U10 Coach Resources
U10 (7v7)
It is important for coaches to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stages of the players that we are coaching in order to make practices run smoothly while also being fun. Here are some typical characteristics of the Under 10 player:
*Special thanks to Massachusetts Youth Soccer for the provided session plan content*
10 weeks of lesson plans
A breakdown of the pro's and con's of 6 different formations to use when playing 7v7 (u10)
Formations for 7v7
https://coachingsoccerweekly.com/057-formations-for-the-second-stage-of-soccer-development/
It is important for coaches to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stages of the players that we are coaching in order to make practices run smoothly while also being fun. Here are some typical characteristics of the Under 10 player:
- Attention span lengthens and they start to show the ability to sequence thoughts and actions.
- Players start to think ahead and think “If this, then that”
- Players are more inclined towards wanting to play soccer rather than being told to play
- Demonstrate increased self-responsibility
- Players start to recognize fundamental tactical concepts
- Begin to become aware of peer pressure.
- Players affiliate with their team or their coach
- There is a wide continuum of maturity evident on most teams.
- U10 is still a crucial age for technical skill development.
*Special thanks to Massachusetts Youth Soccer for the provided session plan content*
10 weeks of lesson plans
A breakdown of the pro's and con's of 6 different formations to use when playing 7v7 (u10)
Formations for 7v7
https://coachingsoccerweekly.com/057-formations-for-the-second-stage-of-soccer-development/
U10 Coaching Documents
| nscaa_coaching_formula_stage3_9to11.pdf |
| usyouthsoccer_u10_practice_activities.pdf |
| u8_u10_build_out_line_details_faq.pdf |
U10 Build-out Line Details & FA
General Overview: The purpose of the build-out line is to allow goalkeepers and defenders more time to control the ball before being pressured from opposing players; to play the ball without pressure and 'build play from the back.
The build-out line is used at U9/U10 games. These build-out line rules lead to another rule update in an effort to encourage ‘building play out of the back’ – goalkeepers are no longer permitted to punt the ball.
Coaches (NOT OFFICIALS) should address players who are slow to retreat, or the referee can issue misconduct if necessary.
Markings: The build-out line is drawn on the field parallel to the goal line approximately 14 to 17 yards from the goal line.
Currently there are a few situations in U10 games where the build-out lines are used and, after some confusing guidance from US Soccer, each must be addressed separately: Goal Kicks and Goalkeeper Possessions.
BUILD-OUT LINE RULE 1 = GOAL KICKS:
At all goal kicks, opposing players must move out of the build-out area. Opposing players must remain on the other side of the build-out line until the ball is in play. The ball is in play once the ball leaves the penalty area. The sanction is to retake the goal kick. The ball is not required to clear the build-out area to be in play. The build-out line is not relevant for any restart other than goal kicks.
BUILD-OUT LINE RULE 1 FAQs:
Can the goalkeeper throw or roll a goal kick?
No. At a goal kick the ball must be stationary inside the goal area. The ball must be kicked and the ball is not in play until the ball leaves the penalty area.
For indirect free kicks or direct free kicks that occur inside a team's own build out line area does the opposing team have to be outside of the build out line area or just 10 yards away?
For all restarts, other than goal kicks, the build-out area is not relevant and the normal minimum required distance would apply.
For throw-ins that occur inside a team's own build out line area does the opposing team have to be outside of the build out line area or just 6 feet away?
For all restarts, other than goal kicks, the build-out area is not relevant and the normal minimum required distance would apply.
BUILD-OUT LINE RULE 2 = GOALKEEPER POSSESSION:
At all goalkeeper possessions, opposing players must move behind the build-out line. Opposing players must remain outside of the build-out area until the goalkeeper releases ball from their hands. The sanction is an IFK to the goalkeeper’s team where the build-out line infringement occurred. The six-second goalkeeper possession rule is not enforced until all opposing players are outside of the build out area.
Goalkeeper possession includes the goalkeeper contacting the ball with any part of their hand or arm including bouncing and tossing/catching the ball.
BUILD-OUT LINE 2 FAQs:
Can the goalie place the ball on the ground and kick it to anywhere in the field? Yes. However, once the goalkeeper releases the ball from their hands, opposing players who have cleared the build-out area, may enter the build-out area and play as normal including pressuring/challenging for the ball.
What’s the call on defenders crossing the build out line too soon?
The ref can delay the goalkeeper to back up the defenders to the correct side of the line. If persistent, misconduct can be issued.
If the ball has to leave the penalty area to “be in play” can the goalie put the ball on the ground and dribble around for an indefinite period of time?
The ball does not need to leave the penalty area to be in play. The ball has always been in play. The goalkeeper may put the ball on the ground and dribble or pass or kick the ball at any time. Once the goalkeeper releases the ball from their hands, opposing players who have cleared the build-out line may enter the build out area (including the penalty area) and play as normal.
They are not holding the ball in their hands anymore, so does the 6 second rule apply?
The six-second rule only applies to the goalkeeper controlling the ball in their hands; however, the six-second rule does not begin until all opposing players have moved outside of the build-out area.
Can the keeper play the ball early, or must they wait for the other team to retreat behind the dash line?
Yes, the keeper can play the ball early, but there can be no penalty to the defending team for not allowing them time to retreat behind the dash line.
If goalie kicks the ball past the buildout line before it is played by his/her team is that a foul, and what is the restart?
That scenario is not an infraction. The ball does not need to be 'played' by a teammate inside the build-out area. The goalkeeper kicking the ball is fine although punting is not permitted. The build-out line has nothing to do with when the ball is in play, it is only used temporarily to allow defenders (including the goalkeeper) a bit more time to play the ball without pressure to learn to 'build play from the back.'
Does “every part of the defender’s body” have to be behind the line?
There are no restrictions regarding defenders on the field. All attackers must fully clear and remain outside the build-out area until the goalkeeper releases the ball. Any opposing player(s) inside the build-out area cannot interfere with play until leaving the build-out area and the goalkeeper releases the ball from their hands. This includes a scenario where an opposing player, outside the build-out area, wins the ball and plays the ball to a teammate inside the build-out area but, who did not clear the build-out area, (indirect free kick to the defending team.)
The goalkeeper cannot punt off a save?
Correct. Punting includes dropkicks, bouncing the ball off of the ground and/or tossing the ball into the air to kick it. The sanction is an Indirect Free Kick to the opposing team where the goalkeeper punted the ball subject to special circumstances for free kicks within a goal area.
Once GK possesses the ball, the opposing team must move beyond the build out line and the GK can then distribute the ball to his/her players behind or in front of the build out line -once a teammate of the GK receives the ball behind the build out line, then the opposing team may challenge for the ball or do they need to wait until the team with possession moves outside of the build out line?
In this situation the ball has always been in play. Opposing players are only restricted because of the goalkeeper possession. Opposing players may enter the build-out area as soon as the goalkeeper releases the ball from their hands. A ‘second touch’ is not required for opposing players to enter the build-out area.
If the GK distributes the ball in front of the build out line (without punting it), the opposing team may immediately challenge for the ball?
The goalkeeper may distribute the ball by dribbling, throwing, rolling or kicking the ball. If the goalkeeper distributes the ball out of the build-out area, opposing players may pressure the ball.
Note: However, if an opposing player, outside the build-out area, wins the ball and then plays the ball to a teammate inside the build-out area, who did not clear the build-out area, the sanction is an indirect free kick to the defending team only if that player is in an offsides position.
A few helpful videos on Build Out Lines:
Build Out Line Rules
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAE4d0wLmhc
Explaining the Build Out Line 7v7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ92KfiIwok
7v7 Build Out Line Part II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJovFMAZilo