Under 12 Soccer Drills, Games, and Exercises

1v1v1 Triangle Game

The 1v1v1 Triangle Game soccer drill focuses on attacking in a number-down situation. This game will encourage players to dribble, take players on, shield the ball from the defensive players, and the vision to find the open goal. Defensively this drill promotes players to stay aware of their defensive shape and tackling players on the dribble.

3v3 in the 18 - Attacking and Shooting Drill

This soccer drill is perfect for working on attacking in the final third of the field, quick combination play near the goal, and shooting around the 18 yard line.

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.

Criss-Cross Dribbling Game

The Criss-Cross dribbling drill focuses on the younger player. This dribbling drill assists players play with speed while keeping their heads up. Be warned, this drill can be dangerous for players who have a tendency of dribbling with their head down.

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.

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.

2v2 Dribbling to Beat the Defender

The 2v2 Dribbling to Beat the Defender soccer dribbling drill helps players recognize when to dribble, pass, or get off a shot once they beat the first defender.

Combination Crossing Drill

This combination crossing and finishing drill will focus on crosses within the 18 and is designed to help players become comfortable on crosses inside the 18.

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.

Indoor Shooting Drill

This is a great indoor soccer shooting drill to use while practicing indoors. This indoor soccer shooting drill also touches on dribbling, passing, using the walls, and finally shooting on goal.

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.

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.