U11–U12 · 9v9
Football for U11 and U12 players
U11 and U12 play 9v9 on a bigger pitch. Space appears and disappears quickly, so decisions have to get faster — and that is coachable.
What they're ready for
- •Scanning repeatedly, not just once, before receiving
- •Receiving on the half-turn to play forwards
- •Recognising when to switch play into space
- •Understanding a role on the pitch without being fixed to it
How to run sessions
- •Practices of 10–15 minutes with realistic pressure
- •Constraints that force decisions (touch limits, target zones)
- •Review moments: what were the options?
What to leave alone
- •Results-driven coaching and win-at-all-costs framing
- •Strength and conditioning programmes
- •Comparing children who are growing at different rates
For parents
- •Talk about decisions, not mistakes
- •Support the coach's message rather than adding a second one
- •Protect their downtime — more football isn't always better
Reads for U11–U12
What Are the Best Football Drills for Kids?
Discover the best football drills for kids are not drills at all, but fun, game-like practices that promote decision-making and a love for the game.
Read →
How to Teach a Child to See the Whole Pitch in Football
Practical advice for parents and coaches on how to help young players improve their pitch vision, scanning, and spatial awareness to make better decisions.
Read →Other age groups
The card game that teaches kids how to think like a footballer.
Help young players improve their decision-making, positioning, teamwork and football intelligence through fun match-day scenarios. Designed for ages 7–13. No coaching experience required.
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