Best Technical Soccer Drills for 10-Year-Olds

As a parent or coach of a 10-year-old soccer player, you’re probably looking for ways to help your child improve their skills on the field.

This is an important time in their development, as many players playing club soccer transition into classic and pre-academy programs that are more competitive.

By mastering fundamental skills and conditioning exercises, young players can gain the confidence and experience they need to thrive in a more competitive environment.

 

 

In this article, we will explore some of the top soccer drills for 10-year-olds and how you can use them to help your child develop their soccer skills. We’ll also discuss soccer-specific conditioning exercises that can help your child prepare for the next level.

 

Key Takeaways:

  1. Boost Skills: Fun drills improve dribbling, passing, and shooting.
  2. Right Gear: Size 4 balls, cones, and ladders ensure safe training.
  3. Teamwork & Confidence: Foster teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem.

 

At Anytime Soccer Training, we provide over 5,000 follow-along training videos to help you guide your child through soccer drills at home.

 

Whether you’re practicing ball mastery, shooting, or team drills, we’ve got you covered.

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Plus, you can take our free 7-day Ball Mastery Challenge, with seven free training sessions sent to your inbox every day, designed to help your child become more confident with their ball control.

 

Individual Development

Watching your 10-year-old grow their passion for soccer is rewarding.

 

However, structured practice plays a key role in skill development. Here are some drills tailored for individual development, focusing on ball mastery, dribbling, passing, shooting, and more.

 

Ball Mastery Drills (Start Here!)

Ball mastery is the foundation for all other soccer skills. For young players, improving their ability to control the ball is critical for gaining confidence and composure.

 

Tick Tock Drill

  1. Setup: Place the ball on the ground and have the player tap it gently with the inside of each foot, alternating feet.
  2. Goal: Improve touch and comfort with the ball, focusing on soft, quick touches.
  3. Why It Works: It improves coordination and helps players develop a feel for the ball.

 

 

Toe Taps Drill

  1. Setup: Players perform toe taps on top of the ball, tapping alternately with their toes.
  2. Goal: Increase foot speed and ball control while developing balance and coordination.

 

 

Dribbling Drills

 

Cone Weave Drill

  1. Setup: Line up a series of cones about 3-4 feet apart.
  2. Instructions: Players dribble through the cones using both feet, focusing on keeping the ball close and controlled.
  3. Goal: Improve close ball control and agility.

 

Box Dribbling Drill

  1. Setup: Create a 10 x 10 yard square with cones.
  2. Instructions: Players dribble freely inside the square, performing different dribbling moves like cuts and turns.
  3. Goal: Enhance ball control and agility under pressure.

 

 

Passing Drills

 

Passing Pairs Drill

  1. Setup: Pair up players about 10 yards apart.
  2. Instructions: Pass the ball back and forth, focusing on accurate passing and receiving with both feet.
  3. Goal: Improve passing accuracy and ball control.

 

Passing Through Gates Drill

  1. Setup: Set up several small gates (cones spaced 2-3 feet apart) around a 20×20 yard area.
  2. Instructions: Players pass the ball through as many gates as possible within a set time.
  3. Goal: Improve passing accuracy, spatial awareness, and decision-making.

 

 

Shooting Drills

 

Shooting on the Move Drill

  1. Setup: Place cones in a line about 5 yards apart, leading toward the goal.
  2. Instructions: Players dribble through the cones and take a shot when they reach the goal.
  3. Goal: Develop shooting accuracy and the ability to shoot while on the move.

 

Defensive Drills

Shielding The Ball

  1. Setup: Pair players up and have one player shield the ball while the other attempts to steal it.
  2. Goal: Improve spatial awareness and defensive positioning, teaching players how to protect the ball from defenders.

 

Organize Your Training With Anytime Soccer Training

To make things easier for you, we’ve gathered everything you need in one place. Stop struggling to find soccer drills and check out our video on how we organize complete training sessions.

 

 

With this valuable resource, you’ll have everything you need to help your 10-year-old improve their soccer skills and enjoy the game even more.

 

Team Drills for Shooting

 

Shooting Relay Drill

  1. Setup: Create a relay course with cones leading up to the goal.
  2. Instructions: Players pass, dribble, and shoot in a relay race format.
  3. Goal: Combine dribbling, passing, and shooting in a fun and competitive team drill.

 

Cross & Finish Drill

  1. Setup: Position a player at each wing and one player in the center.
  2. Instructions: The wing players cross the ball into the middle for the central player to finish on goal.
  3. Goal: Develop crossing, timing, and finishing skills.

 

Fun Team Drills

 

Shark Attack’ Dribbling Game

  1. Setup: Assign one player as the ‘shark’ and the others as ‘minnows.’
  2. Instructions: Minnows dribble across a designated area while avoiding the shark.
  3. Goal: Enhance dribbling skills, ball shielding, and spatial awareness.

 

Small-Sided Games (3v3 or 4v4)

Setup: Create small teams with reduced field size (30×20 yards).

Instructions: Play a simplified version of the game focusing on ball control, passing, and positioning.

Goal: Increase player interaction with the ball, improve decision-making, and encourage teamwork.

 

 

Essential Equipment

To ensure effective and safe practices, the right equipment is essential for soccer drills. Here’s a breakdown of the gear you’ll need for both individual and team drills:

  1. Soccer Balls: Size 4 soccer balls are ideal for 10-year-olds.
  2. Cones: Used for marking drills, boundaries, and slalom courses.
  3. Bibs or Pinnies: Differentiates teams for drills or scrimmages.
  4. Goals: Portable goals help practice shooting and scrimmage play.
  5. Agility Ladders: Perfect for developing quick footwork and agility.
  6. Rebounders: Great for passing, receiving, and ball control drills.

 

Wrapping Up

Both individual skill development and teamwork are critical for a 10-year-old’s soccer progress.

 

Players can gain the foundational skills they need while having fun by focusing on ball mastery, dribbling, passing, and shooting.

 

Team drills will encourage communication, collaboration, and strategy on the field. With the right equipment and consistent practice, young soccer players can develop the confidence and skills to excel in their game.

 

To help your 10-year-old improve their soccer skills, focus on regular practice, positive reinforcement, and engaging activities. Consider incorporating competitive drills like “Fox and Rabbits” to keep things interesting and help players practice their footwork, turns, and ball control.

 

Join Anytime Soccer Training For Free

 

And for even more support and guidance, resources like Anytime Soccer Training can provide valuable follow-along videos to enhance their technical development. With these strategies in place, your child can reach their full potential on the field and enjoy the game even more.