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

Four-Corner Shielding Drill MEDIUM

Four-Corner Shielding Drill

This is a great drill for teaching the basics of shielding as it focuses on positioning your body between the ball and the defender to protect the ball.

8+ yrs. 5+ players 15 mins. 12X12 yds. GK: no
4.11 40,286 Chris Johnson
The Numbers Game MEDIUM

The Numbers Game

The Numbers Game soccer drill focuses on the 1v1 situational play for younger players. This  1v1 drill works on all dynamics of this game such as dribbling, shooting, shielding, turning and beating an opponent.

4-14 yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 15X20 yds. GK: no
Defensive Overlapping Drill MEDIUM

Defensive Overlapping Drill

The Defensive Overlapping Drill is a great drill to teach fullbacks to overlap midfielders and getting the defenders into the attack. This is a great starting point to teaching defensive overlaps.

9+ yrs. 6+ players 20 mins. HALF FIELD yds. GK: yes
4.1 196,743 Chris Johnson
Soccer Dribbling and Juggling Warm-up MEDIUM

Soccer Dribbling and Juggling Warm-up

This soccer drill is a great warm-up drill that allows players to work on touching the ball with all parts of the foot. If you want to improve players footwork and dribbling skills, this is an excellent start to each practice.

8-14 yrs. 5+ players 15 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4.1 268,976 Chris Johnson
Speed of Play Warm-up MEDIUM

Speed of Play Warm-up

This soccer drill is a great warm-up to sessions relating to the speed of play in a soccer game. Players must have a good grasp of necessary passing and receiving skills to execute this soccer drill successfully.

9+ yrs. 12 players 20 mins. 30X40 yds. GK: no
4.09 264,323 Chris Johnson
Head/Catch Game EASY

Head/Catch Game

This soccer game is more of a fun activity. When players need a break from the normal drills, need a reward from hard work, or if you just want to let the players goof around. It focuses on listening and reaction skills.

10-14 yrs. 5+ players 15 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4.09 229,547 Chris Johnson