duels U10 soccer drills

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Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players and ideal for soccer schools!

Animation: Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
Mark out a zone of approximately 20x25m with 2 small goals on each width. Outside this playing area, set up a tic-tac-toe grid using cones. Form 2 teams of 5 players and position yourself outside the area with a source of balls by your side. 

The exercise starts with a tic-tac-toe (using pinnies or colored cones). Each player must place a pinnie in the square of their choice. The first team to make a line of 3 (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) will then gain a numerical advantage for the following opposition. As soon as the point is scored, 2 players from the winning team and 1 player from the losing team enter the playing area, resulting in a 2vs1. 

When a goal is scored, 1 player from each team enters the field to create a 3vs2. With the next goal, the same process leads to a 4vs3, then 5vs4, and finally ends with a 5vs5 in terms of the final opposition.

Count the number of goals scored for each team to establish a form of competition, then restart with the tic-tac-toe once the 5vs5 is completed. 

Note: if the intermediate oppositions (2vs1, 3vs2, etc.) are too long, you can add a time limit and bring in new players even if no team has scored.

The tic-tac-toe game adapted to soccer is a classic, and this variant with opposition is very popular with players!

Discover our duels U10 drills

Continuation of 1v1 duels with back to goal and mini-goals on opposite ends

Continuation of 1v1 duels with back to goal and mini-goals on opposite ends

15 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U12
1v1 duel where the attacker receives the ball with their back to the defender, must shield the ball, then turn to attack the mini-goal behind them....
Give-and-go, dribble, and shooting from different angles

Give-and-go, dribble, and shooting from different angles

15 min
3-18 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U11
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....
1v1 with goalkeeper – back-to-goal duel and chasing defense

1v1 with goalkeeper – back-to-goal duel and chasing defense

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U12
1v1 duel where the attacker starts with their back to the goal and must turn to shoot, while the defender protects their goal from behind....
Small-sided 2v2 games in 3 "drawer" zones

Small-sided 2v2 games in 3 "drawer" zones

15 min
4-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U11
2v2 game where the attacking team progresses zone by zone to eliminate two defenders positioned on different "levels" before finishing on mini-goals....
Finishing After a 1v1 with a Through Ball Using Different Trajectories

Finishing After a 1v1 with a Through Ball Using Different Trajectories

15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
1v1 duel where the attacker receives a through ball and must pass through a gate before finishing against the goalkeeper....
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 What is the U10 category in soccer?


The U10 category includes children aged 10 and under and is a very important category in the development of cognitive and technical skills. The U10 players' category holds a special place in their development and soccer awakening. Beyond a symbolic age, it still marks a period of transition and deepening of fundamentals for young players. Both in the way of approaching this sport and in the management of training sessions, a certain preparation is necessary as a U10 coach.

To best assist you in structuring your training sessions, managing young players, or choosing exercises, here is a quick guide on the subject.

The objectives of the U10 category


The objectives of the U10 category go beyond learning the basic rules of soccer, already acquired in previous years. The goals at this age are to strengthen the few technical skills of young players, such as ball control, passing, and shooting, while beginning to develop their tactical awareness of the game. 

Similarly, keep in mind that emphasis should still be placed on team play and the fun aspect in how training sessions are structured. This can be achieved through games at the end of sessions and exercises outside of soccer. As a U10 coach, you will need to be creative, while best instilling the values of soccer and developing each player's qualities.

Some tips for coaching a U10 team


Coaching a U10 team requires a balance between skill development, keeping young players focused during the session, and promoting the enjoyment of the game. Here are some essential tips for coaches:

  • Adopt a positive teaching approach: Constantly encourage players, focusing on their progress and efforts rather than victories. This helps build their confidence and motivation.
  • Focus on technical skills: Ensure that each training session includes basic exercises to improve ball control, passing, dribbling, and shooting (from close, mid-range…)
  • Introduce basic tactics: Start teaching simple formations and different roles and positions on the field. Use games and activities that encourage players to think about their positioning and movements on the pitch.
  • Promote team play: Team spirit becomes more present in U10 teams, with young players developing a stronger sense of belonging.

What training exercises for U10s?


U10 training exercises should be designed to improve both individual skills of each player while emphasizing the basics of team play. The U10 soccer category exercises are varied and cover several themes: technical workshops, initial tactical aspects, passing work, shooting, etc.

Lacking inspiration in structuring your training sessions? Here is a list of exercises to help you: 
  1. Technical courses: Create courses with cones to practice dribbling, ball control, and changes of direction. This improves ball mastery and coordination.
  2. Triangle or square passing games: These games help develop passing accuracy, quick decision-making, and off-the-ball play.
  3. Mini-matches: Organize matches in small groups (3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4) to encourage interactions and understanding of team play. This also allows applying technical skills in a match context.
  4. Shooting workshops: Set up specific exercises for shooting, focusing on technique before power. Vary angles and distances to encourage accuracy.
  5. Agility and information gathering - the cup stealing game in soccer school: this fun exercise will help your players improve key skills like speed and decision-making.
  6. Scenario-based games: Use games that simulate specific match situations to teach decision-making and basic tactics.
1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals

1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U11
High-intensity 1v1 duel with a directional layoff pass, goal choice, and immediate shooting....
Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1

Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1

10 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
Series of 1v1 duels where the attacker must read the defender's choice by going through the same colored gate before going to shoot on goal....
7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks

7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U11 - U10
Small-sided game in 7v7 with two wide areas dedicated to 1v1 before a cross and shooting in the box....
1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting

1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U11
Through repeated 1v1 duels, players must beat their defender using a prescribed skill move and quickly finish with a shot on goal....
1v1 Duels with Shooting and Use of Support

1v1 Duels with Shooting and Use of Support

15 min
5-15 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U10
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....
Dynamic small-sided game in 2v1 on 3 mini goals

Dynamic small-sided game in 2v1 on 3 mini goals

20 min
6-12 joueurs
Small-sided games
U12 - U11
Small 2v1 duel game in a reduced space that emphasizes movement work, whether it's the defender's positioning or the runs of the 2 attacking players....
Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3

Dynamic 360° Opposition with 3 Teams of 3

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U10
A small, highly dynamic 3v3 exercise that will help you work on game awareness in tight spaces and improve reactivity between each phase of play....
Defensive recovery activity in 2v2

Defensive recovery activity in 2v2

15 min
8-20 joueurs
Tactical
U10 - 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....
4v3 back to goal with build-up play for the defenders

4v3 back to goal with build-up play for the defenders

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U11 - U12
Ideal exercise for a soccer school, it will allow your players to work on playing with their back to the goal as well as build-up play in a 4v3 setup that is quite simple to implement....
The River Goalkeepers: dribbling and duels in youth academy

The River Goalkeepers: dribbling and duels in youth academy

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U6
Ideal drill in soccer school to work on dribbling and familiarize players with duels in a fun way with the famous "river keepers"....
1v1 Distance Duels on Mini Goals

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....
Dribbling in figure 8 then 1v1 duel

Dribbling in figure 8 then 1v1 duel

15 min
4-14 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U11
This exercise is quite simple to set up and will allow your players to work on dribbling and improve their concentration level, while fostering a healthy competitive spirit....
Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players and ideal for soccer schools!...
2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles (variation)

2v2 Work and Basic Tactical Principles (variation)

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Tactical
U13 - U10
Perfect exercise for your players to work on 2v2 situations and fundamental tactical principles: to draw a defender, support, and off-the-ball runs for the attackers - closing down the ball carrier and defensive cover for the defenders....
Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball

Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball

12 min
12-14 joueurs
Conditioning
U11 - U12
Fun exercise ideal for working on motor skills: footwork, balance, and body control....
1v1 Duel and Wing Play

1v1 Duel and Wing Play

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U11
Excellent exercise for practicing 1v1 duels on the flanks with an attacker’s feint and shooting situation....
1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender

1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U14
By giving a slight disadvantage to the defenders, this 1v1 drill helps work on both ball control at full speed for the attacker and delayed defensive situations for the defender....
1v1 Duels and Defensive Positioning

1v1 Duels and Defensive Positioning

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U9
Exercise focused on defensive technique: how to effectively defend when positioned against an attacker in a 1v1? Numerous repetitions to enhance learning....

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