U10 Soccer Drills: 8 Terrific Drills for 10-Year-Olds

How It Works: In this dynamic drill, two attackers take on a single defender with the goal of reaching the end zone by dribbling. Attackers score a point by entering the end zone under control. The defender can also score a point by winning the ball and dribbling it out-of-bounds under control. Kicking the ball out doesn’t count for either team.

Purpose:

• Improve players’ ability to capitalize on 2v1 scenarios
• Boost 1v1 attacking moves
• Enhance decision-making and passing skills

Setup:

• Two 20×25-yard fields, each with a 5-yard end zone on one end
• Cones placed on both ends for players to form lines
• Assign two defenders per field (1 on, 1 resting)
• Two attackers per field (1 starts on field, 1 on opposite end line)
• Remaining players line up behind cones with soccer balls
• Play 4-minute games, rotating defenders; continue for at least 20 minutes

Instructions:

1. The first player in line passes to the attacker on the end line.
2. That attacker dribbles into the field to join the 2v1.
3. The goal is to dribble into the end zone for a point.
4. If the defender wins the ball and dribbles it out-of-bounds under control, they score a point.
5. If the ball goes out in any other way, no points are awarded.
6. Defenders rotate each rep.
7. Scoring attacker or closest attacker joins the back of the line.
8. The passer becomes the new end line attacker.

Variations:

• Competition Mode: Track points; winner is top scorer every 4-minute round
• 3v1 Option: Add a third attacker if needed
• Narrow the Field: Make it 12-15 yards wide for more difficulty

Coaching Tips:

• Teach attackers to engage the defender before passing
• Ensure attackers offer strong passing angles
• Push defenders to win and exit under control

---

2. 2v2 + 2 Crossing & Finishing Game

How It Works: Teams of 2 compete with help from two neutral sideline players. Neutral players deliver passes or crosses, helping the active team try to score goals.

Purpose:

• Enhance crossing, finishing, defending, and off-the-ball movement
• Increase competitive reps in a small-sided setting

Setup:

• 30×35 yard field (wider than long)
• One full-size goal on each end, with a goalkeeper
• Teams of 2 in colored jerseys, 1 team of neutrals on sidelines
• Balls split between goals
• Each team plays four 3-minute games

Instructions:

1. On coach’s signal, the GK passes to teammates to start the 2v2.
2. Teams attack with support from two sideline neutrals.
3. Goals can come from open play or crosses.
4. Neutrals are mobile along the sideline, can dribble and cross.
5. Neutral players aren’t defended.
6. GKs can also pass directly to neutrals.
7. Make-it, take-it rules apply after each goal.
8. Out-of-bounds restarts come from the non-offending team’s GK.
9. Rotate teams each round. Neutrals become field players.

Variations:

• Only Score from Crosses: Emphasize wide play
• Touch Limit: Restrict touches to speed up play
• King of the Hill: Winning team stays on; losers rotate
• Point System: 1 pt (regular shot), 2 pts (footed cross), 3 pts (header)
• Bigger Games: Scale to 3v3 or 4v4 with field adjustment

Coaching Tips:

• Promote constant movement and scanning
• Push players to be decisive
• Encourage aggressive runs to attack crosses
• Get goalkeepers involved in communication and quick distribution

---

3. 4v4 + 4 Wide Neutral Players Drill

How It Works: Two teams of four compete in a full-field game with four wide neutrals assisting. Teams must complete one pass to a wide player before they can score.

Purpose:

• Encourage use of width
• Improve crossing, finishing, and goal-scoring decisions

Setup:

• 30×45 yard field
• Full-size goals at each end with GKs
• Three teams of 4 + neutral players on sidelines
• Play 4-minute games

Instructions:

1. Game starts with two teams on the field.
2. Must connect a pass to a wide player before shooting.
3. Neutrals move freely but can’t be tackled.
4. If out-of-bounds, restart with opposing GK.
5. Make-it, take-it scoring
6. Teams rotate after each round

Variations:

• Touch Limits for field and/or neutral players
• Crossing Finish Only: Must score from a wide assist
• Scoring System: 3 pts (header), 2 pts (1-touch), 1 pt (2-touch)

Coaching Tips:

• Promote wide play and attacking space
• Train wide players to deliver quality crosses
• Encourage timing of runs into the box
• Let wide players support possession too

---

4. 5v5 Wall Pass Scoring Game

How It Works: Teams aim to connect passes to designated sideline teammates (wall players) on both sides in the same possession to earn a point.

Purpose:

• Build decision-making in directional possession
• Improve team passing and awareness

Setup:

• 25×25 yard square
• Two teams of five, with two sideline wall players each
• Inside players play continuous 5v5

Instructions:

1. Score a point by connecting passes to both sideline teammates in one possession
2. Wall players can move along the sideline but can be defended
3. Ball out = new ball from non-offending team
4. Inside players stay in field for full round
5. Rotate wall players after each 4-minute round

Variations:

• Add touch limits
• Include neutral players if teams struggle
• Adjust field size for larger teams

Coaching Tips:

• Emphasize off-ball movement and passing angles
• Players must think ahead before receiving
• Encourage communication and awareness

---

5. Tic-Tac-Toe Sprint Fitness Game

How It Works: Two teams race to complete a game of tic-tac-toe using jersey markers, improving fitness through sprints.

Purpose:

• Boost maximum speed, agility, and competitive spirit
• Fun way to build fitness

Setup:

• Divide into teams of 3 or 4
• Set up a tic-tac-toe grid with cones or hoops
• Place a starting gate 15-25 yards from each grid
• Give three markers (cones or jerseys) to each team

Instructions:

1. First players sprint to place a marker in the grid, return, tag next player
2. After three markers are down, players take turns moving their own markers to try and win
3. First team to get three in a row wins
4. Reset and repeat after each round

Coaching Tips:

• Push for maximum sprint effort
• Keep transitions sharp and fast
• Promote quick thinking under pressure

---

FAQs

Q1: Can I use these drills for different age groups? Yes! Just adjust the field size and intensity to fit the age and skill level of your players.

Q2: How many players are ideal for these sessions? Most drills work best with 10-16 players, but can be scaled up or down with simple modifications.

Q3: What equipment do I need? Basic cones, soccer balls, pinnies (colored vests), and full-size goals for some drills. Optional agility hoops for Tic-Tac-Toe.

Q4: How do I keep players engaged? Use competition-based variations and set point systems. Track scores and reward winners!

Q5: What if my players struggle with certain drills? Try the easier variations (e.g., add a third attacker or use neutrals). Focus more on coaching cues and break the drill down if needed.

Q6: How do I include goalkeepers? Goalkeepers are integrated in several drills. They can rotate in, participate in distribution, and even support possession in small-sided games.

Conclusion

Incorporating these drills into your training sessions will not only keep your practices fresh and engaging but will also ensure your players are constantly developing their technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness. Whether you’re focusing on finishing, possession, decision-making, or agility, each activity is designed to replicate real-game scenarios and push your players to perform at a higher level.

By rotating through these competitive, fun, and effective drills, you’ll see improvements in your team’s overall play—from better communication and quicker transitions to more confident attacking and defending. Don’t forget to encourage creativity, reinforce good habits, and most importantly—make the game enjoyable.

Train smart, stay consistent, and success on the field will follow.