What to train with U9–U10 players, with a sample session

Between 8 and 9 (the benjamín category in Spain) something changes: children start to see their teammates. They still want the ball for themselves, but they can now understand that a pass at the right moment helps them score.

This is the age to keep building the relationship with the ball and, at the same time, introduce the first ideas of playing together: 2v1, supporting the player with the ball and defending in pairs.

Ball control and dribbling, still the base of everything: receiving with both feet, running with the ball with the head up, beating an opponent.

Passing and receiving in movement: pass and follow, open the body to receive, pass to the free teammate.

Small superiorities: 2v1 and 3v2, where the player with the ball has to decide whether to dribble or pass. It is the first real tactical decision.

Shooting a lot, with both feet, and the first goalkeeper tasks for those who want to try the position.

Warm-up (12 min): King of the Square. Everybody dribbles in a square and tries to knock the others' balls out while protecting their own.

Technical part (15 min): diamond passing, pass and follow. Two touches, first touch towards the next cone.

Main part (25 min): 2v1 to goal, in waves. The attacker with the ball fixes the defender before passing; then the defender attacks the next pair in a continuous 2v1.

Game (18 min): 4v4 shoot on sight, where any shot on target is rewarded. Cool-down (5 min): a calm circle and stretches.

Ask questions instead of giving answers: where was the free teammate? What could you have done instead? At this age, players remember much better what they discover themselves.

Praise the good decision even if the execution fails. A well-chosen pass that goes out of play is still a step forward.

Do not make anyone the permanent goalkeeper. Rotate the position, and use the goalkeeper tasks for anyone who wants to learn it.