U9/U10 Coaching Resources
General U9/U10 Information
Roster: 12 players max
Practices: 65-70 minutes
Game Form: 7 v 7 (min 6)
Game Length: 2 - 25 minute halves
Goalkeeper: Yes. Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt or drop-kick, training should be focused upon throwing and using their feet with the ball on the ground to transition play to the attack.
Build-out line (half line): Goalkeeper possession (hands) and goal kicks – ISL Rec Central requires that the opponent “drops off” to the build-out line when the goalkeeper has the ball in his/her hands, and on all goal kicks. The defending team may not release from the half line until the ball has been played. Referees will be instructed to strictly enforce this rule which is designed to encourage development of building play out of the back.
Offside: Yes. The build-out line is the offside line.
Ball Size: 4
Game Ball: Each team should have a properly inflated game ball provided to the Referee prior to the start of the match. The Referee will decide which ball to put into play.
Field Size: 55-65 yards long x 35-45 yards wide
Player Equipment: Team jersey, shorts, shin guards, soccer cleats, and socks.
Playing Time Requirement: All players must receive 50% playing time in a game. If a coach is managing a disciplinary situation with a player, the player may receive less than 50% playing time. Prior to the game the coach must inform the parents, the referee, and the opposing coach of this disciplinary status.
Referee(s): Referee(s) will be assigned by home soccer club.
U9/U10 Learning Objectives
Developmental Characteristics
Lengthened attention span.
Still in motion but not so busy.
Psychologically becoming more firm and confident.
Begin to comprehend team activities.
Boys and girls beginning to develop separately.
Motor skills becoming more refined.
Start to understand pace (ability to think ahead).
Practice Objectives
Coaching Emphasis: Individual technical development, small group decision making and fun!
Technique:
Dribbling and running with the ball, how to beat an opponent, changing direction while running with the ball.
Passing with the inside and outside of the foot.
Receiving ground balls with the instep and outside of foot; receiving bouncing balls.
Heading: Introduce attacking and defensive heading in a user friendly manner.
Shooting: Finishing with different surfaces including volleys.
Psychology: Working in-groups of 3, 4 or 5; stay focused for one entire half; how to win or lose gracefully; sportsmanship; emotional management.
Fitness: Endurance; range of motion, flexibility.
Tactics:
1 v 1 attacking
1 v1 defending - Do players dive in or delay? Do players recover the ball after losing possession?
Vision: Players should be encouraged to play with their head up.
Transition: Does the team transition quickly from attack to defense after losing the ball and from defense to attack after winning the ball?