What to train with U11–U12 players, with a sample session

Between 10 and 11 (the alevín category in Spain) players learn faster than at any other age. Their coordination is good, they can concentrate for longer and, for the first time, they can understand why a pass or a movement is the right one.

Most teams play 7-a-side or 8-a-side at this age, with a goalkeeper and a real pitch shape. That makes it the moment to add the first collective ideas to everything they have learnt with the ball: playing out from the back, finding the free player and keeping the ball under pressure.

Technique under pressure: receiving on the half-turn, the first touch away from the opponent, passing with both feet and with the right weight.

Rondos and small possession games, where players learn to offer a passing line, scan before receiving and play one or two touches.

Playing out from the goalkeeper against a light press, so that defenders and goalkeeper get used to having the ball instead of kicking it long.

Small-sided games with clear rules (four mini-goals, line goals, numbers up) and plenty of 1v1 and finishing. They still need lots of touches and lots of goals.

Warm-up (12 min): 4v1 rondo in groups of five. Two touches at first, then one; the defender swaps with whoever loses the ball.

Technical part (15 min): receive on the half-turn. A middle player receives between two servers, opens the body and plays forward to the other side.

Main part (15 min): build-up 3 + goalkeeper against 2. The goalkeeper and three defenders try to play out past a line while two attackers press; a goal for the attackers if they win it and finish.

Game (25 min): 5v5 to four mini-goals. Two goals to attack, two to defend: players learn to switch play when one side is closed. Cool-down (8 min): a circle of gentle passes and stretches.

Explain the why in one sentence before each task, and then let them play. 'We open the body so we can see the whole pitch' is enough; a five-minute talk is not.

Accept mistakes when playing out. If the team loses the ball near its own goal, the answer is a better position or an earlier pass, not a long kick.

Keep rotating positions. A player who only ever plays at the back at 10 misses half of the game. If you want a full session on winning the ball back, our counter-pressing session for this age is a good next step.