Under 12 Soccer Drills, Games, and Exercises

Quality age-appropriate soccer drills for kids in the U12, Under 12, 12 and Under age group.

Under 12 Soccer Drills Games and Exercises

Soccer drills for 12-year-olds emphasize skill refinement and tactical awareness to prepare players for more competitive play. This page provides drills designed to enhance dribbling, passing, shooting, and decision-making in game-like situations.

Age-Specific Drills

Pressure/Cover Tactical Defending Soccer Game MEDIUM

Pressure/Cover Tactical Defending Soccer Game

This soccer drill is designed to help players identify the roles of the first defender (the closest player to the ball) and the second defender (the supporting player providing cover). It focuses on teaching players how to effectively pressure the ball handler while maintaining proper positioning for defensive support.

9+ yrs. 10 players 20 mins. 60X40 yds. GK: yes
3.82 88,593 Chris Johnson
1v1 Defending the Dribble MEDIUM

1v1 Defending the Dribble

This 1v1 soccer defending drill will isolate the defender to focus on the first defender and defending the dribble. Modify this drill to focus on the first attacker taking on the defender.

9+ yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
3.81 265,535 Chris Johnson
Shooting on the Turn EASY

Shooting on the Turn

This soccer shooting exercise will focus on shooting on the turn. Players will need to turn quickly towards the goal to get a shot on goal.

9+ yrs. 5+ players 20 mins. HALF FIELD yds. GK: yes
3.81 111,341 Chris Johnson
1v1 Defending the Dribble with Teammate MEDIUM

1v1 Defending the Dribble with Teammate

The purpose of this drill is to isolate the defender to focus on the first defender and defending the dribble while working with a teammate. This teaches young soccer players to work together with your teammate to shut down the attacker.

9+ yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. HALF FIELD yds. GK: yes
3.8 227,844 Chris Johnson
Combination Shooting Rotation Drill MEDIUM

Combination Shooting Rotation Drill

This soccer shooting and finishing drill focus on combination play and build-up before getting the shot off. It is a great shooting soccer drill to focus on burying the ball with a shot after a small combination play.

9+ yrs. 10+ players 15 mins. 30X30 yds. GK: yes
3.8 117,094 Chris Johnson
Three Person Passing Combination MEDIUM

Three Person Passing Combination

This passing combination drill that involves three players at a time. The combination sequence that will help perfect passing, combination play, movement off the ball, and will help improve player’s fitness level.

9+ yrs. 3 players 10 mins. 10X20 yds. GK: no
3.79 322,817 Chris Johnson
Defensive Speed Course MEDIUM

Defensive Speed Course

This soccer fitness drill is designed to improve defensive speed and quickness in front of the goal. This exercise is intended to be more of a fitness training drill than a technical or tactical defensive soccer training drill.

9+ yrs. 4+ players 20 mins. 25x40 yds. GK: yes
3.79 138,690 Chris Johnson