U10 RECREATIONAL
COACHING CURRICULUM
H
AGE GROUP: U9 or U10 players
TOPIC: 7 v 7 Rules & Restictions
OBJECTIVES: With U.S. Soccer Small Sided Games Mandates there are certain elements of the game that change dramatically
from 4 v 4 to 7 v 7. The objective of this session is set players up in to a game of 7 v 7 and guide them through some of the changes
they may face at the weekends games.
U8 RECREATIONAL
COACHING CURRICULUM
GOAL KICKS & THE BUILD OUT LINES
The build out line (zone in yellow on the diagram) has been in corporate to
allow the opposing team to successfully play out of this zone. Without build out
lines defending teams have used goal kicks to man mark the opposition and
take advantage of a lack of physical ability or technique to clear the ball.
When there is a goal kick the defending team should drop and allow the
opposition to play out, not applying defensive pressure until they cross the line.
The center forward (9) should be the first player to apply pressure and the
other players should drop to mark the opposing teams players.
U6 RECREATIONAL
COACHING CURRICULUM
THE OFFSIDE RULE
A player is offside, when the ball is played, if the opponent is nearer to the
oppositions goal line than both the ball and the second last defender, this can
be seen in the black shaded area on the diagram. Note, the gk is included in
this rule.
Run through game moments in order to teach this concept to your players so
they start to understand the concept.
U12 RECREATIONAL
COACHING CURRICULUM
CORNER KICKS
Due to the age and the implementation of U.S. Soccers new recommendation
that players 10 and under should not head the ball we should teach a corner
kick play that allows for the ball to remain on the ground. As depicted:
Have two players by the ball. NOTE: opposing players are not allowed with
10 yards of the ball. Player 1 passes to player 2 and makes a run behind their
teammate. Player 2 has three options: pass back to player 1, dribble if space
opens up and 3 cross the ball into the area.
Place 2 players inside the 18 yard box & 2 players on the half way line.
THROW INNS
Retaining possession when you have a throw in is one of the most difficult
aspects of the game, particularly at U9 & U10 as this is their first introduction to
the rule.
As a general rule of thumb, the only player who cannot be marked on a throw
in is the player taking the throw in. With this being said, the easiest way to
keep possession in these instances is to throw the ball to a players feet, who in
turn will pass directly back to the player who threw the ball in.
This can be seen in the diagram. Please note, you should also work on the
player receiving the ball and how they get in front of their defender.
FREE KICKS
On the diagram there are two specific areas that are shaded.
1. Dark shaded area wide of the penalty area. This area can be used to
execute the corner kick play described above. This is a great way to keep
possession and create a goalscoring opportunity.
2. Yellow shaded area, which runs horizontally across the field is a great
position for a simple shot on goal. Provides great angles & distances for
players who can strike the ball well at these ages.
3. With other free kicks, the objective should be to retain possession and we
recommend players trying to pass the ball quickly and short to an open
teammate.