Football Australia's Miniroos program is built around small-sided, modified games. Here are the drills that work best for beginner-level kids, and how to structure them into a session.
Miniroos 7v7 (U8 and U9): a common shape
At U8 and U9, Miniroos games are 7v7, with a goalkeeper. Miniroos doesn't set official positions, but this 2-3-1 shape is a simple way to spread kids across the pitch. Here is one team attacking towards the left-hand goal.
- GK
- Goalkeeper: stops shots and restarts play with a throw or pass out.
- D
- Defenders (2): stay between the ball and the goal, then pass out to a teammate.
- M
- Midfielders (3): link defence to attack. The busiest players on the pitch.
- F
- Forward (1): stays up the pitch and looks for a chance to score.
Miniroos puts regular rotation first, so swap kids between positions during the training session and during the game, goalkeeper included. This shape is a starting point, not a rule.
Miniroos 9v9 (U10 and U11): a common shape
At U10 and U11, Miniroos games are 9v9, with a goalkeeper. Again, there are no official positions, but a 3-3-2 shape is a common way to cover the bigger pitch. Here is one team attacking towards the left-hand goal.
- GK
- Goalkeeper: stops shots and restarts play with a throw or pass out.
- D
- Defenders (3): protect the goal and pass out to a teammate to start attacks.
- M
- Midfielders (3): win the ball back and link defence to attack.
- F
- Forwards (2): stay up the pitch and work together to create chances.
Keep rotating. Kids who try defence, midfield and attack at this age learn the whole game, and nobody gets stuck in one role for a season.
What Miniroos prioritises
Miniroos is Football Australia's junior program for kids aged 4-11, structured around small-sided games (as few as 3v3) rather than the full 11-a-side format. The smaller format means more touches on the ball per child, which is exactly what beginners need to build confidence.
Four drills that work well
1. Cone weave dribbling
Set up a line of cones a few steps apart. Kids dribble through, focusing on small touches and keeping the ball close. Run it as a relay between small teams to add a bit of competitive fun.
2. Pass and move
Pairs pass the ball back and forth while slowly walking down the field. Introduces the basic passing technique — inside of the foot, follow-through — without overwhelming younger kids with movement complexity.
3. Shooting gates
Set up small goals (cones work fine) at varying distances. Kids take turns shooting, starting close and moving back as they succeed. Keeps the focus on technique rather than power.
4. Small-sided scrimmage
Finish with a 3v3 or 4v4 game on a small field. This is the heart of the Miniroos philosophy — let the kids play, and let the game itself teach decision-making.
Structuring a session
A simple structure that works well for beginner Miniroos players:
- 5 min warm-up — light movement games
- 10 min cone weave dribbling
- 10 min pass and move
- 10 min shooting gates
- 10 min small-sided scrimmage
Keeping younger kids engaged
At the youngest Miniroos ages (4-6), expect short attention spans and limited grasp of positioning — that's completely normal. Keep instructions to one simple idea per drill ("keep the ball close" rather than a full technical breakdown), and lean heavily on games over isolated skill repetition.
These drills are general suggestions — always adapt them to your group's age, ability and the conditions on the day.
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