U9 session plans
Ready-to-run U9 sessions built on the same structure coaching courses teach: warm-up, skill practice, main practice and a game.
This is the golden age for skill. Lots of touches, lots of 1v1s, and games that reward bravery on the ball. Each plan below is written for 10 players over 75 minutes. Different numbers? The session planner rebuilds any plan for exactly who turns up.
Your assistant coach: sessions built around your squad and what you're working on.
U9 session plan: keeping the ball
Rondo race
Two 4v1 or 5v2 rondos race to reach 20 passes first. The competition adds intensity and quick decision-making.
Area: Two 10 x 10 m boxes. Coach: Speed of pass with control. Count out loud: it helps communication.
3v1 triangle rondo
Three players stand on the corners of a triangle and keep the ball from one defender. The first rondo for young players: every pass has one safe option and one brave one.
Area: Triangle of 6 to 8 m sides. Coach: Receive across your body so you face the next cone. Pass away from the defender's feet.
4v1 rondo
Four players on the outside of a square keep the ball from one defender in the middle. The simplest rondo and the best place to start.
Area: 8 x 8 m to 10 x 10 m. Coach: Open your body so you can see the next pass before the ball arrives. Receive on your back foot to buy time.
4v4 with four corner goals
Each team defends two corner goals and attacks two. Teaches switching play and looking up, because the open goal is usually on the other side.
Area: 30 x 25 m. Coach: If one goal is crowded, switch to the other. Stay spread: two wide, one deep, one high.
U9 session plan: dribbling and 1v1
Ball mastery circuit
One ball each: a sequence of short 30-second moves (sole rolls, inside-outside, drag-backs, step-overs). The quickest way to build comfort on the ball and a great start to any session.
Area: Each player in a 5 x 5 m space. Coach: Soft touches, ball close. Use both feet equally.
3v1 triangle rondo
Three players stand on the corners of a triangle and keep the ball from one defender. The first rondo for young players: every pass has one safe option and one brave one.
Area: Triangle of 6 to 8 m sides. Coach: Receive across your body so you face the next cone. Pass away from the defender's feet.
1v1 channels (beat your defender)
In narrow channels, attackers try to dribble over the end line while a defender tries to stop them. Lots of 1v1 reps for both, side by side with the whole squad working.
Area: 15 x 8 m channels. Coach: Attackers: go at them with speed, change of direction and pace. Use a move, then explode past.
1v1 tournament (up and down the pitches)
Players play 60-second 1v1 games on a row of mini pitches; winners move up, losers move down. Huge numbers of 1v1s and a fun competitive ladder.
Area: Several 15 x 10 m pitches. Coach: Be brave: take players on. Get back goal-side when you lose it.
U9 session plan: attacking play
Pass and race
Partners pass across a gap and, on the coach's call, the receiver races the passer to a gate with the ball. Passing, then a sharp 1v1 race.
Area: 20 x 10 m. Coach: Quality passes while waiting for the call. Explode away on the call.
Beat the press: 2v1 in a channel
Two players pass their way through a channel past a pressing defender to stop the ball on the end line. Teaches when to pass, angle of support and passing under pressure.
Area: 20 x 10 m channels. Coach: Draw the defender, then pass. Support player: get level and wide, not behind the defender.
1v1 to four gates
A 1v1 with a gate in each corner: the attacker can score through any of them. With so many options, players learn to read the defender and change direction.
Area: 12 x 12 m. Coach: Head up: go away from the defender's body. Fake one way, go the other.
1v1 tournament (up and down the pitches)
Players play 60-second 1v1 games on a row of mini pitches; winners move up, losers move down. Huge numbers of 1v1s and a fun competitive ladder.
Area: Several 15 x 10 m pitches. Coach: Be brave: take players on. Get back goal-side when you lose it.
U9 session plan: defending
Knee tag
Partners try to touch each other's knees while protecting their own. Fantastic for agility, footwork and quick reactions in a small space.
Area: 5 x 5 m. Coach: Stay low and on your toes. Short, quick steps.
Block tackle technique (safe tackling)
Partners practise the block tackle slowly: strong standing leg, inside of the foot through the middle of the ball. Safe technique so young players tackle with confidence.
Area: 5 x 5 m. Coach: Weight over the ball, knee bent. Strike through the middle of the ball with the inside of the foot.
1v1 defending: show them outside
The defender passes to the attacker, closes them down and shows them towards the touchline, away from goal. Teaches the approach, the side-on stance and patience.
Area: 15 x 10 m channels. Coach: Close down fast, then slow down as you arrive: small steps. Side-on, knees bent, show them the outside.
1v1 tournament (up and down the pitches)
Players play 60-second 1v1 games on a row of mini pitches; winners move up, losers move down. Huge numbers of 1v1s and a fun competitive ladder.
Area: Several 15 x 10 m pitches. Coach: Be brave: take players on. Get back goal-side when you lose it.
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