small-sided games U10 soccer drills

small-sided games U10 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the small-sided games aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

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Creating space through movement in 5v5

This exercise will help your players position themselves well in space to offer support to the ball carrier. Many variations are possible with additional cognitive aspects.

Animation: Creating space through movement in 5v5
Mark out an area of about 30x35m and then place 9 small squares of 2 different colors within the area (see diagram for more details). Then form 2 teams of 5 players. If you have more than 10 players at practice, you can enlarge the area or create a second area for the additional players.

The exercise will proceed as follows: 
  1. The team in possession of the ball must keep the ball as long as possible while scoring points by making a pass into a square of the color of their team.
  2. The defending team must win back the ball by pressing the opposing team and minimizing passing angles.
  3. Once the ball is recovered, the roles reverse.
  4. It is important for players to position themselves well in space to constantly offer options to the ball carrier, while keeping an eye on the finishing squares.

Here are some variations you can implement during this exercise: 
  • Reverse the colors: the blues score in the yellow squares, and vice versa. This will add an additional cognitive aspect to this exercise.
  • A point is scored when a player crosses a square.
  • The central square earns double points.

Discover our small-sided games U10 drills

Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates

Possession game in two zones with 5v3 and 3 gates

15 min
15-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Two teams each maintain possession in their own half and look to penetrate through one of the gates to switch of play, under pressure from a third team....
Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format

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....
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 - U13
2v2 game where the attacking team progresses zone by zone to eliminate two defenders positioned on different "levels" before finishing on mini-goals....
3v3 with a neutral player and central support – stop-ball and overlaps

3v3 with a neutral player and central support – stop-ball and overlaps

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U15
3v3 game with a neutral player and two central supports to work on overlaps, the support play, and shooting on a stop-ball....
Using Width in a 4v4 with 6 Mini-Goals

Using Width in a 4v4 with 6 Mini-Goals

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
This drill is ideal for working on passing to create width in order to connect the box-to-box midfielder with the player positioned behind the opposing line....
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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.
3 ways to score in a reduced 3v3v3 game

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....
7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks

7v7 Oppositions with 1v1 Duels on the Flanks

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Small-sided game in 7v7 with two wide areas dedicated to 1v1 before a cross and shooting in the box....
Possession game with support at the 4 corners

Possession game with support at the 4 corners

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Ball retention exercise with a numerical advantage, seeking support in the corners to validate passing sequences....
Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions

Rondo in 3+2 vs 3+2: managing the overload and quick transitions

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Ball possession and transition work in a balanced rondo, where each team seeks to exploit the temporary overload during the possession phase....
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
U10 - U13
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....
3v3 high-intensity with shooting on 6 mini goals

3v3 high-intensity with shooting on 6 mini goals

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Used by the youth teams at Real Madrid, this highly dynamic drill will help your players work on attacking and defensive transitions as well as defensive recovery....
Creating space through movement in 5v5

Creating space through movement in 5v5

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U15
This exercise will help your players position themselves well in space to offer support to the ball carrier. Many variations are possible with additional cognitive aspects....
4v4 Possession Game with Central Square

4v4 Possession Game with Central Square

15 min
9-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Ideal exercise for youth soccer with a small-sided 4v4 game, a central neutral player, and a variation with 2 mini-goals to offer a coherent progression to your players....
3v3 (+4) with support players and position change

3v3 (+4) with support players and position change

18 min
14-16 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
This 3v3 with 4 support players is ideal for working on communication, game awareness, and decision-making. Under pressure in the central zone, your players will need to lift their heads and find support before they can finish on 4 mini goals....
2v1 Rondo in two zones

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....
4v4 Game with Colored Gates and Mini Goals

4v4 Game with Colored Gates and Mini Goals

20 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U15
A very dynamic game that involves various cognitive aspects, it is ideal for working in a fun way through a possession exercise followed by progression with shooting on mini-goals....
Rondo in 4v2 and pressing with a numerical disadvantage

Rondo in 4v2 and pressing with a numerical disadvantage

20 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U14
4v2 possession drill with pressing and zone changes. You can develop the exercise with small goals and by limiting touches on the ball....
Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload

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!...
5v5 opposition with "4 corner jokers"

5v5 opposition with "4 corner jokers"

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U15
This 5v5 small-sided game with 4 neutral players will allow your players to progressively take control of the field by "unlocking" the neutral players one by one....
4v4 Possession Game with 2 Final Third Zones

4v4 Possession Game with 2 Final Third Zones

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U10 - U13
Positioning, reaction time, and quality of passes are on the agenda for this possession exercise, perfect for working on key skills in a fun format....