Framework Activities Warm-ups Handbook Plan a practice Notice · choose an activity · observe again Skills framework Find a useful starting point for the players in front of you.
Team age U6 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U9–U10 · Connect and choose Compare age references Choices, movement, and teammate interaction belong at every age. Use these Hub planning references with the player’s current readiness; they are not validated norms, deadlines, or rankings.
Do
Technical Ball mastery Keep the ball available while moving, stopping, and changing speed.
Watch in play Keeps the ball within playing distance and can choose the next touch.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Walk toward an empty space and stop the ball before the boundary. A more demanding game example Use smaller touches near an opponent and a larger touch into clear space. Do not infer Fast feet or many tricks alone do not demonstrate a useful choice. Try next If the ball repeatedly escapes, reduce travel speed; if control is comfortable, add a moving obstacle. Ask or invite a demonstration Where did you have room for a bigger touch? Optional U9 planning reference Carries the ball at speed, then brings it under control near traffic. Change direction Turn out of closed space and leave in a useful new direction.
Watch in play Recognizes a blocked route, turns with control, and accelerates away.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Turn away from a visibly blocked route at walking pace. A more demanding game example Notice a recovering defender and change route while keeping the next action available. Do not infer A rehearsed turn is not always needed; continuing or passing can be better. Try next Make the closed route obvious, then gradually let the defender choose later. Ask or invite a demonstration What made you change direction? Optional U9 planning reference Turns away from light pressure and accelerates for several steps. Protect the ball Use the body, far foot, and movement to keep possession and escape.
Watch in play Gets between pressure and the ball, then moves when an exit appears.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Keep the ball on the side away from a shadowing partner, then move into a clear exit. A more demanding game example Protect while a teammate offers an option, then pass or escape when space opens. Do not infer Standing over the ball indefinitely or pushing with the arms is not effective protection. Try next Begin with no contact and a clear exit. Add clean ball-winning pressure only when approaches stay controlled. Ask or invite a demonstration When could you leave the pressure? Optional U9 planning reference Feels pressure, shields briefly, and escapes into open space. Receiving & first touch Prepare early and guide the first touch toward the next useful action.
Watch in play Arrives in a receiving shape and takes the ball away from pressure.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Notice which gate a stationary defender blocks and settle the pass toward the other. A more demanding game example Choose a first touch forward, sideways, or into protection according to pressure and pass quality. Do not infer A stopped ball is not always wrong, and an open body or far-foot touch is not always right. Try next Improve the pass or delay the defender before correcting the receiver’s technique. Ask or invite a demonstration What changed your first touch? Optional U9 planning reference Looks before receiving and uses the first touch to prepare a pass or dribble. Passing Deliver a ball a teammate can use, then move to support the next action.
Watch in play Matches the pass direction and weight to the teammate and space.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Send a ground pass at a distance the partner can control. A more demanding game example Draw a defender, pass into a useful path, and offer a new supporting angle. Do not infer Completion alone does not establish good timing or direction; eye contact is not mandatory before every pass. Try next Shorten the distance if control prevents the decision; use 2v1 when passing and carrying can both work. Ask or invite a demonstration Could your teammate use the next touch? Optional U9 planning reference Passes to the teammate's available foot or into reachable space. Finishing Recognize the opening and finish with the technique the moment requires.
Watch in play Sees a target, prepares quickly, and strikes before the opening closes.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Prepare a comfortable ball and choose an empty target for a controlled ground shot. A more demanding game example Adjust to pressure and the goalkeeper, including choosing to pass when the shooting route closes. Do not infer Power, either-foot consistency, and a goal on one attempt are not universal age standards. Try next Shorten the shot and remove pursuit first; add a recovering defender after the preparation touch becomes usable. Ask or invite a demonstration What helped you see the target? Optional U9 planning reference Takes a preparation touch and finishes away from light goalkeeper pressure. 1v1 attacking Move the defender, create separation, and take the ball into advantage.
Watch in play Engages the defender, changes direction or speed, and escapes beyond them.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Choose between two gates as a defender blocks one without tackling. A more demanding game example Engage an opponent, recognize the opening, and accelerate—or pass when a teammate has the advantage. Do not infer A named trick is not required; beating a defender is not always the best team choice. Try next Give two clear exits and enough approach space, then vary the defender’s release. Ask or invite a demonstration When did the defender leave a route? Optional U9 planning reference Attacks a defender's front foot or open side and changes speed after the move. Individual defending Protect the goal, slow the attacker, and win the ball when it becomes exposed.
Watch in play Arrives under control, stays goal-side, and tackles on a clear cue.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Approach an attacker, slow down, and stay between the ball and a target without tackling. A more demanding game example Adjust distance and direction, delay when needed, and challenge a reachable loose touch. Do not infer A tackle count misses useful delay. One fixed distance from every attacker is not appropriate. Try next Rehearse controlled arrival before live challenges; include recovery after being passed. Ask or invite a demonstration What told you to wait or try to win it? Optional U9 planning reference Closes under control, adjusts distance to the attacker, and challenges a reachable loose touch. See
Game understanding Scanning Look away from the ball early enough to use the information gathered.
Watch in play Checks for pressure, space, and teammates before the next action.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Look for the blocked route before a gentle pass and choose the other exit. A more demanding game example Update the picture as players move, then use that information in the touch or pass. Do not infer A head turn that changes nothing is not enough evidence; eyes need to return to the ball for contact. Try next Make the opponent’s cue easier to see, then let the picture change later. Ask or invite a demonstration What did you notice that changed your choice? Optional U9 planning reference Checks a shoulder before receiving and changes the first touch when needed. Find & create space Move away from crowding so the ball carrier gains a useful option.
Watch in play Changes position to become visible and playable without occupying a teammate's space.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Move where the ball carrier can see and reach you. A more demanding game example Move to receive or clear a route for someone else as pressure shifts. Do not infer Standing on a wide cone does not demonstrate recognizing useful space. Try next Show a blocked passing route and one possible new angle, then remove fixed positions. Ask or invite a demonstration Where could you help without crowding? Optional U9 planning reference Moves before the pass to create width or depth around the ball. Support the player Give the ball carrier a visible angle, useful distance, and next option.
Watch in play Moves with the ball to maintain a playable passing angle.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Offer a visible angle beside the player with the ball. A more demanding game example Adjust distance, width, and depth as the ball and defender move. Do not infer Moving closer can make a pass harder; the useful option may be farther away. Try next Use a walking interceptor in 3v1, then allow live pressure when options stay visible. Ask or invite a demonstration Can the ball carrier reach you from there? Optional U9 planning reference Adjusts support angle and distance as the ball moves. Play forward Look toward goal first, then choose whether forward or secure play is best.
Watch in play Recognizes and uses a forward dribble, pass, or run without forcing it.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Carry through an open forward route or pass around a defender. A more demanding game example Recognize when a forward action gains an advantage and when retaining the ball can reopen it. Do not infer Forward at any cost can surrender possession without gaining an advantage. Try next Use 2v1 with an end line and keep sideways/backward options available. Ask or invite a demonstration Was forward open, or could you open it another way? Optional U9 planning reference Receives facing forward when possible and recognizes when to retain the ball. Transition Take a useful first action immediately after possession changes.
Watch in play Switches role quickly and helps the team attack or recover.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Recognize a change of possession and turn toward the new job. A more demanding game example The nearest player responds to the ball while teammates offer support or recover toward useful space. Do not infer Everyone chasing the ball is not coordinated transition. Try next Walk through one turnover, then replay with immediate counter-direction. Ask or invite a demonstration What was your first helpful action? Optional U9 planning reference Looks forward after winning and protects the middle after losing. Defend together Combine pressure, cover, and compactness to protect dangerous space.
Watch in play Supports the first defender and keeps the group connected to goal.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Identify who is nearer the ball and who can help behind. A more demanding game example Exchange pressure and cover as the ball moves, while noticing another attacker. Do not infer Two players pressing the same ball can expose the other route. Try next Begin with walking 2v2 and a clear scoring direction before increasing speed. Ask or invite a demonstration Where could you help if your teammate was beaten? Optional U9 planning reference Moves across and back together while keeping central space protected. Move
Physical literacy Balance & coordination Control posture and footwork while stopping, turning, landing, and striking.
Watch in play Stays stable through the action and is ready to move again.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Stop comfortably, regain balance, then make a gentle pass. A more demanding game example Adjust posture to receive, turn, or protect without losing the next action. Do not infer Stillness or one ideal-looking pose is not the whole skill; comfortable movement varies. Try next Use two-foot support or slower movement and change only one demand at a time. Ask or invite a demonstration What helped you stay ready for the next action? Optional U9 planning reference Lowers the body and uses small adjustment steps before a turn or strike. Agility & acceleration React, change direction, and accelerate efficiently in response to play.
Watch in play Uses a controlled plant and a clear burst after the decision.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Slow before a marker and choose a clear new route. A more demanding game example React to an opponent and change speed or direction under control. Do not infer A fast cone pattern does not prove reaction to a changing game. Do not prescribe one universal planting position. Try next Use short controlled efforts with clear stopping space, then introduce a partner’s movement cue. Ask or invite a demonstration When did slowing down help you turn? Optional U9 planning reference Changes pace after a ball action instead of moving at one speed. Grow
Personal & social Confidence & creativity Try appropriate solutions, recover from mistakes, and keep ownership of decisions.
Watch in play Attempts ideas and re-enters play promptly when one fails.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Choose an achievable challenge and try again with support after a miss. A more demanding game example Offer for the ball or attempt a useful idea in a familiar game, with a quieter way to participate available. Do not infer Speaking loudly, risk-taking, or performing publicly is not the only sign of confidence. Try next Let the player choose a smaller challenge or partner demonstration; notice attempts without comparing children. Ask or invite a demonstration Which version would you like to try next? Optional U9 planning reference Attempts a useful risk in a game and quickly re-engages if it fails. Communication Give timely, useful information with voice, gesture, and movement.
Watch in play Communicates something a teammate can act on at the right moment.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Use a name, point, movement, or agreed signal to offer help. A more demanding game example Give a teammate timely information and respond to their signal. Do not infer Speech volume is not the measure; gestures and positioning can communicate clearly. Try next Agree one useful signal with the group and accept spoken or nonspoken responses. Ask or invite a demonstration What helped your teammate understand? Optional U9 planning reference Shares simple information about pressure, space, or support during play. Teamwork Include teammates, share responsibility, and contribute with or without the ball.
Watch in play Helps the group solve the task and makes room for others to contribute.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Include a partner and reset together after a mistake. A more demanding game example Offer support, recover together, and share responsibility for solving the next problem. Do not infer Requiring every player to touch before a goal can punish a group for one child’s difficulty. Try next Use smaller games and flexible partners; recognize specific helpful actions between rounds. Ask or invite a demonstration How did someone help you keep playing? Optional U9 planning reference Changes role after passing or losing the ball and continues helping. Focus & reflection Attend to short information, stay involved, and identify what supports learning.
Watch in play Returns to the task with support as needed and shows or describes an example from play.
Examples, coaching choices & next step A clear entry example Understand one demonstrated rule and return to the activity after a brief reset. A more demanding game example Notice a useful cue amid changing play and show or describe one example afterward. Do not infer Freezing perfectly or recalling a verbal explanation is not the only sign of attention. Try next Shorten the instruction, show it once, and offer a gesture or action instead of a public answer. Ask or invite a demonstration Can you show one thing that helped? Optional U9 planning reference Uses a cue during play and names where it helped.