Developmentally speaking, getting good soccer skills training at ages 9–11 is extremely helpful. These are the three optimal years to begin serious soccer skills training.
Players at this age are old enough to perform most technical skills you demonstrate, yet still young enough to be highly receptive to coaching. Mentally, they tend to believe and trust their parents and coaches.
Older players sometimes develop the attitude that they already know everything. Younger players between 9–11 are still open to learning and improvement.
On the contrary, with players ages 6–8 I often recommend that parents wait until around 9 or 10 before spending money on private training.
Originally Published: 2008 | Updated: 2026
These developmental years often determine whether a player builds strong technical foundations or struggles later to catch up.
Key takeaways
- Ages 9–11 are one of the most important development windows for soccer players.
- Players are mentally open to coaching and technically capable of learning advanced skills.
- Skill training during this stage builds long-term technical confidence.
- Training should balance development and enjoyment.
- Proper drills matter more than simply doing random exercises.
Certain soccer drills work way better than others
Some training methods are far more effective than others.
If you search YouTube for soccer drills you will see many cone drills. Be careful with that.
On game day there are no cones on the field.
The video below shows a strong first touch drill with an 11-year-old player. Some might think skill like this is natural, but we had worked together for six years leading up to this point.
The player’s mindset is critical. They understood the importance of mastering the craft.
“Always have the attitude and purpose to improve.”
Size doesn’t matter as you get older
Players who are highly skilled are usually either naturally gifted or players who have spent significant time training with the ball.
Players who are slower but technically strong may struggle between ages 10–16, but as the game becomes more competitive, skill becomes increasingly important.
At college and professional levels, mentality and technical skill often outweigh raw athleticism.
I’ve seen many professional players with average athletic ability but elite skill and mindset.
Keeping soccer skills training fun
Kids between ages 9–11 still need a strong element of fun in their development.
Fun should not always be the number one priority, but enjoyment is essential for long-term participation.
The number one reason kids quit sports is simple:
“It stopped being fun.”
Too much pressure at young ages often drives players away from sports.
The goal during these years should be to improve skills while keeping the environment positive.
Find the balance between fun and development
Parents and coaches must balance development with enjoyment.
If players never receive extra skill training they may struggle to keep up later.
But if training becomes boring or overly serious, players lose interest.
Age 10–11 is especially important because many players quit sports around age 12–13.
It’s normal that some days are not fun
Not every training session will feel fun.
Players need to learn that frustration and difficulty are part of improvement.
Developing strong character and resilience during youth sports prepares players for life beyond soccer.
The reason sports stop being fun
Eventually players begin to notice the growing skill gap between themselves and the top players.
This can be discouraging if they have not developed strong technical foundations earlier.
Extra training and personal development often determine whether players keep progressing.
Where the focus should go
At ages 9–11 the focus should be on development rather than simply winning games.
Players should become comfortable with the ball, develop confidence in dribbling, and learn how to make decisions on the field.
Training should also introduce strong habits such as fitness, stretching, nutrition and rest.
Preparation for high school soccer begins now
Most players want to eventually make their high school team.
The foundation for that success begins much earlier.
The three optimal years to begin serious skills training are ages 9, 10 and 11.
Desired expectations for ages 9–11
- Short passing
- Receiving balls on the ground
- Receiving aerial balls with feet, thigh and chest
- Finishing techniques
- Striking the ball with the laces
- Defensive positioning
- Heading technique
- 1v1 situations
- Small-sided combinations
Best soccer skills training methods
From younger players to college athletes, my online ball control courses are designed to build strong technical foundations.
Training focuses on developing muscle memory and comfort with the ball.
About the Author
This article was written by Jeremie Piette, the founder of Global Futbol Training.
Jeremie is a former professional soccer player who played across four continents and more than 20 countries after being drafted from a Division II program.
For more than 15 years he has trained youth, college and professional players while building Global Futbol Training into one of the most respected independent soccer skills training programs.
His coaching focuses on technical development, ball mastery and the training habits required to reach elite levels of soccer.
Frequently asked questions about soccer training ages 9–11
What is the best age to start soccer skills training?
Ages 9–11 are often considered one of the best developmental windows for soccer skills training. Players are old enough to understand advanced techniques while still young enough to be highly receptive to coaching and repetition.
Can younger players start soccer training earlier?
Younger children can certainly play soccer earlier, but many coaches recommend focusing on enjoyment and basic movement skills before investing in intensive technical training.
Why are ages 9–11 important for soccer development?
This age group tends to learn technical skills quickly while still maintaining a strong curiosity and willingness to practice. Habits formed during this stage often carry into teenage development.
How often should youth soccer players train?
Players in this age range often benefit from two to three team training sessions per week combined with individual practice or small group training.
What skills should players learn by age 11?
Players should develop strong dribbling ability, passing accuracy, first touch, basic shooting mechanics, small-sided decision making and confidence on the ball.