Preparation Phase | 10-12 year olds

This is a great age-group for small-sided games. In fact there is an argument to suggest that the entire session should be small-sided games. After all, we want the children to learn to play football - so what better way to learn than by playing football? 

The challenge for the coach is to maximize the amount of learning that happens for all players in these small-sided games. A large part of this will be how to group players so they all experience success. It is worth remembering that team sizes do not need to be even - being outnumbered in games is realistic preparation for the adult game of football, and poses a new problem to the children. 

There are hundreds of modifications to small-sided games - all of which will change the challenge that the children face. The coach needs to ask themselves: What does this modification add to the learning process? If there is no benefit, then there is no use in modifying the game.

Football Training Session Plan

Age Group: 10–12 years old

Period: Special Preparation Period

Ball Size: No. 4

Field Size: 50m x 70m (Max format: 8v8)

Training Focus Breakdown

 Technical Training – 50%

• Individual Technique (30%)
  • Ball mastery under pressure (dribbling, passing, shooting, receiving)
  • 1v1 attacking and defending
  • Change of direction and feints
• Group Technique (20%)
  • Passing combinations (wall passes, overlaps)
  • Support play and movement off the ball
  • Exercises that encourage decision-making in small groups

✔ Focus: Skill execution under passive, semi-active, and active defensive pressure to simulate match conditions.

Tactical Training – 30%

• Individual Tactics (20%)
  • Decision-making: when to pass, shoot, or dribble
  • Defensive positioning and marking
  • Spatial awareness and anticipation
• Team Tactics (10%)
  • Basic attacking and defending principles (width, depth, balance)
  • Team shape in attack and defense (in game formats)
  • Transition play (attack to defense and vice versa)

✔ Focus: Tactical understanding through game formats and scenario-based learning.

 Physical Conditioning – 20%

• Components Covered:
  • Speed & agility
  • Flexibility & elasticity
  • Rhythm & balance
  • Neuron-muscular coordination
  • Basic endurance (for age 12 only)
• Methods:
  • Circuit training (with technique or strength focus)
  • Strength exercises using body weight only (e.g., squats, lunges, core stability)
  • Dynamic movement exercises with and without the ball

Game Formats and Match Simulation

• Small-sided games:
  • 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 – high ball contact, quick decision-making
  • Progression up to 7v7 and 8v8 (on 50x70m field)
• Game principles emphasized:
  • Spacing, support, compactness, pressure, recovery

Session Goals

• Reinforce love for the game while introducing structured learning
• Foster individual creativity within team concepts
• Gradually prepare players for more complex tactics and increased physical demands