U12 Soccer Drills – Soccer Practice Plan for 11-12 Year Olds 

What are the best U12 soccer drills? The best U12 soccer drills include passing and receiving drills to improve their ball control and teamwork. Additionally, dribbling drills with an emphasis on close ball control can help these young players develop their individual skills and confidence on the field. 

As kids make the leap from 10 to 11-12, their soccer journey becomes even more exciting. They’re growing, not just in height but also in skills and understanding of the game. So, we need drills that match their developmental stage. That’s why we’ll focus on striking the right balance between improving technical skills and fostering their love for the game. 

Let’s dive into some fantastic drills that are tailor-made for this age group. 

U12 Soccer Drills – Youth Soccer Drills U12

As kids cross the age of 10, they undergo both mental and physical changes. Physically, they experience growth spurts, improved coordination, and increased strength. Mentally, they begin to grasp more complex tactics and strategies.

Key Takeaways: 

• U12 soccer drills should emphasize passing, receiving, dribbling, and close ball control.
• Players aged 11-12 experience physical and mental growth, requiring drills that match their developmental stage.
• The listed drills strike a balance between skill development and nurturing a love for the game.
• Passing drills improve teamwork, shooting accuracy, and defensive resilience.
• Defensive drills enhance group and individual defending skills.
• Dribbling drills focus on ball control, accuracy, and taking on opponents.

U12 Soccer Practice Plans

Here are some of the best soccer exercises for U12 players divided into passing drills, defensive drills, and dribbling drills:

Passing Drills Soccer U12:

Here are soccer passing drills for U12; 

1. Rondo 5 v 2: Improve passing, dribbling, and shielding skills while teaching support in attacking and defending.

2. 2 v 2 to Cross Goals: Encourage precision in shooting while defenders learn not to give up, and attackers aim for goals.

3. 4 v 4 to Small Goals (Attacking): Develop team attacking, passing, and shooting skills in a 4 v 4 scrimmage.

4. Liverpool: Emphasize defending and counter-attacking, awarding points based on where the team wins the ball.

5. Barcelona: Focus on passing, rewarding points for the number of successful passes before scoring.

Defensive Soccer Drills U12:

Here are some of the best defensive soccer drills for 12 years old; 

1. 4 v 4 to Small Goals (Defending): Enhance group and individual defending skills in a 4 v 4 scrimmage.

2. Half-Court Soccer: Develop attacking and defending abilities in tight spaces.

3. Shrinking Field:Challenge the attacking team progressively, making defending more robust.

4. Pressure and Cover: Teach players how to apply pressure to the ball carrier while their teammates provide cover and support. 

5. Defending 1 v 1: Improve individual defending skills by having players practice 1 v 1 defending situations.

Dribbling Drills Soccer U12:

Here are some of the best dribbling soccer drills for U12; 

1. Rondo 5 v 2: Enhance dribbling skills in tight spaces while focusing on ball control.

2. Hawaii: Work on dribbling and accuracy in shooting.

3. 2 v 2 to Cross Goals: Develop dribbling skills, close ball control, and the ability to take on opponents.

4. Cone Dribbling: Set up a series of cones in a straight line and have players dribble the ball through the cones using both feet. 

5. Dribble Across a Square: Create a square with cones and have players dribble the ball across the square, focusing on close ball control. 

Conclusion

U12 soccer drills are crucial for 11-12-year-olds, emphasizing passing, receiving, dribbling, and close ball control. These drills support physical and mental growth, fostering skill development and a love for the game. Passing drills enhance teamwork, shooting accuracy, and defense. Defensive drills bolster group and individual defending, while dribbling drills improve ball control, accuracy, and one-on-one skills, ensuring a well-rounded practice plan for this age group. All these fun soccer games for 12-year-olds are great for training them for competitive matches. 

FAQs

What are soccer drills for middle schoolers? 

Middle school soccer tryout drills include exercises to develop fundamental skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting. These drills also focus on improving teamwork, tactical understanding, and fitness levels suitable for players in this age group.

What are fun U12 soccer drills? 

Fun soccer drills for U12 often involve games and activities that keep young players engaged while enhancing their skills. Activities like “Sharks and Minnows,” small-sided games, and obstacle courses can make practice enjoyable while improving their agility, ball control, and decision-making. These drills are often as engaging as playing with the Kids Friendly Backyard Soccer Goals.

What are soccer positioning drills for U12? 

Soccer positioning drills for U12 players aim to teach proper positioning and spatial awareness. Exercises such as “Defensive Shape” drills and “Attacking Overloads” help players understand their roles on the field, fostering good positioning habits and teamwork.