Attacking Soccer Drills – U12 / U14 / U16 (2025)

If you’re looking for attacking soccer drills u12 / u14 / u16 – this is for you.

Attacking in soccer encompasses a wide range of techniques and strategies, from creating scoring opportunities to executing those decisive final strikes.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some useful attacking soccer drills u12 – u16 players can benefit from. Whether you’re a coach seeking to sharpen your team’s offensive prowess or a young player eager to enhance your attacking abilities.

I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to attacking soccer drills and insights tailored to the development needs of U12 – U16 soccer players, coaches, and parents.

attacking soccer drills u12
attacking soccer drills u12

Attacking Soccer Drills u12 / u14 / u16


In this article, you can read through all 5 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to watch the video tutorials included and stick around until the end for a special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better soccer player.

  1. What is attacking in soccer?
  2. Soccer attacking tips
  3. Attacking soccer drills u12 +
  4. Under 12 soccer drills (attacking)
  5. How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more!

I hope this article provides you with the attacking soccer drills u12 you need. Let’s go!

fun drills for u12 soccer
fun drills for u12 soccer

What Is Attacking In Soccer?


Attacking in soccer refers to the phase of play when a team has possession of the ball and focuses on advancing toward the opponent’s goal to create scoring opportunities.

It involves strategic movement, technical skills, and teamwork to break through the opposing defense. Key elements of attacking include passing, dribbling, and shooting, as well as off-the-ball actions like making runs, and providing support for teammates.

Effective attacking relies on creativity, quick decision-making, and recognizing gaps in the opponent’s structure. It also demands coordination among players to execute tactics like counterattacks, overlaps, and combination plays.

This video will give you an example of what is attacking in soccer. Passing combinations, movement, and player rotation all working to create chances, and goal scoring.

Soccer Attacking Tips


To excel in attacking soccer, keep your head up to scan the field, spot open teammates, and identify defensive gaps. Focus on controlling the ball with precise touches, and always pass and move to create options and maintain momentum.

Be unpredictable with your movement, using fakes, turns, and sudden changes of pace to outwit defenders. Take advantage of shooting opportunities by prioritizing accuracy over power, and stretch the field by staying wide to open up space for your team.

Stay composed under pressure, anticipate counterattacks, and balance patience with decisive actions to create effective and dynamic attacking plays.

This soccer tutorial will show you examples of soccer attacking tips & combination drills you can use to help your players build more confidence and team chemistry in front of goal…

Attacking Soccer Drills u12 +


A good attacking soccer drill focuses on replicating real-game situations and develops specific attacking skills like movement, creativity, teamwork, and decision-making. It should encourage players to attack with speed, use quick combinations, exploit space, and finish accurately.

A well-designed attacking soccer drill provides scenarios where players can practice one-on-one moves, off-the-ball runs, and executing passes to break defensive lines.

Attacking soccer drills should involve challenges that replicate the pressure of defenders while offering players room to problem-solve and adapt. Drills like small-sided games or patterns with finishing allow attackers to build confidence and develop essential skills under realistic conditions.

In this soccer tutorial you’ll see a full session that uses different team attacking soccer drills u12 and up. Whether you are a coach, player, or parent – these attacking soccer drills will give you some new ideas on how to help your team improve…

Under 12 Soccer Drills For Attacking


To adjust attacking soccer drills for U12 players, focus on simplifying the activities while emphasizing foundational skills and game understanding.

Attacking soccer drills should prioritize proper technique, decision-making, and spatial awareness. Use smaller areas or reduced numbers (e.g., 3v3 or 4v4) to give players more touches on the ball and opportunities to engage directly in attacking situations.

Limit complexity by introducing basic patterns, such as passing and moving, creating triangles, or taking a defender one-on-one. Include fun, competitive elements to maintain their enthusiasm while subtly teaching key concepts like finishing, movement off the ball, and teamwork.

In this soccer tutorial for under 12 attacking soccer drills, you’ll get access to some practice ideas and breakdowns of drills to improve attacking in soccer…

This article has explored what attacking in soccer truly means and offered a wealth of invaluable tips for players and coaches at various age levels.

From the basics of positioning and movement to the more advanced concepts of combination play and finishing, we’ve highlighted the key elements that contribute to effective attacking soccer drills u12 – u16.

As you implement these attacking soccer drills and strategies on the field, remember that the journey to becoming a successful attacker is not just about scoring goals; it’s about developing creativity, teamwork, and the passion for the beautiful game.

Keep honing your skills, fostering a love for the sport, and never stop striving for excellence.


Common Questions

Here are some common questions related to attacking soccer drills:

What are the attacking principles of soccer?

The attacking principles in soccer focus on strategies to break down the opposing defense and create scoring opportunities. Key principles include:

  • Penetration: Moving the ball forward through passes, dribbles, or runs to create scoring chances.
  • Support: Teammates positioning themselves to provide passing options.
  • Width: Spreading the play across the field to stretch the opponent’s defense.
  • Depth: Players positioning themselves to maintain a balanced attack and counterpressure from defenders.
  • Creativity: Using skill, quick decision-making, and innovative moves to outplay defenders.

How to improve attack in soccer?

Improving attack in soccer requires a combination of tactics, technical ability, and teamwork. Here are a few tips:

  • Master technical skills: Improve passing, shooting, and dribbling under pressure.
  • Understand positioning: Learn when to push forward, provide support, or create space.
  • Play with urgency: Make fast decisions to capitalize on attacking opportunities.
  • Improve combination play: Practice give-and-go passes and one-touch soccer with teammates.
  • Watch game footage: Study successful attacking plays to gain insights.

How to improve your attacking skills?

To improve your attacking skills, focus on areas like:

  • Dribbling: Work on close control, quick direction changes, and 1v1 duels.
  • Finishing: Practice a variety of shots, including volleys, headers, and strikes with both feet.
  • Vision: Train to recognize defensive gaps and make creative decisions quickly.
  • Movement off the ball: Develop runs to get behind defenses or create space for teammates.
  • Fitness: Enhance speed and agility to react effectively in tight attacking situations.

How can I be a better soccer attacker?

To become a better attacker in soccer:

  • Study defenders: Analyze their weaknesses to exploit them.
  • Stay unpredictable: Vary your movements and actions to keep defenders guessing.
  • Improve physicality: Strength and balance are essential for holding off defenders.
  • Refine composure: Stay calm under pressure to make smart decisions near the goal.
  • Communicate: Collaborate with teammates to maximize attacking opportunities.

What are the attacking tactics in soccer?

Common attacking tactics in soccer include:

  • Counterattacking: Quickly transitioning from defense to offense when opponents are out of position.
  • Overlapping runs: Fullbacks or wingers running around teammates to provide width.
  • Crosses into the box: Delivering balls into dangerous areas for strikers to finish.
  • Triangular passing: Using short, quick passes in triangles to break defensive lines.
  • Isolating defenders: Creating 1v1 scenarios for skilled attackers.

Combining these tactics with strong technical execution and team cohesion can lead to successful attacks.

attacking combination play soccer drills
what is attacking in soccer

SOCCER PLAYERS


Want to become a better soccer player?

Watch this 3-minute video about discovering your true potential

Learn how to improve your skills, mindset, soccer IQ, and fitness—no matter your level. Start playing with confidence, earning respect, and impressing coaches today.


About Coach Dylan

I used to struggle with confidence in soccer, feeling slow, weak, and unmotivated. Coaches overlooked me, and friends made fun of my skills. At one point, I even quit.

But I decided to take control of my development. Through hard work, I transformed my game, earned league titles, awards, a college scholarship, and international caps.

Now, I share my lessons and help others improve through my YouTube channel (1/2 million subscribers), soccer coaching and personal training.

soccer training

How To Play Soccer Better

Struggling to make progress in soccer or stay organized with your training?

The Soccer Success Planner will help you stay focused, motivated, and increase your chances of achieving your goals in soccer.

Success doesn’t happen accidentally. Use it to set clear goals, create a plan of action, and take control of your future. Learn more about the Soccer Success Planner.


How To Become A Better Soccer Player

Struggling to improve in soccer or unsure how to train effectively? Want to stand out and earn respect from teammates and coaches?

The Online Soccer Academy will get you better results in less time.

Thousands of players have already transformed their game in just 60 days. Learn more about how the online soccer academy.


Related Posts

Here are some related posts to help you gain more knowledge and helpful advice:

How to be successful in soccer

Best Soccer Videos

How to become a good striker in soccer

Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer

Thank you for reading this article:
Attacking Soccer Drills – U12 / U14 / U16 (2025)

Dylan Tooby

Success should not be judged based on what you achieve but by what you help others achieve. Hopefully, this information will help you. Thank you for reading. Please, leave a comment.