Soccer practice plans for kids
Here are 12 ready-to-use soccer practice plans for volunteer coaches: three each for U6, U8, U10 and U12. Every plan has a clock table, an equipment list, links to each drill with a diagram, and a swap for when things go badly.
Each age has a plan for the first practice of the season and two themed plans. They print on one page, so you can take one to the field.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Play it on the islandU6 soccer practice plans (ages 5 and 6)
U8 soccer practice plans (ages 7 and 8)
- U8 soccer practice plan: first practice of the season60 minutes. Set the habits: play first, a ball each, a game to finish.
- U8 soccer practice plan: dribbling and 1v160 minutes. Beat a defender with a change of speed or direction.
- U8 soccer practice plan: passing60 minutes. Pass to a teammate, then move.
U10 soccer practice plans (ages 9 and 10)
- U10 soccer practice plan: first practice of the season60 minutes. See every player, and start the season’s habits.
- U10 soccer practice plan: passing and first touch60 minutes. Open up, receive on the back foot and play forward.
- U10 soccer practice plan: 1v1 attacking and defending60 minutes. Win your 1v1, with and without the ball.
U12 soccer practice plans (ages 11 and 12)
- U12 soccer practice plan: first practice of the season75 minutes. See the group at game speed and set the standard.
- U12 soccer practice plan: passing and possession75 minutes. Keep the ball to go forward, and react when it is lost.
- U12 soccer practice plan: shooting and finishing75 minutes. Finish first time, and follow every shot.
How every plan is built: play, practice, play
These plans follow the Play-Practice-Play structure that U.S. Soccer teaches grassroots coaches: players arrive and play small games, then practice the day’s idea in game-like activities, then finish with a game. The structure is U.S. Soccer’s; the minutes for each part are ours, so adjust them to your group.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Play | Players join a small game, such as 2v2 or 3v3, the moment they arrive. The coach watches and says little. The game points players at the day’s idea. |
| Practice | One or two game-like activities on that idea, with repetitions and a challenge. This is where the coach teaches: a short demonstration, a question, a key word. |
| Play | A game in a format close to match day. Players try what they practiced and the coach mostly lets them play. |
How long should practice be?
| Age group | Practice length | Game | Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| U6 | 45 minutes | 4v4, no goalkeepers | Size 3 |
| U8 | 45 to 60 minutes | 4v4, no goalkeepers | Size 3 |
| U10 | 60 to 75 minutes | 7v7 | Size 4 |
| U12 | 75 minutes | 9v9 | Size 4 |
Practice length: US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department. Game and ball: U.S. Soccer small-sided standards. Our U8 and U10 plans use 60 minutes. Your league may differ. Give water breaks more often in hot weather, never use running as a punishment, and change the size of any area that is too hard or too easy.
Every plan ends with a game like this
A small game gives every player the ball. See how to set up 3v3.
Drills by age
- U6 soccer drills: fun games for 5 and 6 year oldsNine games for 5 and 6 year olds, a ball each, with what to avoid
- U8 soccer drills for 7 and 8 year oldsTen drills for 7 and 8 year olds: dribbling, 1v1, first passing and 3v3
- U10 soccer drills for 9 and 10 year oldsTen drills for 9 and 10 year olds: rondos, first touch, 2v1 and first goalkeeping
- U12 soccer drills for 11 and 12 year oldsTen drills for 11 and 12 year olds: 4v2 rondos, possession, defending in pairs and finishing
- All soccer drills for kids46 soccer drills and practice games for U6 to U12, each with a setup diagram, coaching points and the lesson it trains
Lessons to share with your players
- Carry or Pass? (7v7 lesson)Watch which route the defender leaves open.
- Step Out of the Blocked Lane (7v7 lesson)Move so the defender is no longer between you and the ball.
- Look, Then Turn or Return (7v7 lesson)Look for pressure before receiving. Turn into room or give the ball back.
- Stay Between the Ball and Goal (7v7 lesson)Move with the attacker while keeping yourself between the ball and your goal.
Questions about soccer practice plans
What is Play-Practice-Play?
The practice structure U.S. Soccer teaches grassroots coaches. Players start with small games, then practice one idea in game-like activities, then finish with a game.
How long should a youth soccer practice be?
US Youth Soccer’s coaching guidance suggests about 45 minutes at U6, 45 to 60 at U8, 60 to 75 at U10 and 75 at U12.
How do I plan a soccer practice for beginners?
Pick one idea, such as dribbling. Start with small games, run two or three activities on that idea with a ball for every player, and end with a game.
What equipment do I need to coach youth soccer?
A ball for every player, about 20 cones, bibs in two colors, small goals or extra cones, water, a first aid kit and a pump.
Should practice start with laps or stretching?
No. Children warm up by playing. A small game or a ball-each game in the first minutes prepares them and teaches soccer too.
Keep reading
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.