Introduction

U10-U11s are a special audience: obviously we can't teach them the same way as U13s, U17s or seniors. They're also special in the sense that a U11 isn't there to perfect his game or for performance; he's there to learn the basics of football.

More advanced basics than at U7 or U9, admittedly, but still basics, because he's starting out on a huge pitch (for him) with lots of teammates. So technical basics have to be worked on, as well as the tactical basics that are starting to appear.

And for that there's only one solution: repetition...

Let's go for a special U10-U11 session.

1- The drill

In this drill we'll work on the technical basics (control, pass, runs, short cross, shots) with a really simple tactical aspect: the one-two, the run and getting free.

In this drill, make sure you place a pole behind the attacker to simulate defensive pressure, so he understands why he has to play the ball into his teammate's run. Understanding is one of the most important steps in learning.

Of course, make sure you run several stations (right / left) and, once the drill is mastered, add a little competition.

2- The situation

The objective of the situation is to improve the ability to get into a scoring position quickly. The 2 teams therefore have different goals.

There are 3 zones, but the most interesting are only the 2nd and the last zone; the first simply adds speed to the action so it flows more easily. As a reminder, we're at U11 level: we want as many repetitions as possible and, by working on the basics, as much success as possible, even as we start on the tactical side.

So

A red defender stays confined to the last zone to allow a 2v1 in the middle zone, and with the gain in speed, getting free and understanding the game will be easier.

3- The game

The game to finish the session: the objective stays the same and we put into practice in this match everything we've seen during the session.

The instructions are really simple and allow a 3v3 in the second half of the pitch. This time there's no numerical advantage: it's up to them to create space and get free to draw, beat, pass or finish.

The 3 activities as animated diagrams

🎧 Watch in English: on YouTube, click ⚙️ Settings › Audio track › English. You can also turn on English subtitles in ⚙️ Settings › Subtitles.

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