Under 12 Characteristics and Skill Priorities

Skill Priorities:

Technical -

• Further Improvement of U10 skills (click here for U10 skills)
• Speed Dribbling in Traffic
• Ability to chip the ball
• Accurately play long passes
• Offensive Heading
• Power/Accuracy Shooting

Tactical -

• Team Communication
• Basic Support Positions in Attack and Defense
• Receiving the Ball Away from Pressure
• Combination Play
• How and when to switch the point of attack
• Pressure vs Containing
• Proper 2 vs 2 roles
• Proper 3 vs 3 roles

The period this age group is entering is often referred to as the dawn of tactics. Typically players of this age begin to understand the basic tactical situations of the game and are more aware of movement off the ball and the reasons for tactical choices. Problem-solving becomes systematic and these players tend to learn quickly. Children of this age typically are beginning to develop abstract awareness, so they can understand coaches when we talk about space and runs off of the ball. However, just because they understand these basic tactical concepts does not mean we should focus on these concepts entirely. Players are still developing technically at this age, especially as they go through growth spurts and awkward phases.

It is quite common to look out at a U12 field and see players that are physically the size of adults. Yet, other U12 players appear as if they could still be in the 3rd grade. These children are all growing at different rates and undergoing physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. The
average age for the beginning of pubescence in girls is 10 years old with a range of 7 to 14; for boys it is age 12 with a range of 9 to 16. As adults, we need to be sensitive to these changes and their social implications when dealing with this age group. Some players may pick up skills quickly, where as others may struggle. However, it may be the case that this is simply the result of differences in maturation. In a year, the slower developer may surpass the player who developed earlier. For this reason we need to be patient and keep open minds about all players through these years. They are aware of their struggles more than anyone else as peer evaluation is omnipresent at these ages. When we see them struggling, it is important for us to help them and to keep the game fun.

Characteristics of this age group -

• All children are maturing at different rates
• Players must warm-up and stretch - muscle pulls and other nagging injuries are common otherwise
• Players will typically understand elemental abstract concepts and hypothetical situations
• They like to solve problems
• Peer evaluation is a constant
• Egos are sensitive
  
• Coordination may depend on whether or not they are in a growth spurt
• Technique still needs to be reinforced constantly
• Playing too much can lead to overuse injuries
• Playing too much and not feeling like they have a choice in the matter can lead to burnout and drop-out
• This is the dawn of tactics!
• Keep asking the players to be creative and to take risks - we never want them to stop doing these things
• Ask for feedback from them - they will tell you how things are going
• Try to hand over leadership and ownership of the sport to them
• Keep it fun!!!