Players dribble out in the square which is 2m x 2m and perform a turn and shot. Once they have shot they can then go in goal. Ask the players to perform a ball mastery skill instea
Ball M
U9-U10Up the StepsFoundation60 mins8–14 playersProgressive loadPassing & receiving
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.
Session flow
8m
15m
15m
17m
5m
Arrival · 8 mins
Warm-up — Ball Mastery (4 goal with turns)
8:00
Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.
Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.
Coaching points
Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.
Progressions
Add directional constraints.
Regressions
Reduce pressure / enlarge space.
Technical · 15 mins
Ball Mastery (4 goal with turns)
15:00
Players dribble out in the square which is 2m x 2m and perform a turn and shot. Once they have shot they can then go in goal. Ask the players to perform a ball mastery skill instead of dribbling into the square. ·Look for! The correct technique on the turns - head up before shot and turn - good tempo. Awareness Work
Organisation: Balls: 25; Cones: Y; Goals: 4; Other: Large cones
Coaching points
Each coach holds a balloon and calls out a players name who must leave the drill and dribble the ball too the balloon and catch it before it hits the floor.
Progressions
Progression
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop Ball Mastery (4 goal with turns)
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve ball mastery (4 goal with turns) under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: SSG pitch with clear scoring / constraints linked to the theme.
Coaching points
Reward the theme with the scoring system.
Protect transition moments both ways.
Use guided discovery questions in natural stoppages.
Progressions
Shrink space / add a live defender.
Regressions
Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 17 mins
Drill 3 — game for Ball Mastery (4 goal with turns)
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards ball mastery (4 goal with turns). Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for ball mastery (4 goal with turns).
Help a teammate who is stuck.
Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
Remove the condition when the theme is secure.
Regressions
Neutral helper / overload.
Plenary · 5 mins
Review & cool down
5:00
Players share one learning from the session against the intention.
Organisation: Circle with the ball.
Coaching points
Listen to teammates.
Name one success.
Related drills
20yards
20yards
20yards
Drill: Dribbling obstacle course
Dribbling Obstacle Course (10 Minutes)
Setup: Set up a simple obstacle course twice with cones, gates, and a goal at the end.
Players take turns navigating the course with the ball.
Finish by shooting into the goal.
Instructions:
Demonstrate the course first.
Encourage creativity and speed.
Progression: Turn it into a team race
Key Coaching Points:
Controlled dribbling.
Quick touches through tight spaces.
Accurate finish at the end.
2
3
4
2
3
4
1
1
Warmup
5
6
5
6
Warmup (Ball Mastery):
20x20 Grid
Players Travel around with the ball and on coaches' call do the below skills/movements.
Toe Taps
Sole Roles
Drag backs
Step Overs
Cruyff turns
10 mins
2
3
4
2
3
4
1
1
Warmup
5
6
5
6
Warmup (Ball Mastery):
20x20 Grid
Players Travel around with the ball and on coaches' call do the below skills/movements.
Toe Taps
Sole Roles
Drag backs
Step Overs
Cruyff turns
10 mins
6v6 w/ centre goal:
6v6 whole pitch
Score points by passing through the square in the middle and receiving at the other end
Defensive team:
Can we press and win the ball
Can the Player on the line cut out the “line-breaking” pass
Offensive team:
Keep the ball comfortably with the overload
Make the pass to the spare player and receive it back for a goal
