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Free practice plan · Ages 9–10 · 7v7 · 2-3-1A U10 attacking practice plan:
Find the Free Player
When we have more players than they do, someone is free. This session teaches players to find them: ninety minutes, twelve to sixteen players, from a 2v1 in a channel to a 7v7 game. Every activity here is free on this site, with its own page and an animated video.
- Attack the defender’s front foot. Make them choose.
- Find the free player: with three against two, there always is one.
Bring: Ball each, flat cones, pinnies in two colors, 4 mini goals.
Your job: Praise the decision, not just the goal.
The session, minute by minute
3v1 Square
RondoAn 8x8 square. Three attackers on three sides, one defender inside. The attackers may slide along their own side but not leave it. Two touches for the attackers. Five passes is a point. When the defender wins it or the ball leaves the square, the player who lost it goes in. Players start as they arrive.
HarderOne touch when the pass arrives from your left.
If it stallsPasses flying out of the square? Make it 10x10 and take away the two-touch rule for a minute.
2v1 to the Line
SharpenA 15x10 channel. Two attackers against one defender. Score by dribbling over the end line. The ball starts with the attacker furthest from the defender. Ten seconds to score. Rotate: the defender becomes an attacker. Run it for ten minutes, then add the first progression.
HarderThe attacker on the ball must commit the defender before passing.
If it stallsPassing too early? The pass only counts once the attacker is inside 3 yards of the defender.
3v2 to Two Goals
SolveA 20x15 with two mini goals on the far line. Three attackers against two defenders. Score in either mini goal inside 12 seconds. Defenders counter to a mini goal on the start line. Rotate after each go. Run it in rounds, and add the first progression when it gets easy.
HarderAttackers must switch the ball at least once.
If it stallsAttackers dribbling into trouble? Two touches until the final pass.
The game: go forward
Play7v7 in the 2-3-1, wide mids give the width. A goal scored within ten seconds of winning the ball counts double. Water comes before this block, never in the middle of it.
Our corner
Set pieceThere is no heading at this age, so keep it on the ground. Play it short, get it back, and shoot. Walk it twice, then play it live.
Shorter session?
With 75 minutes, halve Sharpen. With 60, skip it and run Rondo, Solve, Play and the set piece. Never cut Play.
Match day: what to watch for
Three things to look for from the touchline:
- When it is 2v1, does the attacker go at the defender?
- Does the second attacker stay wide and level?
- Do we finish early, or wait until the numbers even out?
Questions coaches ask
Should a U10 player pass or dribble in a 2v1?
Go at the defender first. Pass when the defender’s hips turn, not before.
What if players pass too early?
The pass only counts once the attacker is inside 3 yards of the defender.
What if attackers dribble into trouble in the 3v2?
Two touches until the final pass.
More free practice plans
Twenty-four sessions, twelve match days, one habit at a time
The Full Season Travel Curriculum for ages 9 to 12 is twelve weeks built around six team habits, every game drawn at 7v7 and 9v9, with a match-day page every week, the 30-minute game-day warm-up and an animated video of every activity.