90-Minute U10 Soccer Practice: Playing Through the Thirds
Intro:
Welcome to this 90-minute soccer practice session designed for U10 players, focusing on “Playing Through the Thirds.” This session aims to help young players understand how to move the ball effectively from defense to midfield and then to attack. The drills and activities will build awareness, passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and teamwork.
Warm-Up:
We’ll begin with a dynamic warm-up to get the players moving, engaged, and ready for practice. This will be followed by a fun passing game to set the tone for the main activities.
- Jogging, high knees, butt kicks (5 minutes)
- Dynamic stretches: lunges, side shuffles, arm circles (5 minutes)
- “Gates Passing” game: Players pair up and pass through cone gates spread out around the field (10 minutes)
Main Drill 1: Building Out from the Back (20 minutes)
Set up a small area divided into three horizontal zones: defense, midfield, and attack. Teams work on passing from zone to zone, emphasizing playing out from the back and connecting through the midfield.
- Players must pass the ball through each zone without skipping one.
- Encourage defenders to find midfielders and midfielders to look for attackers.
- Rotate players so everyone experiences each zone’s responsibilities.
Main Drill 2: Thirds Transition Game (25 minutes)
Create a small-sided game (5v5 or 6v6) where the field is split into thirds. Each team must progress the ball through the defensive, midfield, and attacking thirds before scoring.
- Players cannot bypass a third; the ball must travel into each zone before a shot is allowed.
- Encourage quick ball movement and support runs from teammates.
- Switch teams and reset after 8-10 minutes to keep players engaged.
Scrimmage:
Finish with a regular scrimmage (25 minutes). Encourage players to apply what they’ve learned about playing through the thirds. Pause the game briefly when great examples of team play occur, and give positive feedback.
Coaching Points:
- Encourage players to scan the field and look for open teammates before receiving the ball.
- Emphasize the importance of moving off the ball to create passing options.
- Remind players to communicate with each other during transitions.
- Highlight the value of patience and possession, rather than forcing the ball forward too quickly.
- Rotate positions to help all players understand the role of each zone.
Cool Down:
Conclude practice with light jogging and static stretching for all major muscle groups (5 minutes). Gather the team and review the key takeaways from the session, reinforcing the importance of connecting play through all thirds of the field.
Tags:
U10 Soccer, Playing Through the Thirds, Youth Soccer Practice, Soccer Drills, Team Play, Passing, Movement Off the Ball