U9 Soccer Practice Plan: Building Possession Skills
Intro:
Welcome to today’s U9 soccer practice session! Our focus is on helping young players improve their ability to keep possession of the ball. Developing these skills at an early age builds confidence, teamwork, and a solid foundation for more advanced play. This 90-minute session is designed to be engaging, energetic, and educational for all ability levels.
Warm-Up:
To get players moving and ready, we’ll start with a dynamic warm-up that incorporates both physical activity and basic ball control exercises.
- 5 minutes of light jogging, shuffles, and skips around the field.
- 5 minutes of dribbling in open space, encouraging small touches and changes of direction.
- 5 minutes of “Freeze Dribble”: players dribble freely until the coach says “Freeze” — then they must stop the ball with the sole of their foot.
Main Drill 1: 4v1 Keep-Away (Rondo)
This classic rondo drill encourages players to move, think, and pass quickly in order to keep possession against a single defender.
- Set up a 10×10 yard grid.
- Four attackers keep possession by passing, while one defender tries to win the ball.
- If the defender wins the ball, they switch with the player who lost possession.
- Rotate frequently to keep energy high.
- Play 15 minutes, with water breaks as needed.
Main Drill 2: 3v3 to End Zones
This drill develops the ability to keep possession under pressure and encourages teamwork when progressing the ball into a target area.
- Divide players into teams of three.
- Set up a rectangular field with a 5-yard “end zone” at each end.
- Teams compete to keep possession and dribble or pass the ball into the opposing end zone for a point.
- Defenders try to win the ball and attack the other end zone.
- Play for 20 minutes, rotating teams if possible.
Water Break & Discussion:
Take a 5-minute break. Use this time to ask players what helped them keep the ball and what made it difficult. Highlight teamwork, communication, and movement off the ball.
Scrimmage:
End practice with a fun, competitive scrimmage that emphasizes the day’s focus. Encourage players to keep possession, use short passes, and help each other find space.
- Set up small-sided teams (e.g., 5v5 or 6v6, depending on numbers).
- Play for 20 minutes, with short breaks for coaching points.
- Remind players of the importance of supporting each other and looking for open teammates.
Coaching Points:
- Keep your head up while dribbling and passing.
- Use short, accurate passes.
- Move to create passing options for teammates (don’t stand still).
- Communicate clearly: call for the ball and give teammates direction.
- Shield the ball from defenders using body positioning.
- Stay patient and don’t force risky passes.
Tags:
U9 Soccer, Youth Soccer Practice, Possession Drills, Soccer Coaching, Teamwork, Ball Control, Grassroots Soccer