In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important for us to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristerics of the Under 12 player:
 

• All children are maturing at different rates and are sensitive to that fact.
• Need to warm-up and stretch as muscle pulls and other nagging injuries are common

• 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. 
• Ask for feedback from them. They will tell you how things are going.
• Try to hand over leadership and ownership of the team to them. They will enjoy leading and it will add to the learning environment.

Below are 10 practice plans designed specifically for the U12 player:

WEEK 1	WEEK 2	WEEK 3	WEEK 4	WEEK 5
WEEK 6	WEEK 7	WEEK 8	WEEK 9	WEEK 10

**Weekly U12 Lesson Plans developed by Massachusetts Youth Soccer**