U12 Practice Plan - 2 vs 1's and 2 vs 2's

Set Up:

Create two 30x20yd fields with a 2yd goal on each endline. Divide players into four teams and play 3v3. Play two-minute games, and rotate teams after every game to play a new one. Encourage the teams to keep score, and try to beat each team they play.

Coaching Points:

None. Let the players play and make mistakes. Only intervene if it is taking them too long to get ball back in play.

Set Up:

• Players are placed in pairs, one ball and two cones per pair. Partners are three yards away from each other, and place their cones in front of them.

• Players start by passing back and forth to each other, but MUST use two touches, and in the same pattern around cones that the coach gives (see below)

Progression

Once patterns have been introduced, have players repeat the patterns in a competition, trying to beat the other groups. One point per pass, but playing one touch is not allowed.

Coaching Points:

1.

2.

3.

Progressions:

1.

Coaching Points

• 1st Pattern: Pass is played down one side of cones. Receiving player uses outside of foot to play ball behind their cone, and then uses inside of foot to play back to partner on other side. Switch direction after one minute.

• 2nd Pattern: Figure 8s. Ball is played through center between cones. First touch brings ball behind cone, and 2nd touch plays it back through center. Reverse direction after a minute.

• Spend 5 minutes individually juggling before moving onto next activity.

Set Up:

•  The two teams split their players into two lines, starting in the corners of the field, just outside of the small goals. 

• The defending team starts with the balls. The game starts with the defender passing the ball across the field to either attacker.

• Play begins with the first touch and continues 2v1 to the small goals. If the defending player wins the ball, they can score by dribbling over the opposite end line.

• If the ball goes out of bounds, play is over and the next three players come on.  

• The teams switch roles after 10 balls. A running score is kept to determine the winner.

Coaching Points:

1.  The defender should curve his run to the ball to force play in one direction.

2.  Trapping an attacker on the sidelines turns the 2v1 into a 1v1.

3.  The first attacker should force the defender to commit to the ball before passing off.

Progressions:

1. Progress to 2v2 and then 3v2.

Set Up:

• Make two lines on each side of field and place two small goals on both end lines.
• One player line starts by passing across the field to an opposing player. The first player from each line comes out to play 2v2. 
• If a goal is scored or ball goes out of bounds, the players return to their lines. The next ball is played in with four new players.
• Get game moving fast. As soon as ball goes out, next players need to be ready to go.

Coaching Points:

• With 2v2, it is very important to make the 1st defender commit to the person with the ball by dribbling. Doing this attracts attention of the other defender, and allows more space and time for the other attacker to be dangerous.
• Communication and creativity. Your first thought shouldn’t be to pass. Can you shoot? Can you dribble?
• Introduce combinations to your players. If you pass to your teammate, can you move on the field in a way to make things unpredictable for the defenders?

Set Up:

• Play 7v7. If your numbers are short, decrease size of field to 40x25 and play 6v6.
• Cones for goals are 6yds wide and use goalkeepers.

Coaching Points:

• None. Just sit back and let them play. Play full rules for your age group: offside, thrown-ins, goalkicks and corners etc.
• If you see deception, get excited even if the move doesn’t work. Give them the thumbs-up and tell them you want them to try it again. The more you encourage the attempt instead of the result, the more often your players will be willing to take risks in a game.