U10 Soccer Drills: 8 Terrific Drills Every 10-Year-Old Should Try (2024 Update)
By age 10, kids are becoming more confident with the ball at their feet. They’re quicker, more aware of the game, and starting to understand how to play as a team. This is a key development stage—so it’s important to give them the right tools and a fun environment to keep learning.
That’s where great U10 soccer drills come in.
The best drills for 10-year-olds are engaging, simple to follow, and built around real-game scenarios. They shouldn’t feel like chores. They should feel like play—because kids learn best when they’re having fun.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 8 excellent U10 soccer drills that focus on dribbling, passing, shooting, teamwork, and coordination—everything young players need to grow their skills and love for the game.
What Should U10 Soccer Drills Focus On?
At this age, kids are starting to get more serious about soccer, but they still learn through games, challenges, and repetition.
U10 soccer drills should help kids:
- Improve ball control and coordination
- Develop strong dribbling and passing habits
- Learn basic attacking and defending techniques
- Understand teamwork and spacing
- Build confidence through touches and decision-making
Most importantly, drills should help players stay active and engaged.
1. Sharks and Minnows
Purpose: Teach dribbling under pressure while making it fun and exciting.
Setup:
- Create a 20×20 yard grid.
- Choose 2 players to be the “sharks” (defenders) and the rest are “minnows” (dribblers).
- Each minnow has a ball. Sharks do not.
How to Play:
- On your signal, minnows must dribble across the grid without losing their ball.
- Sharks try to steal or kick balls out of the zone.
- If a minnow loses the ball, they become a shark.
Why It Works:
This drill builds dribbling control, awareness, and quick changes of direction—plus kids love the game format.
2. Red Light, Green Light (Dribble Edition)
Purpose: Improve dribbling, stopping, and acceleration.
Setup:
- Players line up on one end of the field with a ball each.
- Coach stands on the opposite end.
How to Play:
- “Green light” = players dribble forward.
- “Red light” = players stop and freeze with the ball.
- Any movement on red light = back to the starting line.
Variations:
- Add “Yellow light” to slow-dribble.
- Include dribbling moves when stopping.
Why It Works:
This drill builds ball control, reaction time, and fun competitive energy.
3. Gates Passing Drill
Purpose: Work on passing accuracy and communication in pairs.
Setup:
- Set up small cone gates (1-2 yards apart) around a grid.
- Players work in pairs with one ball.
How to Play:
- Each pair passes the ball through as many gates as possible in 1 minute.
- They must move to a new gate after each pass.
Progressions:
- Use only one touch to pass.
- Reverse the direction after each gate.
Why It Works:
It teaches precise passing, movement off the ball, and teamwork—all in a time-pressured game.
4. Dribble Relay Races
Purpose: Make dribbling fast and fun while working on close control.
Setup:
- Divide players into teams.
- Set up a cone course for each team.
How to Play:
- Players dribble through cones, turn around, and race back.
- First team to finish wins.
Variations:
- Add specific skill moves at certain cones.
- Use weaker foot only for a round.
Why It Works:
Relays are great for building speed, footwork, and healthy competition.
5. 1v1 Duel Zone
Purpose: Teach players how to defend and attack in one-on-one situations.
Setup:
- Create a small field with two goals (10×15 yards).
- Players are in pairs—one attacker, one defender.
How to Play:
- Attacker tries to beat the defender and score.
- Defender tries to stop the goal or win the ball.
- Rotate roles every round.
Coaching Focus:
- Teach attackers to change pace and direction.
- Teach defenders to stay low, track the attacker, and avoid diving in.
Why It Works:
1v1 drills help kids build confidence, creativity, and defensive awareness.
6. Cone Dribbling Maze
Purpose: Develop tight ball control and foot coordination.
Setup:
- Create a cone maze or zigzag path (10–12 cones in random or tight spacing).
- One player dribbles at a time.
How to Play:
- Players must dribble through the maze without touching any cones.
- Time them or count touches for extra challenge.
Progressions:
- Weaker foot only.
- Add a quick turn and sprint after the last cone.
Why It Works:
It’s a great way to improve control, balance, and touch in tight spaces.
7. Target Shooting Drill
Purpose: Build shooting accuracy and confidence in front of goal.
Setup:
- Place cones or targets inside a goal (corners, middle, bottom).
- Line players up outside the penalty box.
How to Play:
- Each player takes a shot, aiming for a specific target.
- Give points for hitting different zones.
Variations:
- Use rolling passes instead of still balls.
- One-touch finish for advanced players.
Why It Works:
This drill encourages focused shooting and helps develop goal-scoring instincts.
8. Mini Scrimmages with Rules
Purpose: Let kids apply their skills in real game situations.
Setup:
- Set up small-sided games (3v3 or 4v4).
- Use small goals or pug nets.
Add Fun Rules Like:
- 3 passes before scoring
- Must pass to every teammate before a shot
- Weaker foot goals count double
Why It Works:
Kids love scrimmages—and when you add creative rules, they think more, pass better, and stay engaged.
Pro Coaching Tips for U10 Practices
- Keep it fun and fast. Avoid long speeches or standing in lines.
- Use small teams. More touches = more learning.
- Encourage creativity. Let them try moves—even if they fail.
- Balance structure and freedom. Drills should flow, but also have clear goals.
- Give lots of praise. Confidence is everything at this age.
Table of Contents
FAQs: Coaching U10 Soccer Players
Q: How long should a U10 soccer practice last?
A: 60 minutes is ideal. You can squeeze in 4–5 short drills and a scrimmage.
Q: How many times per week should kids this age train?
A: 2–3 sessions per week is perfect. Focus on consistency, not overtraining.
Q: Should I correct every mistake?
A: No—pick key teaching moments and let kids learn by doing. Too much correction can frustrate them.
Q: What size ball do 10-year-olds use?
A: Size 4 is the standard ball size for U10 players.
Q: How important is winning at this age?
A: It’s okay to be competitive, but development, fun, and teamwork should always come first.
Final Thoughts
U10 is such a fun age to coach. Players are energetic, eager to learn, and starting to grasp the beauty of soccer as a team sport. The drills you use should reflect that—simple, fun, effective, and skill-building.
These 8 drills are tried-and-true for helping 10-year-olds grow as players and teammates. They cover the essentials: dribbling, passing, shooting, teamwork, and decision-making. And they can easily be adapted to suit different group sizes and ability levels.
As a coach or parent, your biggest job is to keep the environment positive and playful. Encourage effort, praise improvement, and always finish on a high note.
Want a full weekly plan for U10 practices or downloadable drill sheets? Just let me know, and I’d be happy to help build something fun and effective for your team!
