete U9 soccer sessions that you can apply to help your players progress during your sessions. Sign up to access all U9 drills.
Access more drillsDribbling under pressure: "The Robbers"
Fun game to offer in soccer school, which will help work on dribbling while incorporating a team component with a relay system.
Discover our U9 drills
Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
14 min
4-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U8 - U13
2v2 opposition in a promotion/relegation format where teams move up or down based on the result, with mini-goals or a stop-ball variation....
Give-and-go, dribble, and shooting from different angles
15 min
3-18 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U13
Very simple to set up, this drill allows for practicing short passing combinations before a 1v1 with a defender and a quick shot against the goalkeeper....
Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
12 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U13
Rhythmic drill combining juggling, enforced sprinting, and a race to shooting in a duel with a competitive spirit....
3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game
12 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U8 - U13
Small-sided game with three teams where each group has a specific way to score, requiring quick decision-making and constant adaptation....
Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
Dribbling and space management exercise in an area filled with colored squares where players must combine changes of direction and quick information gathering....
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The U9 soccer category, which corresponds to children aged 8-9 years, is one of the important categories in the development of young soccer players. U9 players evolve on fields adapted to their age of 25x35m and they begin to acquire the technical and tactical basics of the game, while continuing to boost their passion for this sport.
What is the U9 soccer category?
The U9 category includes children under 9 years old who play soccer. It is one of the pivotal periods where the foundations of the game are laid. Budding soccer players begin to discover the rules of the game, perfect their dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques. The first tactical basics can also be seen and applied during the U9 season to transition from a simple activity to a sport with stakes.
The objectives of the U9 category
The objectives of the U9 category remain to practice a sport and to expend energy for players who are still children.
From a learning perspective, the U9 category can go further than just trying to win matches. The overall goal is to promote the overall development of children, both physically and mentally, and even socially.
Among the main goals, no pun intended, of a U9 season, we find:
- Encourage active participation and fair play.
- Develop individual and collective skills of the players.
- Promote understanding and respect for the rules of the game.
- Encourage socialization and teamwork.
- Stimulate the passion for soccer by enjoying playing it.
Some tips for coaching a U9 team
You are dealing with children under 9 years old, so coaching a U9 team requires a specific approach, particularly focused on playful games and progressive learning.
Here are some tips we can give you:
- Create a positive and stimulating environment so that children feel confident and express themselves.
- Structure your training sessions to include a dynamic warm-up, small games, and technical exercises.
- Adapt instructions and exercises to the level of your group of young players so that everyone can develop their level while promoting repetition and variety of drills.
- Encourage the participation of all players and offer them constructive and individualized feedback.
- Emphasize fun and enjoyment while maintaining a certain level of expectation.
When you prepare your U9 training sessions, be sure to keep these different aspects in mind. Remember that fun is a fundamental concept at this age, so be mindful of how you conduct your U9 exercises.
What training exercises for U9s?
As previously mentioned, the exercises you propose for your U9 category should be adapted to the level of your group. Still prioritize play and technique.
Here are some examples of exercises for this category:
- Dribbling games: dribbling courses with cones to work on ball control and coordination.
- Passing and control: short passes and oriented controls to improve precision and technical quality.
- Small-sided games: small-sided matches (3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4) to encourage realistic game situations and quick decision-making.
- Finishing games: technical finishing moves (shooting, heading) through fun exercises.
- Team games: positioning and movement games to work on coordination and communication between players.
Feel free to propose drills that match the level of your players as well as the progress in the season.
In summary, the U9 category represents an important bridge between sports activity and the development of real soccer knowledge, its game, its rules, its tactics. Your training sessions will significantly mark the progression of the children and their development.
Our other U9 drills
Running, game awareness, and passing in a circle formation
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U9
Ball running exercise in a large circle, focused on game awareness, off-the-ball run by a teammate, and quick passing....
Dynamic Warm-up and Dribbling Relay
15 min
12-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U9
Progressive warm-up combining dynamic movements, dribbling, and competitive relays to prepare young players for the session....
Passing game with target zones in 4v4
12 min
8-14 joueurs
Small-sided games
U6 - U9
4v4 game on a small-sided field where players score points by placing the balls into the opponent's target zones with precise passes. Highly enjoyed by the players!...
Youth Academy: Working on dribbling with the four colors game
12 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U11
Very useful in soccer school, this drill is ideal for working on dribbling and changes of direction while adding a fun aspect....
1v1 Duels with Shooting and Use of Support
15 min
5-15 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U11
A very simple duel exercise to set up, which allows your players, from a young age, to better understand the opponent's runs while keeping their heads up to look for a solution....
Cognitive work with a passing game on 4 squares
12 min
9-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U8 - U13
Ideal exercise for a soccer school, it allows for concentration and cognitive development while promoting ball use and movement in space....
The hunter game (youth academy): dribbling and game awareness
12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
Ideal drill for younger players in soccer school, it will help them work on their dribbling while staying focused on their surroundings. It's up to you to make the exercise as dynamic as possible by incorporating the concept of a chaser....
Receiving on the half-turn and dribbling with the "escape from jail" drill
12 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Fun little station to set up in a youth academy that will allow your players to work on directional control and dribbling....
Switch of play game in youth academy
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
Fun game to introduce from a young age, it will help your players work on their focus, ball control, and information gathering....
Agility and game awareness: The cone drill in youth academy
10 min
4-24 joueurs
Conditioning
U6 - U11
Fun game to offer in soccer school, it will help your players work on important elements such as agility and information gathering....
Diamond play with ball control (youth soccer)
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
A very simple drill to set up, it is ideal for younger players in youth academy and will allow them to work on coordination, ball control, and passing game....
Collecting Cones: Feints and agility in youth academy
15 min
4-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U11
A small agility exercise to offer to younger players to work on their quickness and ability to deceive their opponents in small spaces. A very fun game that players enjoy!...
Shielding the King: Agility, Game Awareness, and Team Cohesion in Youth Soccer
12 min
7-21 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U9
Fun exercise to propose in a youth academy, which will allow your players to work on agility and information gathering. Good team cohesion will also be necessary!...
Head, Shoulder, Knee, and Ball in Soccer School
15 min
8-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U11
Fun exercise to offer in a youth academy that combines cognitive work (listening, information gathering) with technical work (dribbling and agility). It is very popular with young players!...
Team relay with dribbling and acceleration
15 min
12-16 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U11
This relay race exercise is very effective for working on dribbling from a young age. It is generally very popular with the players!...
Youth academy: The "Leapfrog" Game with One Ball per Player
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
Motor skills and coordination are the focus of this fun game designed for younger players. It's ideal because it can be played while adhering to social distancing rules....
Defensive recovery activity in 2v2
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Tactical
U7 - U11
To be used in soccer school, and particularly with younger players, this drill will help work on 2v2 duels with a temporary numerical advantage....
Dribbling under pressure: "The Robbers"
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
Fun game to offer in soccer school, which will help work on dribbling while incorporating a team component with a relay system....
Dribbling as a team to fill your "bucket" (youth academy)
15 min
6-21 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U11
Fun drill to work on dribbling with younger players. Remember to keep score to create healthy competition....
Mobility and agility training with the "Around the World" drill
12 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U7 - U11
With a circle made up of a few cones, you will enable your players to work on their focus, mobility, and quickness. This drill is ideal for youth soccer training....
Ball collection and "prison" game (youth academy)
15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
This fun game drill will allow your players to work on their dribbling, keep their heads up, and position themselves correctly in space....
Dribbling with the “River and Its Crocodiles” in youth academy
12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
A fun game ideal for younger players, this drill will help your players work on dribbling as well as various cognitive aspects such as perception and decision-making....
The game of "musical balls" in soccer school
15 min
5-15 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U9
This fun game is ideal in soccer school to work on spatial awareness, ball control, and the reactivity of young players. Progression and enjoyment will be on the agenda!...
The "stop / go" with rhythm work in youth academy
15 min
6-16 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U9
For U6-U7 players, this exercise is ideal for helping your players understand the importance of not rushing and properly timing their movements. Many variations are possible....
The River Goalkeepers: dribbling and duels in youth academy
15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U11
Ideal drill in soccer school to work on dribbling and familiarize players with duels in a fun way with the famous "river keepers"....
Hunter game with perception and coordination work (youth academy)
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U12
Ideal hunter exercise in soccer school, using visual cues to enhance cognitive perception among young players. A very fun drill that players generally enjoy....
Working triangle: passing angle and layoff (Youth academy)
15 min
2-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U11
A very simple drill to set up in a soccer school that allows players to work on passing from different angles with a one-touch layoff and numerous variations....
Passing sequence on the run followed by shooting
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
This exercise is quite simple to set up and is highly appreciated in soccer schools. It will allow you to work on the final pass into the run as well as play facing the goal (with and without control)....
1v1 Distance Duels on Mini Goals
15 min
6-14 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Ideal drill in soccer school to work on speed, decision-making, and listening. Combine this with ball control and shooting practice, and you have a complete and fun drill for your players....
Double sequence of passes in hourglass and diamond formation
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Passing work on this double circuit with a multitude of possible combinations, which will also allow for concentration training....
Ball control and triangle play in youth academy
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U13
Fun dribbling drill ideal for soccer school with triangular zones and defenders who will do everything to touch the attackers....
2v1 Rondo in two zones
12 min
6-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U9 - U13
2v1 (or 4v2) possession exercise on two adjacent zones with possible variation on mini-goals. Ideal small-sided game for soccer schools....
Warm-up with the ball: sequence of passes in groups of 3 with opening
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U8 - U13
A very simple drill to set up that allows you to work on a passing sequence while being attentive to the movements around you....
One-two pass game on a square of 4
12 min
4-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U9 - U13
Ideal for a warm-up or technical drill in a soccer school, this passing exercise will allow you to implement numerous variations and add your personal touch....
Triangle passing sequence and dribbling through gates
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U8 - U13
Drill in the form of a predetermined passing sequence and dribbling with various possible variations. Perfect for youth soccer or as a warm-up....
The 4-Step Clock: Passing and Dribbling
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Fun exercise ideal for soccer school (from U11 to U13), it will allow your players to work on dribbling while keeping their heads up. Several variations are possible for this drill....
Passing sequence with double one-two pass in a group of 3
12 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Passing drill in the form of a double triangle that will allow your players to work on passing from different angles. In terms of progression, you can add your own touch with an auditory or visual signal....
The pickpocket game: dribbling and decision-making
12 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Ideal animation game in soccer school to work on dribbling with decision-making. This exercise will allow your players to progress in a fun way....
Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U9 - U13
A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players and ideal for soccer schools!...
The hourglass: passing game and dribbling
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U13
Perfect for youth soccer training, the hourglass drill will help your players develop their passing and dribbling skills while varying the angles and surfaces of the foot used....
Passing drills with lateral support and high support
12 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Passing circuit with variations to work on all surfaces of the foot, ideal for youth categories such as U11 or U13....
3-Pass Drill with Forward Progression
15 min
3-18 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Simple and effective, this ideal exercise for youth soccer will allow you to work on passing technique while offering your players numerous variations....
Passing game work in a square with a central pivot
12 min
7-14 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
A very simple passing drill to set up, but with almost infinite variations. Ideal for soccer schools, it combines quality technique, game intelligence, and movement in tight spaces....
Fun Warm-up: Dribbling and Ball Control in Tight Spaces
10 min
5-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U8 - U13
A very simple drill to set up that will allow young players to maximize their touches on the ball in a small space and under pressure. Perfect for the start of a session....
Passing circle: ball control, dribble, pass and follow
12 min
8-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U8 - U13
Ideal warm-up that allows players to get in condition with the ball while activating different muscle groups. Players work on their first touch, dribbling, and passing....
Square of passes and directional controls
10 min
4-12 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U14
Simple yet effective, this square drill used by Pep Guardiola with FC Barcelona's B team is ideal for starting a session. The variations are then endless....
Motor skills and ball control to improve footwork and balance
12 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Excellent exercise to improve footwork and balance for U11 or U13 players. Use the competitive spirit to create enthusiasm....
Warm-up: Directional ball control on the ground
15 min
4-8 joueurs
Warm-up
U9 - U13
Comprehensive warm-up exercise to improve your players on various types of directional control and work on passing in youth soccer training....
Play in Space and Switches of Play
15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U14
With this exercise, your players can calmly practice switching sides and playing in space with or without the ball. The possibility of scoring in multiple goals also enhances concentration for defenders and creativity for attackers....
Technical warm-up: directional control and pass
12 min
3-12 joueurs
Warm-up
U9 - U13
Through a sequence of directional control and pass, this exercise, ideal for warm-up, works on ball mastery while being simple to set up....
Ball control in varied situations and combined shooting
12 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
By requiring your players to use both feet and different contact surfaces in various situations, this drill is ideal for working on dribbling and ball control, as well as shooting in succession....
Warm-up: sequence, control, dribbling, and passing
10 min
10-12 joueurs
Warm-up
U9 - U13
Through a simple sequence of control-dribble-pass, this exercise, ideal for warm-up, allows players to work on the basics while staying in motion....
1v1 Duels and Defensive Positioning
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Exercise focused on defensive technique: how to effectively defend when positioned against an attacker in a 1v1? Numerous repetitions to enhance learning....
Passing and directional control work
9 min
3-12 joueurs
Warm-up
U9 - U14
Work on passing and directional control with this simple yet incredibly effective drill!...
U9 soccer drills by theme
U9 conditioning soccer drills
- Mobility and agility training with the "Around the World" drill
- Agility and game awareness: The cone drill in youth academy
U9 small-sided games soccer drills
- 3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
U9 soccer drills by sub-theme
U9 agility soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
- Receiving on the half-turn and dribbling with the "escape from jail" drill
U9 cognitive soccer drills
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
- 3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game
- Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones
U9 dribbling soccer drills
- Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones
- Running, game awareness, and passing in a circle formation
- Dynamic Warm-up and Dribbling Relay
U9 duels soccer drills
- Give-and-go, dribble, and shooting from different angles
- 1v1 Duels with Shooting and Use of Support
- Defensive recovery activity in 2v2
U9 explosive strength soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- Agility and game awareness: The cone drill in youth academy
- Collecting Cones: Feints and agility in youth academy
U9 fun game soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
- 3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game
U9 motor skills soccer drills
- Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones
- Dynamic Warm-up and Dribbling Relay
- Youth Academy: Working on dribbling with the four colors game
U9 passes soccer drills
- Give-and-go, dribble, and shooting from different angles
- Running, game awareness, and passing in a circle formation
- Dynamic Warm-up and Dribbling Relay
U9 scanning soccer drills
- 3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game
- Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones
- Running, game awareness, and passing in a circle formation