Under 12 Soccer Drills, Games, and Exercises

1v1 to Tall Cones

This drill develops individual attacking and defending skills by challenging players to dribble under pressure, protect the ball, and accurately pass or shoot to knock over cones for points.

Y Passing Drill - Variation 1

Develops players' ability to receive with an open body position, execute accurate passes, and transition quickly between roles. Encourages movement, decision-making, and proper body positioning when receiving the ball.

Y Passing Drill - Variation 2

Develops passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and one-two combination play. Encourages quick decision-making, communication, and proper body positioning for receiving and distributing the ball.

Y Passing Drill - Variation 3

Develops players' ability to execute quick one-two passes, play accurate long balls, and transition into new positions efficiently. Encourages decision-making and proper body positioning for receiving and distributing passes.

2v1 with Keepers

Develops attacking players' ability to exploit numerical advantages in a 2v1 situation. Encourages defenders to delay and disrupt play while improving goalkeeper distribution and decision-making.

3v3 Plus Keepers to Full-Size Goals

This drill improves small-group attacking and defending, finishing under pressure, and goalkeeper distribution. It simulates game-like conditions in a compact space, encouraging quick decisions and dynamic play.

4v4 + Keeper to Full-Size Goals

This drill simulates real match conditions by developing players' ability to attack, defend, and transition in small-sided play. It encourages quick decision-making, team communication, and finishing with the added challenge of goalkeepers.

1v1 Corner Escape

This drill sharpens a player’s ability to receive under pressure, recognize defensive cues, and dribble into space. It emphasizes decision-making, ball protection, and breaking away from pressure in tight areas.

3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup

This soccer drill sharpens short-range passing, encourages constant movement after the pass, and prepares players physically and mentally for training. It reinforces clean technique and fitness through repetition.

3-Man Box Passing Warmup

This drill focuses on teaching players how to open up their body, scan the field, and play accurate passes while moving continuously. It helps reinforce technical habits that translate directly to in-game situations.

1v1 Battle - Attacking and Reaction Drill

This 1v1 soccer battle drill will focus on the attacker's change of direction, change of pace, and burst of speed to the goal all while working on the defender's ability to close down the attacker quickly, reaction time, speed of recovery, and angles of defense.

Goalkeeper Footwork Exercise with Hurdle

This goalkeeping drill will focus on footwork as well as handling the ball. This is a great goalkeeper warm-up or agility drill to do during keeper training.