What makes a good soccer player great? It’s not just talent; it’s consistent, smart practice. At twelve years old, players are entering a crucial stage. They need drills that sharpen skills without boring them. Finding the perfect balance between fun and focused training can feel like a constant struggle for coaches and parents.
You want drills that build confidence, improve footwork, and boost game awareness. But many online resources offer drills that are too simple or too complex for this age group. You need activities that challenge 12-year-olds just enough to see real progress.
This post cuts through the noise. We share proven, engaging soccer drills specifically designed for 12-year-olds. You will learn exactly how to structure practices that keep players motivated and actively developing their technical and tactical abilities.
Get ready to transform your next training session. Let’s dive into the best drills that will elevate your team’s game.
Top Soccer Drills For 12 Year Olds Recommendations
- Dugger, Chest (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 03/14/2019 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Reedswain (Director) - Reedswain (Producer)
- (Playback Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Easy and convenient deck of cards containing 52 soccer drills
- Easy-to-understand practice drills broken into four color-coded categories: Dribbling; Shooting; Passing; Defense
- Each drill contains unique, "Make it a Game" feature that turns an ordinary drill into a fun competition kids will want to do again and again.
- Recommended for U6 - U16
- 2-in-1 Portable Tethered Soccer Trainer Set: elastic rebound brings the ball back after every kick, fixing the “chasing” problem and multiplying touches. Choose how to anchor for steady drills: fill the weighted base with water or sand, secure with the ground stake, or play handheld for close-control practice indoors or outdoors.
- Distinctive kid-ready design: no extra net or partner needed. Switch to cone course mode with the 6 training cones to script dribble lines, turns and agility while the tether keeps the ball nearby for repeat reps. Packs quickly into the mesh storage bag; a truly portable kick trainer built for daily kids’ soccer games and skill growth.
- Made for flexible spaces and busy days: backyard scrimmage, basement playroom, park grass or school playground. Quick setup converts small areas into a mini soccer station; elastic rebound mode plus cone drills deliver focused indoor/outdoor practice so kids can start real games and skill reps in minutes.
- Designed for boys and girls ages 3–12, from first-timers to young learners: Parents get an easy way to coach fundamentals without a partner: kick, dribble, first touch and quick reactions. A playful soccer toy for kids and beginner kick trainer in one; a thoughtful birthday or Christmas gift that builds confidence and love for the game.
- User-friendly from setup to storage: wide cap for fast water/sand filling, stable base before play, and a comfortable tether feel for kids. When practice ends, everything stows neatly in the storage bag for tidy closets or car trips. Adult supervision recommended; pick a clear zone and enjoy reliable indoor/outdoor practice every day.
- Youth players (Actor)
- Christopher Lenart (Director)
- Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
- Newbery, David (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 70 Pages - 12/05/2014 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
- Newbery, David M (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 78 Pages - 08/21/2015 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Mastering Soccer Drills for Your 12-Year-Old
Finding the right soccer drills package for your 12-year-old player is crucial. At this age, players transition from basic skills to developing tactical awareness and more complex techniques. This guide helps you choose the best resources to boost their game.
Key Features to Look For
Good soccer drill resources offer more than just simple running exercises. Look for these essential elements:
- Age-Appropriate Content: The drills must match the physical and mental abilities of a 12-year-old. Complex tactical setups are great, but they need to be explained clearly.
- Variety of Focus Areas: Ensure the drills cover all major aspects of the game: Dribbling, Passing, Shooting, Defending, and small-sided games (SSGs).
- Clear Instructions and Diagrams: Illustrations or videos must clearly show player positioning and movement. Vague instructions waste practice time.
- Progression Levels: The best guides offer ways to make easy drills harder and hard drills easier. This keeps the training challenging as the player improves.
Important Materials and Formats
Soccer drill resources come in several formats. Consider which material works best for your coaching style or your child’s learning preference.
- Digital Downloads (PDFs/E-books): These are usually affordable and instantly accessible. They are easy to print out for field use.
- Video Coaching Platforms: Videos offer the best visualization. You see exactly how the movement should look. High-quality video production is a plus.
- Physical Books: Some parents prefer having a tangible book on hand. Ensure the paper quality is durable enough to withstand being used outdoors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the drills directly impacts how much your young player learns. Pay attention to these factors:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Real-Game Context: Drills that mimic actual game situations are far better than isolated skill repetition. For example, a passing drill that includes a quick defensive pressure improves decision-making.
- Emphasis on Decision Making: High-quality training forces players to think, not just react. Drills that require quick choices improve soccer IQ.
- Coach/Expert Endorsement: Resources developed by experienced youth coaches or former professional players usually offer superior insight.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Overly Complex Rules: If the explanation takes longer than five minutes, the drill might be too complicated for a typical 12-year-old session.
- Lack of Equipment Specificity: Drills that require rare or expensive equipment are less practical for most families or local teams. Look for drills that use standard cones, balls, and bibs.
- Outdated Information: Soccer tactics evolve. Ensure the material reflects modern coaching philosophies.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the drills. A great resource should fit seamlessly into your routine.
- Solo Practice: If your child practices alone, look for drills that require minimal setup or can be modified for one person (e.g., wall passing drills).
- Small Group/Team Training: If you coach a small team, you need drills that accommodate 6 to 10 players efficiently, focusing on team shape and small-sided games.
- Quick Session Planning: Busy parents need resources that allow for fast planning. A guide organized by time (e.g., “15-Minute Finishing Session”) is incredibly useful.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Soccer Drills for 12-Year-Olds
Q: Why are drills for 12-year-olds different than for 10-year-olds?
A: At age 12, players develop better coordination and can handle more complex rules. Drills shift focus from basic mastering skills to applying those skills under pressure and learning basic team tactics.
Q: How often should my 12-year-old practice these drills?
A: If they have team practice two or three times a week, adding one or two focused 30-minute individual sessions is ideal. Consistency matters more than long, infrequent sessions.
Q: Do I need specialized equipment for these drills?
A: Most high-quality drill sets require standard items like cones, pinnies (bibs), and soccer balls. Avoid sets that demand expensive electronic gadgets.
Q: How do I keep my 12-year-old motivated during drills?
A: Keep it fun! Introduce a competitive element, like timing their sprints or counting successful passes. Positive reinforcement is very effective at this age.
Q: Are shooting drills safe for this age group?
A: Yes, but safety first. Ensure shooting drills are conducted away from goalies or other players unless the drill specifically incorporates safe defensive positioning.
Q: Should I focus more on defense or offense for a 12-year-old?
A: A balanced approach is best. Twelve is the perfect age to start developing tactical awareness for both attacking and defensive roles equally.
Q: What does “small-sided games” (SSGs) mean?
A: SSGs are games played with fewer players, like 3v3 or 4v4. These force players to touch the ball more often and make quicker decisions, which accelerates learning.
Q: How important is video demonstration for the drills?
A: Video demonstrations are very helpful. Seeing the movement correctly performed reduces confusion and ensures the player executes the drill as intended.
Q: My child struggles with passing accuracy. Which drills should I prioritize?
A: Prioritize passing drills that involve movement and receiving the ball on the half-turn. Look for drills that focus on using the inside and outside of the foot.
Q: Can these drills be used if my child plays a specific position, like goalkeeper?
A: While general skill drills benefit all players, look for supplementary resources if your child is specialized. However, basic ball control and decision-making drills are valuable for every position.