Training Program

Under 12
Session Plans

[1]
Coaching U12s

How to Organize Your Team

Coaches,
. We feel it is important to develop technical objectives for these age as well as incorporating
group and team tactics at the older ages. We recognize that development varies from child
to child and feel it is important at the younger ages to realize the potential in every child and
provide appropriate instruction. Plan to have objectives for the year that reflect the skill
level of the team your coaching. Here are a few general objectives for the U6 to U12 player:

U12 Player
• Dribbling moves under pressure
• Role of first and second defenders
• Use of both feet consistently
• Delivering longer balls
• Learning to serve and properly receive flighted balls consistently
• Supporting runs off the ball and more sophisticated combination play
• Recognize roles and responsibilities by position
• Awareness of the numerical positioning system employed by US Soccer
• Introduction of catching the ball and angle play with the keeper

Formation by Numbering position

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Goal/Objectives Setting

Goals/Objectives! Why they are Essential

As a coach you play a very large and positive role in your players and their parent’s
development. You are often seen as much more than a leader in practices & games.
Because of your position you really are a teacher, as well as an individual mentor, to be
utilized when needed. To excel in this position you must set yourself goals for each
individual. The most important aspect in setting these goals is that they are not driven by
game results and are measurable. They should be detailed at the start of any season
giving you a realistic picture to strive towards. There has been a lot of research done in
the soccer world to put guidelines down as what players at each age group should be able
to do. We have taken this data and tailored objectives and lessons for age specific groups.
Before you sit down and work on the big picture there are a few factors which need to be
taken into account.

Reasons kids drop out of sports: Reasons kids play sports:

• Failing to learn or improve skills • To learn & improve their skills
• Not having fun • To have fun
• Not being with their friends • To be with friends
•Lack of excitement, improvisation & creative •To experience the excitement of
opportunities competition
•Lack of exercise, meaningful movement & • To enhance their physical fitness
fitness improvements • To demonstrate their competence
•Lack of optimal challenges &/or consistent
failure

It becomes your role as teacher and mentor to examine your training sessions and see if they
are aligned with the reasons kids play and avoid the reasons children search out other activities.

[3]
U12 Day 1
Improving players ability to beat players in 1v1 situations through individual
dribbling moves

Free Dribble & 1v1 Moves TECHNICALWARM-UP

TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. All players in the space have a ball
at their feet. Freely dribble throughout the space, performing
individual moves. On coaches command players can perform:
*Inside-Outside, Step-over & go, pull-push-go, outside cut, inside
cut, etc.

Coaching Points
Dribble with the outside of your foot to accelerate into open space
with the ball away from your body (toe down, heel up). Dribble with
the inside of your foot to change directions, or maintain possession
closer to your body to keep it away from your opponents (heel
down, toe up)
*Where - Into open space by changing direction and speed
*When - The moment space becomes available & I recognize that I
can enter it

4v4 Endzone Soccer –

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
TRAINING AREA= 30W x 40L. Build a small "endzone" at each end
of the field = 30W x 5L. Score by dribbling into th endzone. Players
can only enter the endzone if they are dribbling the ball, or
recovering defensively after the person dribbling the ball. 1pt. =
dribble into endzone under control; 2pts = beat (1) opponent, and
dribble into the endzone under control; 5pts = beat more than (1)
opponent, and dribble into endzone under control; **Play to 10pts.

Coaching Points
Keep your head up when receiving the ball, or in possession to
identify areas of the field to penetrate with the dribble.
If there is space behind a defender, look dribble and change
direction to unbalance the defender
*What - Recognizing 1v1 situations to try and beat your opponent
*Where - Open space in front, and behind the defender

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDED ACTIVITY

5v5 - 2 goals
TRAINING AREA= 50W x 60L. Place (1) large goal at one end of
the field and (3) small goals made from cones at the other end of
the field, approximately 3 yards wide. Position balls at each of the
field for easy access. Play for set period of time, or number of goals
(determined by coach). Players scoring on the small goals, score by
passing the ball through the cones. 1pt. = score a goal; 2pt = beat
(1) opponent, and score a goal; 5pts = beat more than (1)
opponent, and score a goal

Coaching Points
Dribble with speed & change directions when attacking open space,
or an alone defender
Look to pass, and keep possession if there are several defenders
around/near the ball
*Who - The player with the ball*Why - Taking players off the dribble
will open up space for teammates throughout the rest of the field

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[4]
U12 Day 2
Improve player's ability to to use the dribble to help set up the pass

TECHNICALWARM-UP
2v0 - Combination Play
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place a "defender" (wall man,
cone, pole, etc.) in the center of the space. Form (4) lines in
each corner of the field with ball. The player with the ball
dribbles towards the defender to "commit" them. Then plays
pass to teammate. Both players run off the field, and stand in
the next line. The next group begins a similar movement.
**Combinations = Take-over, through ball, overlap, dribble-give/
go
Coaching Points:
Dribble with the laces of the foot when dribbling at speed; Pass
with the inside of the foot to be more accurate & strike the
middle of the ball when passing
What - The laces of the foot should be used when dribbling at
speed;Where - Pass to the open space in front of me

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
3v2 - Dribble Goal
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Play (2) goals on each end-line
using (4) cones. The goals should be 3 yards wide. Designate a
group of attackers (3), and a group of defenders (2). Play 3v2,
scoring by dribbling through the gate. Rotate attack & defense.
*If the defense win the ball they can attack the goals on the
opposite endline.
Coaching Points:
Point your standing leg/plant foot towards the player or space
you wish to pass the ball; Follow through with your foot after
you pass the ball to increase speed and accuracy when passing
What - Recognizing the moment to attack & engage the
defender with the dribble; Why - To enable commit the defender,
which will open more space for my teammates to enter without
the ball

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
5v5 to Goal
TRAINING AREA = 40W x 60L. Place (2) goals at opposite
ends of the field. Play 5v5, shooting/passing the ball into the
goal to score. *Variations: -Scoring a goal = 1pt.; -Committing
a defender & scoring a goal = 5pts

Coaching Points
Where - In front of them into space after I have committed a
defender; When - Just before the defender steps in to tackle the
ball

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[5]
U12 Day 3
Passing & Receiving

Sequential Passing TECHNICALWARM-UP

TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Break the players up into even
divided groups (3,4,5) as numbers allow. (1) ball between each
group. Number each player #1-3,4,5 as numbers allow. Players
should pass & receive throughout the space in a sequential
manner #1-2-3-4-1. (example). Move into new space after
completing the pass. Variations: -Reverse the number order; -
Touch restrictions; -Add another ball (for groups of 5+)

Coaching Points:
Strike the middle of the ball, position the non-kicking/plant foot
towards your teammate or target; Use the inside part of the foot
when striking the ball – lock the ankle & knee when striking the
ball; Head down, and watch foot strike the ball – follow through
the ball/pass

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
3v3 +1 to 1 goal
TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (1) goal on each end line
for the teams to attack.
Score by passing the ball in the goal.

Coaching points
First touch should be across the body – in space away body
without pressure; First touch should be across the body – close
to the body away from pressure; Move feet underneath the
body, and behind the ball to control the ball

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
4v4 to 1 goal & 2 counter goals - Dribble/Pass to Score
TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (2) cones on one end-
line, in each corner. Making (2) goals. The goals should be 3
yards wide. Place (1) goal on the opposite end line.
Red scores by passing into the goal, white scores by passing
through the cones goals.

Coaching Points:
First touch should be across the body – in space away body
without pressure; First touch should be across the body – close
to the body away from pressure; Move feet underneath the
body, and behind the ball to control the ball
What - Turning to change the point of attack; Why - To keep
the ball, and move it to open space to have a better chance to
score

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[6]
U12 Day 4
Passing & Receiving in Groups

TECHNICALWARM-UP
Stay & Play - "If you play the ball down, you stay put"
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Players should be in groups of
(4-5) with (1) ball between them. Horizontal players (A,B)
provide off ball support, while penetrating players (C,D) make
penetrating passes. A-B-C-D (A,B move off ball in support of D)
- Repeat pattern & combinations for 90 seconds. Rotate position,
roles, and combination pairs.

Coaching Points:
Keep head up to direct first touch with the inside of your foot
into open space;Move towards the player with the ball with
“open” body shape to play in multiple directions; Run without
the ball with a curve path to provide a large window for
teammate to pass into

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
3v3 Knock over the cone
TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Set up (2) tall cones on each
end-line, representing (2) targets/goals. Score by passing the
ball into the cone. Knock both cones over to win the game.

Coaching Points:
Time the run to support the ball as it travels towards your
teammate; Position yourself at an angle so the player with the
ball can see you & the defender; Move feet, and up on your toes
as your prepare to receive the ball
Who - The player(s) without the ball; How - Move towards my
teammate with the ball so that my body is open to the field

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
4v4 to 1 goal

TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (1) goal on each end-line

for the group to attack.
Play 4v4. Score by passing the ball into the goal. The goal is
equal to the number of successful consecutive passes before the
goal is scored.

Coaching Points:
Pass into space in front of teammates so they can run onto the
ball – non-kicking foot/plant foot should point to the space the
ball will travel; Toes down, heel up to drive the ball across the
space – to move the ball quickly
What - Knowing when to move to support the ball;
When - If there is a defender near the ball and I am closest to
the ball.

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[7]
U12 Day 5
Improving Shooting Technique

TECHNICALWARM-UP
Numbered Shooting Technique
TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (4) goals on each side of
the space. All player should have a ball at their feet. Number
each color/group evenly (1-4). Players will dribble around the
space, and when the coach calls their "#Number" they then look
to shot on goal (closest, or farthest). Variations - Shooting
Technique (at coach's discretion): Driven; Curled; In-step Drive;
Lofted

Coaching Points:
First touch when receiving should be away from the body into
space; Place plant foot/non-kicking foot behind ball (elevate
ball); Place plant foot/non-kicking foot next to the ball (keep ball
lower); Strike the middle of the ball to keep the ball lower;
Strike the bottom of the ball to elevate the ball

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
2v2 Continuous
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place 1 large goal at each end
of the field. Position players in each corner of the field. Ball
starts from the GK. Play until there is a goal, or ball out of
bounds. Then switch groups. Ball always with the GK of the
team in possession. Variations: Play for time; Play for total
score; Play series of games (2 of 3)

Coaching Points:
Application of technique (shooting); What - The decision to
shoot on goal, and the technique used; Who - The player in the
best shooting position, with the ball; Where - The part of the
goal that the shooter aims for with their shot

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
5v5 to Goal
TRAINING AREA = 40W x 50L. Place (1) large goal on each
endline. Play 5v5 with GKs. Variations: Play for time; Play for
total score; Play series of games (2 of 3)

Coaching Points:
Application of technique (shooting); What - The decision to
shoot on goal, and the technique used; Who - The player in the
best shooting position, with the ball; Where - The part of the
goal that the shooter aims for with their shot

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[8]
U12 Day 6
Individual Defending

TECHNICALWARM-UP
Individual Partner Defending Technique
TRAINING AREA - 40Wx 30L. Players in a groups 2-3 with (1)
ball. Each group works on "defensive technique."
*1v1 Defensive Technique - dribbling
*1v1 Defensive Technique - no turn
*1v2 Defensive Technique - intercept pass
Players should go through each type of defending situation and
rotate. Player in possession (dribbling/passing) tries to beat the
defender. Rotate offense-defense each turn. Rest after 45 sec,
stretch 90 sec, repeat.

Coaching Points:
Approach quickly to the ball – long strides; Slow down as you
approach the ball – short, choppy strides; Bend knees, weight
on toes when pressuring the ball; Move feet, hips, and head as
the offensive player moves the ball

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
2v2 score on two goals
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place (2) cones 3 yards apart
in each corner forming a "goal" for a total of (4) goals. Coach
starts with the balls. Coach plays ball to one team. While the
ball travels, the team who did not receive the ball runs on to
defend against the team in possession. Both teams score by
passing/shooting the ball through the "goals."

Coaching Points:
Defensive technique = cover the ground, get down, & stay
down!; Tackle the ball: when the ball is AWAY from offensive
player

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
4v4 score on one large goal & two goals
TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (2) cones 3 yards apart
in each two corners forming a "goal" for a total of (2) goals.
Place one large goal at the opposite end.
Play for pre-determined amount of time. Red team defends large
goal, and white defends two goals. After each period change the
goals defended.

Coaching Points:
Defensive technique = cover the ground, get down, & stay
down!; Tackle the ball: when the ball is AWAY from offensive
player;
What - The direction to apply pressure, or force the ball;
Why - This is to encourage the opposition to go away from the
goal, and towards your supporting teammates

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[9]
U12 Day 7
Defending in Pairs

4v2 Possession & Penetration TECHNICALWARM-UP

TRAINING AREA = 12W x 12L. Place (1) play on the outside of the
space, on each side of the square. Position (2) defenders inside the
space. The defenders may not leave the space, but can block, or
intercept passes.
Scoring for offense: # of consecutive passes; maintain possession for
set period of time; # of split pass between defenders
Scoring for defense: # of deflected passes; -# of intercepted passes; -
# of times defenders can win possession and dribble outside the space
under control & in possession

Coaching Points:
Defensive pressure on the ball (speed, body stance, angle, distance);
Approach quickly to the ball – long strides; Slow down as you approach
the ball – short, choppy strides; Bend knees, weight on toes when
pressuring the ball; Move feet, hips, and head as the offensive player
moves the ball

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
3v3 to 1 goal
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place (2) tall cones on each end-line
5 yards apart making (1) goal on each endline. Red v White. Score by
passing the ball on the ground through the goal.
Variations: Play for set period of time; Play to a specific number (#) of
goals; Double points if goal comes after a steal; -Double points if a
goal comes after an interception

Coaching Points:
Defensive pressure on the ball (speed, body stance, angle, distance);
Who - The 2nd defender, or place who is closest to their teammate
defending the ball;
Why - The 2nd defender can help to cover any mistakes made by the
1st defender

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
5v5 to 1 goal
TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (1) goal on each end-line
for teams to attack.
Variations: Play for set period of time; Play to a specific number
(#) of goals; Double points if goal comes after a steal; -Double
points if a goal comes after an interception

Coaching Points:
Defensive pressure on the ball (speed, body stance, angle,
distance);
Who - The 2nd defender, or place who is closest to their
teammate defending the ball;
Why - The 2nd defender can help to cover any mistakes
made by the 1st defender

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[10]
U12 Day 8
Improve GK handling & footwork - I

GKs mix with Field players

TECHNICALWARM-UP
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. The number of balls should
equal the number of GKs involved in the warmup. Field players
should pass the ball around the space. When the GK makes eye
contact with the player; the field player in possession should take
a touch and "shoot" on the GK. The objective of the shot is to go
towards the GK (no around them, not over them, and not past
them). Shots should be taken from 12-15 yards away. *Only
shoot on GK's command.

Coaching Points:
Hands should make early contact and let their hands make
contact on the ball. Do not wait for the ball to make contact with
the body; Players should move their feet quickly, with short
strides, and step towards the ball.

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
4v4 - 4 goal game

TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (2) goals on each end-

line in the corner making a total of (4) goals in the space. Red
(4) v White (4). Each team's GK defends (2) goals. Score by
shooting into the goal.
Coaching Points:
As the player with the ball looks up then down, the GK
should take small steps to get in position; Place my weight on
my toes, and point my body towards the ball

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY

4v4 to 1 large goal

TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (1) on each end-
line for each team to attack. Red (4) v White (4). Score
by shooting into the goal.

Coaching Points:
Hands should make early contact and let their hands
make contact on the ball. Do not wait for the ball to
make contact with the body; When - The player looks
up, then down - should be ready for a shot

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[11]
U12 Day 9
Dribbling & Turning

How close can you get?

TECHNICALWARM-UP
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Each player has a ball at their
feet dribbling in the space. When the coach yells, "GO!" the
players make eye contact with one another and begin to dribble
towards one another. They should dribble at normal speed, and
try to get their balls as close to each other as they can, before
turning away at the last minute. After they turn away they
should accelerate into open space and wait for the next "GO!"
Turns: Inside foot, Outside foot, Drag back, Pull back

Coaching Points:
Push the ball away from body, plant foot/standing foot should be
away from the ball, and under the body; Reach for the ball with
1 foot (inside, outside, or bottom of foot);Take a touch to
change direction of the ball, second touch should be into space
to accelerate into a new direction

SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
3v3 to 4 goals - Dribble to Score
TRAINING AREA = 20W x 30L. Place (2) cones on each end-
line, in each corner. Making (4) goals. The goals should be 3
yards wide. Play 3v3. Dribble through the gates to score.

Coaching Points:
Application of technique (dribbling, receiving);
What - Turning away from pressure; Who - The player with the
ball

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDEDACTIVITY
4v4 to 1 goal & 2 counter goals - Dribble/Pass to Score
TRAINING AREA = 30W x 40L. Place (2) cones on one end-
line, in each corner. Making (2) goals. The goals should be 3
yards wide. Place (1) goal on the opposite end line.
Play 4v4. Score by passing the ball in the goal, or by dribbling
through cone goals.

Coaching Points:
While in possession head up and look for pressuring defender.
Check all around the area for open space; 2nd touch when
turning, needs to be pushed into space 3-5 yards away from
body to allow for multiple steps to accelerate away from
pressure; How - Checking over my should while dribbling, taking
a touch away from my body, and quickly accelerating into open
space away from pressure

GAME
Play 7v7 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all points above

[12]
U12 Day 10
4 v 4 Have Fun

**Set up as many fields as possible 30W x 40L – no GKs – (1) goal on each end
line. Play for 8 minutes, 2 minutes for water. change opponents each match**

Activity 1
Pass lead to points
The number of consecutive passes made before a goal is
scored = number of points awarded for goal. Encourage
players to move without the ball, and the look up to find an
open teammate

ACTIVITY 2
Join the play

Everyone must be in the attacking half (across the half

line) for goals to count. This will help the players/team
stay together and avoid gaps or space in between the
players on the field.

ACTIVITY 3
1 touch finish

In order to score, the shot must be a “one-touch” shot/

finish. Players need to continuously pass the ball until,
they are able to get off a shot quickly with 1 touch.

ACTIVITY 4
Free Play

Play 4v4 with specific formations for each team.

Reinforce all coaching points above

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