Football Drills for U12s

1. Rondo 4v2 with a switch

Possession and support angles

Set up

A 12-yard square with four players on the outside and two defenders inside. Outside players keep the ball, and a switch from one side of the square to the opposite side scores a point.

Coaching points

Open the body before receiving, one player either side of the ball, switch when the near side is blocked.

Make it harder

Limit outside players to two touches, then add a third defender.

2. Receiving under pressure

First touch away from a defender

Set up

A 15x12 yard box with a server on one side. The receiver checks away then in, and a shadow defender can only win the ball after the first touch.

Coaching points

Scan over the shoulder as the ball travels, first touch away from pressure, protect it with the far foot.

Make it harder

Defender goes fully live and the receiver must exit through a gate.

3. 1v1 to two goals

Attacking and defending 1v1

Set up

In a 15x12 box the attacker can score in either of two mini goals on the far line; the defender wins the ball and counters to the two goals behind.

Coaching points

Attack the defender's front foot, feint then change pace, defenders stay side-on and show one way.

Make it harder

Winner stays on and faces the next challenger straight away.

4. Third man combination

Playing forward through a pivot

Set up

A Y-shaped set-up: pass into the central pivot, who sets the ball back for a third player to play forward into the exit gate.

Coaching points

Pivot opens the hips early, set pass firm to the back foot, third man moves as the set is played.

Make it harder

Add a defender on the pivot so the set has to beat real pressure.

5. Finishing from cutbacks

Finishing inside the box

Set up

A wide player drives to the byline and cuts the ball back; two attackers arrive at the near post and the penalty spot to finish first time.

Coaching points

Decide where the finish is going before the touch, hit the target first time, two different runs.

Make it harder

Add a recovering defender so the finish comes under pressure.

6. Counter-press game

Transition and pressing

Set up

4v4 on a 30x25 pitch. When a team loses the ball they get five seconds to win it back before dropping into their shape.

Coaching points

Nearest player presses instantly, others screen the forward pass, first pass forward when you regain it.

Make it harder

Cut the counter-press window to three seconds.

7. 7v7 with a theme

Putting the session together

Set up

Finish with 7v7 on the largest pitch you have. Add one condition from the session theme, such as a goal counting double after a switch of play.

Coaching points

Let them play, coach in natural stoppages, one clear message linked to the theme.

Make it harder

Remove the condition for the last five minutes and let the habit show up on its own.

What football drills work best for U12s?

U12s are ready for opposed practices. Rondos, receiving under pressure, 1v1s to two goals, third man combinations and counter-press games all work well, finished with a 7v7 or 9v9 game so the theme is tested properly.

How long should a U12 training session be?

Around 60 to 75 minutes. A warm up with the ball, one technical practice, one opposed skill practice and a game gives you four blocks with enough repetition in each.

Can U12s do heading drills?

Heading practice is only introduced from U12 upwards in line with English guidance, and volume should stay low. Football Coach Hub hides heading drills from every age group below U12 automatically.

How much fitness work should U12s do?

Keep it football specific: agility, reaction and change of direction work with the ball, plus conditioning games. Structured endurance blocks belong to U13 and above.