German U10‑U11 game format: 5v5/7v7 without offside and high intensity

Introduction: A playful, intensive environment for young players

In Germany, the youth training for 10‑ to 11‑year‑olds – locally known as E‑Juniors – focuses on fun, plenty of ball contact and a high game intensity. The chosen game formats (5v5 or 7v7) and the absence of off‑side ensure that children can move freely, have to make decisions faster and end up more often in one‑on‑one situations. This approach, often referred to as the Funino reform, lays a solid foundation for the later transition to 11‑against‑11 football, which only takes place around the U14 age.

For coaches, parents and youth players it is essential to understand which rules and philosophies underpin the matches. Only then can training and guidance be aligned with the development goals that are central for this age group. In this article we dive deeper into the game setup, the reason for the lack of off‑side, the emphasis on 1‑on‑1 and gegenpressing, and we give concrete tips to get the most out of this format.

Game setup: 5v5 or 7v7 – field size, duration and goalkeeper

For U10‑U11 Germany chooses between a 5‑against‑5 or a 7‑against‑7 format. In 7v7 the game is played on a field of about 55 metres by 35 metres, a size that keeps the game open enough but still compact enough to keep the players constantly involved. The matches are played in a tournament format, so each team plays several short games back‑to‑back. A single match consists of four periods of 15 minutes each, making the total playing time 60 minutes, including short breaks between the periods.

Each team has one goalkeeper, which places the emphasis on a clear defensive structure without the complexity of multiple goalkeepers. The ball size is adapted to the age group, so young players can comfortably dribble, pass and shoot. Although the exact ball size is not mentioned in the data, a size is generally chosen that suits the hand and foot size of 10‑ and 11‑year‑olds, keeping ball contact optimal.

The short 15‑minute periods allow children to use their energy in short, intensive bursts. After each period there is a brief rest, preserving concentration and preventing the players from becoming over‑exerted. This setup fits perfectly with the child‑centred philosophy: the game must stay fun, the physical load must match the age, and there must be plenty of space for ball contact.

Why no off‑side? The underlying pedagogical idea

In German youth training off‑side is introduced later, usually around the U12 or U13 age. For U10‑U11 the game remains free of this rule. The absence of off‑side has three important benefits for the development of young players. First, it prevents children from having to stand behind the ball for long periods, meaning they touch the ball less often. Second, it stimulates natural exploration of space, because players can move freely without worrying about an “off‑side line”. Third, it simplifies the rules, shifting the focus to technical skills and game understanding.

By not using off‑side, a game environment emerges in which 1‑on‑1 duels and small combinations are central. A child dribbling on the wing can receive the ball directly or give a pass without having to wait for a free position. This not only boosts confidence but also enhances the ability to make quick decisions – a crucial trait for later play at higher levels.

The transition to full 11‑against‑11 football, with all the accompanying rules such as off‑side, only occurs around the U14 age. This gives players a solid base of ball contact and game insight before they learn to manage the complexity of a larger field and more players. This phased approach prevents young children from being overwhelmed by rules that could undermine their natural enjoyment of the game.

Intensive 1‑on‑1 and gegenpressing in the non‑penalising zone (NPZ)

A core principle of the German youth philosophy is training players at high intensity, with a focus on 1‑on‑1 situations and gegenpressing. In the context of U10‑U11 games this means that players are constantly challenged to put pressure on their opponent as soon as they lose the ball. This approach is often applied in the so‑called non‑penalising zone (NPZ), an area on the pitch where players can move freely without fear of a foul that would immediately lead to a penalty kick.

In practice this leads to a game in which children switch quickly from defence to attack. Example: a young defender loses the ball on the edge of his own penalty area. Instead of waiting for a repositioning, he or she immediately presses the opponent, giving the opposing team less time to build an organised attack. This rapid transition develops both the physical condition and the tactical insight of the young players.

The emphasis on 1‑on‑1 duels ensures that every child regularly finds themselves in a situation where they must control the ball, dribble, or make a pass under pressure. Coaches can encourage this by organising small games where one player faces a defending opponent, or by drills that focus on winning duels in a limited space. This approach contributes to a higher ball‑contact ratio, a goal that lies at the heart of the Funino reform.

Practical tips for parents and coaches: how to guide development

1. Focus on fun and ball contact. Make sure each training session includes a large portion of games where children touch the ball. Small-sided games (e.g., 2‑against‑2 or 3‑against‑3) on a reduced field stimulate 1‑on‑1 situations and keep intensity high.

2. Work with short, dynamic periods. The match structure of 4 × 15 minutes is ideal for respecting the attention span of young players. Plan training drills in similar blocks, so children get used to switching between effort and rest.

3. Let players move freely without off‑side. Encourage children to explore space, both in attack and defence. Without the restriction of off‑side they can find natural positions and learn when to drop back or get ahead.

4. Introduce gegenpressing in a playful way. Use games where the ball must be recovered as soon as a team loses it. For example: “Capture the Flag” where defenders have to run to the ball as soon as it is taken, putting the attackers under pressure quickly.

5. Keep communication simple and clear. Because the rules are limited (one goalkeeper, no off‑side), you can focus on basic instructions such as “stay close to your opponent” or “find the open space”. Clear cues help children learn faster and become less frustrated.

6. Observe the development of individual players. Pay attention to how each player reacts in 1‑on‑1 situations. Give targeted feedback: compliments for a well‑taken dribble, tips for better positioning when the ball is lost. A positive approach strengthens confidence and motivates further growth.

Conclusion: A solid foundation for later football enjoyment

The German approach for the U10‑U11 category combines a child‑centred philosophy with high intensity, placing 1‑on‑1 and gegenpressing at the core.