The U6–U12 skills framework
Use each expectation as a lens for observation—not a deadline, ranking, or label. Read down to compare skills at one age; read across to see how one skill develops.
4
connected domains develop the whole player.
Technique lets a player act. Game understanding helps them choose. Physical literacy supports movement. Personal and social skills help them learn with others.
Do
Development domain
Technical
| Observable skill | U6Discover | U7Repeat | U8Combine | U9Choose | U10Apply | U11Adapt | U12Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball masteryKeep the ball available while moving, stopping, and changing speed.Watch for: Keeps the ball within playing distance and can choose the next touch.Related warm-ups → | Moves and stops the ball with either foot while remaining upright. | Uses inside, outside, laces, and sole for simple touches in open space. | Changes surface or foot to keep the ball close while looking up briefly. | Carries the ball at speed, then brings it under control near traffic. | Uses both feet to adjust touch size and tempo as space changes. | Manipulates the ball away from pressure without losing the next option. | Controls surface, foot, touch size, and tempo reliably in game pressure. |
| Change directionTurn out of closed space and leave in a useful new direction.Watch for: Recognizes a blocked route, turns with control, and accelerates away.Related warm-ups → | Stops, turns, and takes the ball into a different open space. | Uses a pull-back or inside cut and follows the ball out of the turn. | Chooses between two familiar turns when a route is blocked. | Turns away from light pressure and accelerates for several steps. | Uses the foot and turn that shield the ball from the nearest opponent. | Disguises the first direction and exits into space with the next action ready. | Selects and executes an efficient turn at game speed under close pressure. |
| Protect the ballUse the body, far foot, and movement to keep possession and escape.Watch for: Gets between pressure and the ball, then moves when an exit appears.Related warm-ups → | Turns the body between a nearby player and the ball. | Keeps the ball on the foot farther from passive pressure. | Uses a side-on stance and sole touches to keep the ball moving safely. | Feels pressure, shields briefly, and escapes into open space. | Changes pace or direction rather than shielding in one place for too long. | Uses an arm for balance, legal body position, and a purposeful release action. | Protects under sustained pressure while retaining a pass, turn, or dribble option. |
| Receiving & first touchPrepare early and guide the first touch toward the next useful action.Watch for: Arrives in a receiving shape and takes the ball away from pressure.Related warm-ups → | Stops a rolling ball and stays close enough to play it again. | Moves toward the ball and cushions it with the inside of either foot. | Receives side-on when possible and takes the first touch into open space. | Looks before receiving and uses the first touch to prepare a pass or dribble. | Chooses the receiving foot and surface based on pressure and the next action. | Receives across the body or protects the ball when the forward route is closed. | Consistently scans, adjusts position, and breaks or avoids pressure with the first touch. |
| PassingDeliver a ball a teammate can use, then move to support the next action.Watch for: Matches the pass direction and weight to the teammate and space.Related warm-ups → | Pushes a rolling ball toward a nearby partner and follows the play. | Uses the inside of the foot to pass through a wide target from short range. | Places the support foot beside the ball and varies pace for a moving partner. | Passes to the teammate's available foot or into reachable space. | Selects pass weight and timing so the receiver can continue quickly. | Disguises or changes the passing lane when the obvious option is pressured. | Executes short and medium passes consistently while accounting for pressure and next action. |
| FinishingRecognize the opening and finish with the technique the moment requires.Watch for: Sees a target, prepares quickly, and strikes before the opening closes.Related warm-ups → | Dribbles close enough to goal to strike and celebrates the attempt. | Plants beside the ball and uses the laces or inside of the foot toward a target. | Looks at the goal before striking and follows rebounds. | Takes a preparation touch and finishes away from light goalkeeper pressure. | Chooses placement, power, or an early finish based on distance and goalkeeper position. | Adjusts feet to finish first time or after one touch under pressure. | Creates a shooting window and finishes decisively with either foot in realistic play. |
| 1v1 attackingMove the defender, create separation, and take the ball into advantage.Watch for: Engages the defender, changes direction or speed, and escapes beyond them.Related warm-ups → | Runs with the ball toward open space and tries to go around another player. | Uses a simple fake or direction change before accelerating. | Approaches under control, keeps the ball reachable, and exits past the defender. | Attacks a defender's front foot or open side and changes speed after the move. | Chooses whether to beat, combine, or protect based on the defender's position. | Uses disguise and a second action when the defender recovers. | Creates and uses separation consistently without dribbling into unnecessary pressure. |
| Individual defendingProtect the goal, slow the attacker, and win the ball when it becomes exposed.Watch for: Arrives under control, stays goal-side, and tackles on a clear cue.Related warm-ups → | Moves between the ball and the goal and keeps trying after being passed. | Slows down near the attacker instead of running straight through the ball. | Uses a balanced side-on stance and guides the attacker away from goal. | Closes quickly, delays at arm's length, and tackles after a loose touch. | Adjusts distance and body angle to the attacker's speed and support. | Shows the attacker toward help and transitions forward after winning possession. | Balances pressure, patience, and interception cues consistently in game-realistic duels. |
See
Development domain
Game understanding
| Observable skill | U6Discover | U7Repeat | U8Combine | U9Choose | U10Apply | U11Adapt | U12Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ScanningLook away from the ball early enough to use the information gathered.Watch for: Checks for pressure, space, and teammates before the next action.Related warm-ups → | Looks up from the ball when the coach or a teammate gives a cue. | Names or points to open space before moving into it. | Looks ahead between touches and notices a nearby teammate or opponent. | Checks a shoulder before receiving and changes the first touch when needed. | Scans more than once as the ball travels and identifies the next likely action. | Uses scanning to disguise, play forward, or protect before pressure arrives. | Continuously updates the picture and acts on relevant information at game speed. |
| Find & create spaceMove away from crowding so the ball carrier gains a useful option.Watch for: Changes position to become visible and playable without occupying a teammate's space.Related warm-ups → | Moves toward an empty area rather than following the ball everywhere. | Spreads away from teammates when the team has the ball. | Finds a clear passing lane and shows readiness to receive. | Moves before the pass to create width or depth around the ball. | Recognizes when to stay wide, move between lines, or clear space for another player. | Changes speed and direction to lose a marker and arrive as the lane opens. | Coordinates movement with teammates to stretch, rotate, or overload game-relevant space. |
| Support the playerGive the ball carrier a visible angle, useful distance, and next option.Watch for: Moves with the ball to maintain a playable passing angle.Related warm-ups → | Moves near the teammate with the ball and asks for a pass. | Moves beside rather than directly behind a defender. | Creates a clear triangle with the ball carrier and another teammate. | Adjusts support angle and distance as the ball moves. | Offers width, depth, or a third-player option according to pressure. | Times movement to receive beyond pressure or help retain possession. | Maintains connected support on and away from the ball across repeated phases. |
| Play forwardLook toward goal first, then choose whether forward or secure play is best.Watch for: Recognizes and uses a forward dribble, pass, or run without forcing it.Related warm-ups → | Turns or dribbles toward the goal when open space is visible. | Looks for an open route toward goal before changing direction. | Chooses a forward dribble or short pass when the lane is clear. | Receives facing forward when possible and recognizes when to retain the ball. | Uses an opponent's position to choose between penetrating, switching, or supporting. | Breaks a line with the pass, dribble, or off-ball run at the right moment. | Consistently advances play when the advantage exists and secures it when it does not. |
| TransitionTake a useful first action immediately after possession changes.Watch for: Switches role quickly and helps the team attack or recover.Related warm-ups → | Rejoins play after the ball changes teams instead of stopping. | Moves toward goal after winning the ball and toward the ball after losing it. | Reacts to a turnover with one clear job: dribble, pass, pressure, or recover. | Looks forward after winning and protects the middle after losing. | Coordinates the first few seconds with the nearest teammates. | Recognizes when to counter quickly and when to secure team shape. | Repeatedly makes fast, coordinated transition decisions across realistic game phases. |
| Defend togetherCombine pressure, cover, and compactness to protect dangerous space.Watch for: Supports the first defender and keeps the group connected to goal.Related warm-ups → | Returns toward the team's goal when the other team has the ball. | Helps a teammate by getting between the ball and goal. | Recognizes who pressures the ball and who protects behind them. | Moves across and back together while keeping central space protected. | Adjusts cover distance and communicates when pressure changes. | Balances compactness with marking the next dangerous option. | Coordinates pressure, cover, balance, and recovery as possession moves. |
Move
Development domain
Physical literacy
| Observable skill | U6Discover | U7Repeat | U8Combine | U9Choose | U10Apply | U11Adapt | U12Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance & coordinationControl posture and footwork while stopping, turning, landing, and striking.Watch for: Stays stable through the action and is ready to move again.Related warm-ups → | Starts, stops, and changes direction without frequent falls or collisions. | Balances briefly on either leg while controlling a stationary ball. | Coordinates arms, feet, and eyes during simple ball movements. | Lowers the body and uses small adjustment steps before a turn or strike. | Maintains control while receiving, shielding, or striking at increasing speed. | Recovers posture quickly after contact, a jump, or an off-balance touch. | Uses efficient, stable movement patterns repeatedly in game actions. |
| Agility & accelerationReact, change direction, and accelerate efficiently in response to play.Watch for: Uses a controlled plant and a clear burst after the decision.Related warm-ups → | Responds to a visual signal by starting, stopping, or changing direction. | Takes quick adjustment steps before accelerating into open space. | Plants outside the body, turns, and regains speed with balance. | Changes pace after a ball action instead of moving at one speed. | Reacts to opponents and teammates rather than following a memorized route only. | Uses efficient footwork to repeat accelerations and direction changes under pressure. | Times explosive movement to gain an advantage while remaining controlled. |
Grow
Development domain
Personal & social
| Observable skill | U6Discover | U7Repeat | U8Combine | U9Choose | U10Apply | U11Adapt | U12Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confidence & creativityTry appropriate solutions, recover from mistakes, and keep ownership of decisions.Watch for: Attempts ideas and re-enters play promptly when one fails.Related warm-ups → | Joins the activity and is willing to touch the ball. | Tries a demonstrated move and continues after a mistake. | Chooses between two solutions without waiting for the coach. | Attempts a useful risk in a game and quickly re-engages if it fails. | Explains a choice and tries a different solution when the first is closed. | Creates or disguises a solution while respecting teammates and the game. | Shows resilient decision ownership across success, failure, and game pressure. |
| CommunicationGive timely, useful information with voice, gesture, and movement.Watch for: Communicates something a teammate can act on at the right moment.Related warm-ups → | Uses a teammate's name or points to ask for the ball. | Calls clearly before the pass rather than after it arrives. | Pairs a word such as 'turn' or 'time' with a visible supporting action. | Shares simple information about pressure, space, or support during play. | Adjusts message and timing to what the teammate can see. | Combines verbal and nonverbal cues to organize the next action. | Communicates early, accurately, and constructively across changing game situations. |
| TeamworkInclude teammates, share responsibility, and contribute with or without the ball.Watch for: Helps the group solve the task and makes room for others to contribute.Related warm-ups → | Takes turns, shares equipment, and joins a partner activity. | Uses names and includes a teammate who has had fewer turns. | Completes a shared challenge without blaming a teammate for mistakes. | Changes role after passing or losing the ball and continues helping. | Balances individual action with combining when a teammate has a better option. | Organizes and encourages teammates while accepting different roles. | Consistently improves group play through inclusion, responsibility, and unselfish choices. |
| Focus & reflectionAttend to short information, stay involved, and identify what supports learning.Watch for: Returns attention quickly and can name evidence from the activity.Related warm-ups → | Freezes safely for one short cue and returns to play. | Watches a brief demonstration and tries its main action. | Stays active through a short round and recalls one coaching word. | Uses a cue during play and names where it helped. | Monitors one success signal while continuing to play naturally. | Reflects on a decision and proposes a useful adjustment for the next round. | Sustains attention, self-corrects, and gives specific evidence about learning. |