What to Expect
By U10, players are capable of quicker decisions and beginning to understand how their actions affect teammates. Confidence on the ball improves, and they are ready for more structured challenges.
Development Priorities
- Refine 1v1 and introduce combination play (give-and-go, overlaps).
- Teach basic group defending: pressure, cover, and delay.
- Improve first touch and passing under pressure.
- Begin building awareness of team shape during transition.
How We Train
Activities are structured around game moments, using numbers-up scenarios (3v2, 4v2, 4v3) to highlight options and solutions. Positional games and small-sided play form the core of each session. Training begins to reflect the four moments of the game: attack, defend, and both transitions.
- 2v2 & 3v3 Game Scenarios
- Agility & Movement
- Attacking Corners
- Attacking Principles (Width, Depth, Penetration)
- Ball Mastery
- Building from the Back
- Communication & Leadership
- Confidence on the Ball
- Creating Overloads
- Crossing & Finishing
- Decision Making
- Defending Corners
- Defending Principles (Delay, Deny, Deflect)
- Dribbling & 1v1
- Game Management
- Keeping Possession
- Passing & Receiving
- Playing Through the Thirds
- Pressing & Counter-Pressing
- Scanning & Awareness
- Shooting & Finishing
- Small-Sided Game Tactics
- Spacing & Support
- Switching the Point of Attack
- Third Man Runs
- Transition Play
- Turning & Shielding