If it's too hard
More space, more chances
Make the area bigger or use an empty small goal. For a version without elimination, reset with every team after each round. Give players time to spot a shot or a supporting teammate.
Project 2030 / Grassroots
Grassroots Coaching
A full season for nine- and ten-year-olds: twelve practice plans, every game in one place, and practical help for coaching 7v7 without turning it into a lecture.
U10 game library
Every game, without hunting through the weeks.
All 14 of them, written for Ages 9-10 and drawn out where a setup picture helps. Use one as planned or use the search when you need a quick replacement.
What the pictures mean
- A kid on the team with the ball
- A kid on the other team
- A ball
- You
- A cone
- A goal
- Running with the ball
- A pass
- Running without the ball
Nothing matches that. Try a shorter search.
Small-Sided Arrival GameFind the theme in a real game.
Setting it up
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
Things to ask them
What do you see when you get the ball?
What changes when you lose it?
Build Out to the End ZoneKeeping the ball in the first half, then finding a way forward.
Setting it up
Use a 24-by-35-yard area with a goal at one end and an end zone at the other. One team builds toward the end zone; the other tries to win it and score.
Shout First touch, support, play forward
Things to ask them
Where is the first safe pass?
When can we play forward?
Four Goal GameSeeing a new route when one goal is blocked.
Setting it up
Give each team two goals to attack. Make the field wide enough that changing the point of attack becomes possible.
Shout Scan, switch, support
Things to ask them
Which goal has space?
How can we move the defender?
Two on Two to the ConesRecognizing when to dribble, pass or move to help.
Setting it up
Make the field wider than long. Teams score by playing the ball into or through the opponent's row of cone targets.
Shout Draw them in, find the free player
Things to ask them
What makes a teammate a good option?
When should you drive forward instead?
Score or CounterCreating a scoring chance while protecting against the counter.
Setting it up
Set a regular goal at one end and two counter goals at the other. The attacking team scores in the regular goal; the defending team wins it and counters to either small goal.
Shout Finish, combine, counter
Things to ask them
When is the opening to shoot?
Can a pass create a 2v1?
Pairs Against DefendersCreating and using an advantage near goal.
Setting it up
Serve a ball to two attackers against one or two defenders. The attackers look to score; new players enter after each round.
Shout Commit them, make an option
Things to ask them
What makes it a 2v1?
Where can the second attacker help?
Press, Cover, CounterStopping the ball moving forward, then attacking straight away.
Setting it up
Use a small directional field with a regular goal and two counter goals. Let one team build; the other presses, covers and counterattacks on the win.
Shout Closest player pressures, teammate covers
Things to ask them
Who is closest to the ball?
Where can the next defender help?
Three Goals to DefendProtecting the important space while looking to counter.
Setting it up
One team attacks three small goals; the other protects them and counters to one goal after a regain.
Shout Protect, pressure, help
Things to ask them
Which space must we protect first?
What happens after we win it?
Protect the GoalDenying a shot, then breaking out with the ball.
Setting it up
Give one side a goal to protect and the other an end zone to reach after winning the ball. Switch roles between rounds.
Shout Block the way, force, help
Things to ask them
Where is the goal?
How can the second defender help?
Defend Each ZoneRecognizing pressure, cover and balance across the field.
Setting it up
Divide a directional field into three zones. Start with one defender in each zone, then remove the restriction as players understand the problem.
Shout Pressure, cover, balance
Things to ask them
Who pressures the ball?
Who covers the space behind them?
Two Against One to Side GoalsDelaying an outnumbered attack and protecting the goal.
Setting it up
Send two attackers and one defender into a small field. The defender tries to slow them down, protect the best route and win the ball if it is there.
Shout Delay, protect, recover
Things to ask them
Which route is most dangerous?
How can you buy time for help?
The GameUsing the week's idea in soccer.
Setting it up
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
Things to ask them
What did you see?
What changes when we lose it?
End-of-Season FestivalReviewing the season through games.
Setting it up
Set up two fields. Play short rounds, switch opponents and let players see every role.
Shout Play, communicate, enjoy it
World CupShoot quickly, dribble under pressure, help a partner and win the ball back. React when possession changes.
Setting it up
Use pairs or trios. Start around 20 × 25 yards for six pairs, then adjust space for the number of teams. Put one goal at an end and mark a separate waiting area outside the shooting space. Keep the coach and spare balls beside the boundary so a new ball goes in straight away.
How it works
- Divide the players into teams of 2-3. Each team chooses a country.
- Mark a playing area with one goal. Use a goalkeeper if available, or an empty small goal.
- The coach serves one ball. Every team competes against every other team to score in the same goal.
- A team that scores qualifies for the next round and immediately moves to the waiting area outside the playing space.
- Serve a fresh ball and continue with the remaining teams. If the ball goes out, restart straight away.
- When only one team has not scored, that team is eliminated from the tournament.
- Start the next round with the qualifying teams. Repeat until two teams remain.
- Play the final on the same goal: first to score wins. Try first to two goals if you want a longer final.
Example: 12 outfield players
With 12 outfield players, make six pairs: USA, Brazil, Argentina, France, Spain and Germany.
- Round 1: 6 teams → 5 advance.
- Round 2: 5 → 4.
- Round 3: 4 → 3.
- Round 4: 3 → 2.
- Final: 2 → 1 champion.
A goalkeeper needs to be an additional player or adult; the six pairs still need all 12 outfield players.
Shout Scan, shoot or dribble or pass, support, block, recover
Things to ask them
Is there space to shoot?
Where can you move to help your partner?
What do you do when another team wins the ball?
How can you get between the ball and the goal?
If it's too easy
Quicker decisions
Reduce the space a little or add a goalkeeper. Encourage scanning before receiving, supporting a teammate, blocking shots and recovering possession. Try first to two goals in the final.
Tip Qualified and eliminated teams stay involved in a separate supervised ball activity outside the shooting area, or safe ball-retrieval roles. Use a helper, keep tournaments short and reset quickly. Avoid long waits; if you cannot supervise a second activity, use the no-elimination version.
Extra game based on the supplied World Cup description; separate from the Massachusetts Youth Soccer weekly plans.
The short version
Are they solving more problems than you are solving for them?
If they are, you're doing fine. The rest is the practical stuff that helps U10 practices move.
Before practice
- Set up the small-sided arrival fields first, then the main game, then the final game.
- Know the theme, player actions and one question. You do not need a speech.
- Have plenty of balls beside each field so restarts are immediate.
- Use the build-out line and match details your league uses when they matter to the practice game.
While you coach
- Keep the players playing. Coach in the breaks and talk to individuals while the game continues.
- Ask, then let a round happen before asking again. Players need the chance to find an answer.
- Rotate players through different roles and do not lock anyone into a position.
- Make the field wider for more attacking time; make it smaller for more pressure.
- Use short intervals and clear restarts, especially in the first play phase.
What is normal at U10
- Players are beginning to see teammates and space, but their decisions will still be inconsistent.
- Technical mistakes are part of the decision-making process; praise the right idea as well as the execution.
- Pressure, cover and balance are useful ideas only when a game lets players feel why they matter.
- Enjoyment, equal involvement and a willingness to try things remain the foundation.
Where this came from
The weekly plans are adapted from the Massachusetts Youth Soccer U10 session-plan library and beginner volunteer guide, both recommended by U.S. Soccer. The diagrams here are our own simplified coaching visuals. Match-day rules are league-specific, so check yours.
World Cup is an extra game based on a supplied activity description, separate from these weekly plans.
The season
12 practices, all the same shape.
Play, teach one thing, play again. Open a week to see the purpose, the games and the questions that make it easy to coach.
First 20 minutes
Intentional free play
Three quick roundsStart with small-sided soccer and watch for the week's problem. Let the game show you what needs attention.
Middle 20 minutes
The main problem
One game with a clear challengeUse numbers, targets and space to create the decision. Ask a question at the break, then get the ball moving again.
Last 20 minutes
Play the whole game
Put the idea back in soccerReturn to a directional game with real transitions. Rotate roles each round and resist solving every decision for them.
Use the 7v7 field when it is available, then split it into two small fields for the first play phase. A 19-yard-wide small field is plenty for 1v1 through 3v3.
These plans use the U10 source curriculum's 7v7 context. Match rules, goalkeepers, build-out lines and restarts belong to your league, so use its version on game day.
What the pictures mean
- A kid on the team with the ball
- A kid on the other team
- A ball
- You
- A cone
- A goal
- Running with the ball
- A pass
- Running without the ball
01AttackingBuilding up in our own halfReceive, support, play forward when it is on
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Build Out to the End Zone
15-20 min
The idea Keeping the ball in the first half, then finding a way forward.
Use a 24-by-35-yard area with a goal at one end and an end zone at the other. One team builds toward the end zone; the other tries to win it and score.
Shout First touch, support, play forward
- Where is the first safe pass?
- When can we play forward?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
02AttackingBuilding up in our own half, with more pressureCreate an angle, keep it, then penetrate
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Build Out to the End Zone
15-20 min
The idea Keeping the ball in the first half, then finding a way forward.
Use a 24-by-35-yard area with a goal at one end and an end zone at the other. One team builds toward the end zone; the other tries to win it and score.
Shout First touch, support, play forward
- Where is the first safe pass?
- When can we play forward?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
03AttackingBuilding in the opponent's halfScan, support, change the point of attack
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Four Goal Game
10-15 min
The idea Seeing a new route when one goal is blocked.
Give each team two goals to attack. Make the field wide enough that changing the point of attack becomes possible.
Shout Scan, switch, support
- Which goal has space?
- How can we move the defender?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
04AttackingCreating an opening near goalDraw a defender, find the free option
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Two on Two to the Cones
Short rounds
The idea Recognizing when to dribble, pass or move to help.
Make the field wider than long. Teams score by playing the ball into or through the opponent's row of cone targets.
Shout Draw them in, find the free player
- What makes a teammate a good option?
- When should you drive forward instead?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
05AttackingScoring goalsShoot, pass or dribble forward
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Score or Counter
15-20 min
The idea Creating a scoring chance while protecting against the counter.
Set a regular goal at one end and two counter goals at the other. The attacking team scores in the regular goal; the defending team wins it and counters to either small goal.
Shout Finish, combine, counter
- When is the opening to shoot?
- Can a pass create a 2v1?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
06AttackingCreating a 2v1 near goalCommit a defender, make a passing option
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Pairs Against Defenders
Short rounds
The idea Creating and using an advantage near goal.
Serve a ball to two attackers against one or two defenders. The attackers look to score; new players enter after each round.
Shout Commit them, make an option
- What makes it a 2v1?
- Where can the second attacker help?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
07DefendingPreventing the opponent building upProtect the goal, pressure, cover
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Press, Cover, Counter
15-20 min
The idea Stopping the ball moving forward, then attacking straight away.
Use a small directional field with a regular goal and two counter goals. Let one team build; the other presses, covers and counterattacks on the win.
Shout Closest player pressures, teammate covers
- Who is closest to the ball?
- Where can the next defender help?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
08DefendingWinning it high and counteringPressure, help, attack after the regain
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Three Goals to Defend
15 min
The idea Protecting the important space while looking to counter.
One team attacks three small goals; the other protects them and counters to one goal after a regain.
Shout Protect, pressure, help
- Which space must we protect first?
- What happens after we win it?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
09DefendingPreventing build-up near our goalProtect the goal, force play away, win it
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Protect the Goal
15-20 min
The idea Denying a shot, then breaking out with the ball.
Give one side a goal to protect and the other an end zone to reach after winning the ball. Switch roles between rounds.
Shout Block the way, force, help
- Where is the goal?
- How can the second defender help?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
10DefendingDefending as a groupPressure, cover, balance
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Defend Each Zone
15-20 min
The idea Recognizing pressure, cover and balance across the field.
Divide a directional field into three zones. Start with one defender in each zone, then remove the restriction as players understand the problem.
Shout Pressure, cover, balance
- Who pressures the ball?
- Who covers the space behind them?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
11DefendingDefending an outnumbered attackDelay, protect the goal, recover
Just play
Small-Sided Arrival Game
15-20 min
The idea Find the theme in a real game.
Set up two 19-yard-wide fields with small goals. Start 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 and add players as they arrive. Use kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep it moving.
Shout Play forward, react fast
- What do you see when you get the ball?
- What changes when you lose it?
Teach one thing
Two Against One to Side Goals
Short rounds
The idea Delaying an outnumbered attack and protecting the goal.
Send two attackers and one defender into a small field. The defender tries to slow them down, protect the best route and win the ball if it is there.
Shout Delay, protect, recover
- Which route is most dangerous?
- How can you buy time for help?
Play again
The Game
15-20 min
The idea Using the week's idea in soccer.
Use two goals and the space your group can handle. Keep teams even, rotate roles, and use your league's restarts when useful.
Shout See it, decide, react
- What did you see?
- What changes when we lose it?
12Small-sided gameEnd-of-season festivalEverything from the season
The whole session
End-of-Season Festival
The whole session
The idea Reviewing the season through games.
Set up two fields. Play short rounds, switch opponents and let players see every role.
Shout Play, communicate, enjoy it
Quick check on any game
- Does the game look enough like soccer to make the week's decision real?
- Do both teams have a direction, a target and a reason to transition?
- Are the numbers and space creating the right challenge?
- Can I change space or numbers before adding a complicated condition?
- Did I coach with questions and leave room for players' solutions?
On the drive home
- Did the player actions show up in the last game?
- Which question helped them notice the problem?
- Should next week's space, numbers or challenge change?