At this age, players are challenged through a variety of small-sided games and this age is the “Dawn of Tactical Awareness”. These are the crucial years of technical development.
 

• The idea here is to provide a fun, yet challenging atmosphere where players develop these techniques under pressure. They also need to be fun and exciting so they want to come back as soon as possible!

• A variety of 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 games should be included as progression phases in the training session.

• The coach should focus on one topic per session with players and not try to combine sessions. Select and stick to one topic per week.

• Repetition is vital for these players and the more touches on the ball they have in training the better. Training should be game related and not just exercises.

• Engage them in sessions where they are passing, moving, shooting, defending, while still enjoying the game.

• At U12, you should begin to train/work on passing (technique and execution) as much as you are working on the players’ dribbling and moves.

• The first defender (Pressure) and second defender (Cover) should now be discussed and worked on in training.

• Heading should be worked on from time to time, but do not do an entire session on heading.

• Tactics/positioning should be discussed and each player should have a basic understanding of each position in the 4-3-1. However, the focus needs to remain on the player skills and their development.

• NO LINES, NO LAPS, AND NO LECTURES! Don’t speak for longer than 60-90 seconds, and keep from using the “freeze” method unless it is an absolute must.

• COACH the SKILLS and TACTICS during the game. Do NOT be a cheerleader.

Points of Emphasis

Technique: Important to establish a good strong solid base. Develop individual skills under the pressure of time, space, and an opponent. Increase technical speed.

• Juggling: Alternating feet without a bounce. First 5 minutes of each training session.

• Dribbling: Encourage risk taking!!!

o Moves to beat an opponent;

o Keeping possession, shielding, spin turns;

o Change of speed, change of direction.

• Receiving:

o Toe Up, Heel Down

o Plant foot facing where the ball is coming from, along with your shoulders and hips.

o Keep the ball in front of you while receiving it.

o Ground and introduction of air balls. All surfaces, from a partner, on the move.

• Passing:

o Toe Up, Heel Down

o Plant foot point at your target along with your shoulders and hips facing your target.

o Passing using laces, inside, outside - Short and long.

o Crossing

• Shooting/Finishing:

o Ankle Locked

o Toes curled inside boot/shoe

o Using entire body to strike through the ball

o Striking with the laces

o Land on shooting foot.

• Heading: Self serve and partner serve - jumping to head, turning the ball.

• Tackling: Proper technique.

o Stepping into the ball

o Using entire body, not just a leg, to make a tackle.

Tactics: Basic principles of play. Play a variety of positions to develop awareness and to create a complete player. Promote attacking soccer - play 4-3-1 with the outside backs pushing forward to join in the attack.

• Attacking: Keep possession - Support, and look for combination play. Encourage risk taking - Take players on 1v1 in proper areas of the field.

• Defending: The 1st defender (the “Pressure” defender) is a must at this time, working on pressure, delay, then tackle. The 2nd defender (the “Cover” defender) needs to be introduced and understood on how to cover the first defender.

• Tactics/positioning should be discussed and each player should have a basic understanding of each position in the 4-3-1. Use small group activities to teach tactics: 2v1, 2v2, 3v1, 3v2, and 3v3.