90-Minute U9 Soccer Practice: Building from the Back
Intro:
Welcome to our U9 soccer practice session, designed to help young players learn how to build attacks from the back. This 90-minute session introduces foundational skills and decision-making for defenders and goalkeepers, encouraging patient play and teamwork.
Warm-Up:
Begin with a dynamic warm-up to prepare the players physically and mentally. Use a “Follow the Leader” dribbling activity where players mimic the coach’s movements, focusing on changing direction and speed.
- Duration: 10 minutes
- Key movements: high knees, skipping, side shuffles, gentle sprints, and ball control variations
- Finish with some light static stretching to avoid injuries
Activity 1: Passing & Receiving Basics
Work on short passing and first touch. Set up small pairs with cones 10 yards apart. Players pass back and forth, focusing on accuracy and controlling the ball before sending it back.
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Coaching points:
- Use the inside of the foot for passes
- Check to the ball before receiving
- Good body position—sideways on
- Call for the ball (“Here!” or “Pass!”)
Activity 2: Playing Out from the Back Pattern
Set up two lines (defenders and midfielders) in a half field. Start with the goalkeeper playing the ball to a center back, who passes to an outside back, then up to a midfielder. Rotate players so everyone tries each position.
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Emphasize proper spacing and communication
- Encourage players to stay calm under pressure
- Progress to add a passive attacker applying light pressure
Activity 3: 4v2 Keep-Away
Organize players into groups of six. Four players try to keep possession against two defenders inside a grid. Focus on quick, accurate passes and moving to create angles.
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Switch defenders every minute
- Count number of passes before defenders win the ball
Scrimmage:
End with a 7v7 game on a half field. Encourage teams to start play with their goalkeeper and defenders building from the back, rather than kicking long. Pause to give feedback as needed.
- Duration: 25 minutes
- Rotate goalkeepers and defenders to give everyone experience
- Encourage supportive communication throughout
Cool Down:
Walk and jog lightly around the field, followed by static stretching. Gather the team for a debrief, highlighting positive moments of playing out from the back.
- Duration: 5 minutes
- Ask players what they learned about building from the back
Coaching Points:
- Encourage calmness and confidence when receiving the ball under pressure
- Remind players to spread out and use the width of the field
- Support each other with movement off the ball
- Build play using short passes, not just big clearances
- Communicate clearly and positively with teammates
Tags:
- U9 Soccer
- Youth Soccer Practice
- Building from the Back
- Soccer Drills
- Player Development