U11/U12 Coaching Resources
General U11/U12 Information
Roster: 16 players max
Practices: 90 minutes
Game Form: 9 v 9 (min 7)
Game Length: 2 - 30 minute halves
Goalkeeper: Yes.
Heading: Allowed in U12 games. Heading is limited at practices to 15-20 headers per player, per week.
Offside: Yes.
Ball Size: 4
Game Ball: Each team should have a properly inflated game ball provided to the Referee prior to the start of the match. The Referee will decide which ball to put into play.
Field Size: 70-80 yards long x 45-55 yards wide
Player Equipment: Team jerseys (2-home & away), shorts, shin guards, soccer cleats, and socks.
Playing Time Requirement: All players must receive 50% playing time in a game. If a coach is managing a disciplinary situation with a player, the player may receive less than 50% playing time. Prior to the game the coach must inform the parents, the referee, and the opposing coach of this disciplinary status.
Referee(s): Referee(s) will be assigned by home soccer club.
Reporting Scores: Team Manager or Coach of first team listed (Home team) will report score after completion of match through TourneyMachine Schedule.
Open up the schedule, “Public Result”.
Locate your division.
Locate your match.
Click on the “green” icon to post score.
Scores will be collected and posted publicly, but standings will not be kept or posted. Scores will be used as data points, if necessary, in helping to form “like playing level” groups for the spring season and to help monitor allowances such as “playing age group” selection and “guest players”.
Scores can also be reported here using PhoneItIn.
U11/U12 Learning Objectives
Developmental Characteristics
Enjoys competition.
Psychological development has progressed.
Teamwork has improved.
Coordination has improved.
Technical competency has improved.
Development of speed and strength.
Problem solving can take place with teammates.
Self- appearance and peer pressure is a concern.
Varying stages of puberty for both boys and girls.
Practice Objectives
Coaching Emphasis: Encourage players to play attacking and thoughtful soccer.
Technique:
Feints with the ball.
Receiving air and ground balls.
Receiving with the in-step.
Attacking and defensive heading.
Chipping and driven passes.
Inside and outside of the foot passing.
Crossing to near and far post.
Volley and half volley.
Psychology: Teamwork, confidence, desire, intrinsic motivation, handling stress, sportsmanship.
Fitness: Speed, strength, aerobic exercise, warm up and cool down are now mandatory.
Tactics:
2 v 1 defending.
2 v 2 attacking and defending.
Roles of 2nd attacker and defender.
Combination passing.
Verbal and visual communication for all positions.
Defending and attacking at corner kicks.