MASS YOUTH SOCCER
UNDER 12 LESSON PLANS

Below are links to Lesson Plans that are appropriate for Under 12 teams. These plans can also be used at other age groups so long as the orginaztion and expectations are tailored to the particular age group. We have presented these 20 Lesson Plans in progressive order. While Coaches can certainly take plans out of their particular order to address the needs and abilities of their players, we urge coaches to understand the order in which we have presented them is progressive in the learning process and not random. We have also organized the Plans into a Fall and a Spring season with 10 Plans for each season.

FALL SEASON

Week 1 – Passing and Receiving - Possession

Week 2 – Introduction to Lofted and Driven Balls

Week 3 – Passing for Penetration Behind the Defense

Week 4 – Team Shape

Week 5 – Defending - Pressure (Role of the 1st Defender)

Week 6 – Defending - Pressure and Cover (Role of the 1st and 2nd Defender)

Week 7 – Penetration by Dribbling, Passing or Shooting

Week 8 – Goalkeeping - Handling Breakaways

Week 9 – Combination Play

Week 10 – Goalkeeping - Handling Long Range Shots

SPRING SEASON

Week 1 – Passing and Receiving - Possession

Week 2 – Striking Long Balls

Week 3 – Passing and Receiving - Possession to Penetrate Behind the Defense

Week 4 – Team Shape - Support

Week 5 – Defending in Small Groups

Week 6 – Group Defending

Week 7 – Volleying


Week 8 – Finishing From Combination Play


Week 9 – Goalkeeping - Distribution


Week 10 – Switching the Point of Attack