Ages 6–12

A 10-minute soccer practice you can run with your kid

Ten minutes is enough for real touches: a two-minute warm-up, two short games, and a final minute your child picks. One goal for them, one habit for you.

The 10-minute plan

Warm-up touches · 2:00 Toe taps and gentle dribbles around the space, changing direction when you call it.
Gate hunt · 3:00 Set up a few small gates with shoes or cones. They dribble through as many as they can, then try the other foot.
Chase, stop, shoot · 3:00 Roll the ball out; they chase it, stop it, and shoot at a small goal. Take turns being goalie.
Water break · 1:00 Ask: “What felt good?” Listen more than you talk.
Their choice + celebrate · 1:00 Replay a favorite. Finish on a win.

Adjusting by age

6–9: keep gates wide and celebrate tries. Cooperative challenges beat competition.
10–12: let them set the challenge (e.g. weaker foot only). Ask before giving feedback.

Your one grown-up habit

Ask before you advise: “Want a tip or want to figure it out?” Respect either answer.

Sources and further reading

Written by the Rookie Grownups team. General guidance, not professional coaching or medical advice. Adapt to your child, stop for pain or distress, and follow qualified coaches for technical and safety guidance. Linked organizations do not endorse us.

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