| Paper title: |
Modern methods and techniques for the technical training of u12 junior football players |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.4316/SAM.2026.0114 |
| Published in: | Volume XIX issue 1/ 2026 |
| Publishing date: | 2026 |
| Pages: | |
| Author(s): | GROSU Bogdan-Marius |
| Abstract. | Technical training is a fundamental component of long-term player development, with the U12 age category representing an optimal period for acquiring and refining football-specific motor and technical skills. In the context of contemporary methodological changes in football coaching, traditional training approaches are increasingly being replaced by player-centred models that integrate technical, tactical, and cognitive development.
The aim of this review is to analyse modern technical training methods used with U12 football players and to highlight their practical implications for player development. The paper is based on a critical review of recent scientific literature, including publications from FIFA, UEFA, and peer-reviewed journals in sport sciences. The analysis indicates that Small-Sided Games, the Constraints-Led Approach, Teaching Games for Understanding, and digital technologies significantly enhance technical performance, decision-making, ball control, and tactical awareness in game-related environments. These approaches promote more effective skill acquisition than traditional isolated technical drills. It is concluded that implementing contemporary training strategies can improve the quality of technical preparation in youth football and support long-term athlete development. Further experimental studies are recommended to investigate the long-term effects of these methods in U12 players. |
| Keywords: | football, U12, technical training, Small-Sided Games, skill acquisition, football coaching. |
| References: |
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