Some things I learned

Match like drills help so much - kids enjoy them and they're developing teamwork at the same time.

Explain the drills - why are you doing them, what is the aim, and reflect with them afterwards on how they did and could improve next time. 

I'm not a big fan of drills with massive lines of kids waiting a turn, shooting drills are the exception so we tend to do that in a smaller group at a time so nobody is waiting around too long and usually focussed on technique. 

Keep the session structured - we do three drills per session max, but usually with a progression built in - you can decide if you to work on multiple things in one session or deeper into one area (ie, pressing session, passing session, formation etc)

Be adaptable - sometimes what you have planned isn't working, so be flexible about the plans. For example, the other week we were doing a drill and the kids body shape when receiving the ball wasn't quite right, so we threw in a different drill for 10 minutes on receiving the ball - very specific skill, but one we can then challenge them in a small match to practise. 

More than that, you'll work out what your own style is - and also remember they're 10 and 11 - they'll have off days!

Some things I learned

Match like drills help so much - kids enjoy them and they're developing teamwork at the same time.

Explain the drills - why are you doing them, what is the aim, and reflect with them afterwards on how they did and could improve next time. 

I'm not a big fan of drills with massive lines of kids waiting a turn, shooting drills are the exception so we tend to do that in a smaller group at a time so nobody is waiting around too long and usually focussed on technique. 

Keep the session structured - we do three drills per session max, but usually with a progression built in - you can decide if you to work on multiple things in one session or deeper into one area (ie, pressing session, passing session, formation etc)

Be adaptable - sometimes what you have planned isn't working, so be flexible about the plans. For example, the other week we were doing a drill and the kids body shape when receiving the ball wasn't quite right, so we threw in a different drill for 10 minutes on receiving the ball - very specific skill, but one we can then challenge them in a small match to practise. 

More than that, you'll work out what your own style is - and also remember they're 10 and 11 - they'll have off days!