What to train at each age, from 6 to 12 years

A 7-year-old is not a small adult. What each stage looks like, what to work on, which format to play and what role the coach has.

Linkalde · 2026-10-15

The most repeated question in youth football is what to train with a group of a given age. There is no single answer, but there is a starting idea shared by almost every manual: a child is not a small adult. They grow, concentrate and understand the game differently at each stage, and training has to adapt to that, not the other way round.

Two children of the same age can be at very different points. Look at their real development (biological age) and not just the year of birth, especially when picking balanced teams.

6 to 8 years: having fun playing football

They are in the middle of a growth phase, still find coordination hard, can only concentrate for short spells and learn mostly by copying what they see. They play for themselves: it's normal for each one to want their own ball.

• What to work on: basic technique, coordination, games to get familiar with the ball.
• Format: small-sided games of 4v4 or 5v5.
• How: mix matches, games and short exercises, with balanced teams.
• The coach: teaches by example, talks little and in very visual language, steps in as little as possible and lets them play.

9 to 10 years: learning by playing

Coordination, endurance and speed improve. They have a good visual memory, are keen to learn and more self-confident. Team spirit appears: they now play in a team of friends.

• What to work on: technical fundamentals, speed, reaction and coordination, and a first team organisation.
• Format: 5v5 and 7-a-side.
• How: training games and matches, always mixing them up and with balanced groups.
• The coach: demonstrates, lets them try and corrects; organises and builds team spirit.

11 to 12 years: play and dare

Important physical changes begin, but balance, coordination and attention also improve. They give opinions, argue, want to assert themselves and compete more. They are now a player within a team.

• What to work on: speed and reaction, basic technique, general principles of play, occupying space well and moving.
• Format: 5v5, 7v7 and 9v9, with a simple team organisation.
• How: encourage creativity and let everyone take the initiative.
• The coach: now uses technical language, looks after behaviour and team spirit, and keeps teaching through the game.

Summary in a table

Three ideas that work for every age

1. Plan the session with clear objectives and exercises suited to what the group can do, and make them progress little by little.
2. Get organised: marked-out space, kit ready, balanced teams, water breaks and nobody waiting in a queue.
3. Explain little and keep it simple, show the exercise and let them play. Correct one player or the group, but without stopping the game every minute.