Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
Exercise used by Pep Guardiola during a training session at Manchester City, it is ideal for working on different aspects: passing quality, off-the-ball runs to create space, and finally shooting.
Set up a technical circuit within a rectangle with a goal located at the end of the circuit. You will need cones, hurdles, and poles. Position your players as shown in the diagram, with one player at each station (you can double each station depending on the number of players you have).
The ball starts from the coach who plays a short pass to the first player (A). A will then start dribbling for 2/3 meters, while the following players (B and C) will make an off-the-ball run towards player A to request the ball. The first player will then make a firm pass to C, while B will quickly sprint in the opposite direction.
Once the pass is made, player A will then go over the hurdles on his left. Meanwhile, the player who just received the ball (C) will play a short pass to E, who will have made a prior run. Meanwhile, the last player in the circuit (D) performs a slalom run without the ball through the poles, before receiving the through ball from E. He will then play the 1v1 with the goalkeeper.
Each player moves up one station in the drill for the next round.
Variation
You can also propose a variation by replacing the pass from A to C with a pass to B, who will then play to C. The rest of the sequence remains the same.
Variation of the drill playing to B
In this type of exercise, you should emphasize concentration and involvement in the drill. Some stations make runs without necessarily touching the ball, which is why you need to ensure these players work in the right way.
Some practical tips:
Ask the player who makes the last layoff pass to follow the shooter well to play the second ball.
The 2nd player (B) must exaggerate his run towards the inside before sprinting to the gate. He does not touch the ball, but his role is just as important.
The U14 category includes children aged 13-14 years. It is quite similar to the U15 category in terms of approach, although some important elements need to be considered. The U14 category marks an important stage in your players' lives: the transition to the full-size field, the much-dreaded 11-a-side field. At 14 years, you will need to focus your U14 training sessions around three main pillars: athletic development, tactical knowledge, and technical skill.
In U14, players reach a significant milestone in their young soccer careers. Beyond their commitment, the competitive spirit, individualities, and personalities begin to emerge. To best help them progress both individually and collectively, planning and structuring your training sessions accordingly requires real preparation.
To assist you, here is a detailed guide on the U14 category.
The objectives of the U14 category in soccer
The U14 category in soccer involves players who have not yet reached the age of 14 at the start of the season. At this age, players begin to refine their technical skills while developing a better understanding of game tactics.
The goal as a coach is to consolidate the technical foundations acquired in previous years (U13), while introducing and reinforcing the first tactical concepts. This includes, for example:
The importance of positioning,
Understanding offensive and defensive phases,
Improving decision-making on the field.
Directed passes
Communication on the field during different phases of the game (corner, fouls…)
As a U14 player is in full physical development, it is also necessary to take the time to add exercises focused on muscle strengthening. This through training aimed at improving speed, endurance, and strength while being age-appropriate to avoid injuries.
Some tips for coaching a U14 team
Coaching a U14 team requires a teaching approach adapted to the players' age, their current level, and their potential for growth. It is essential for any coach to maintain a balance between the fun aspect of the sport and the development of soccer skills.
Coaches should thus encourage creativity, risk-taking, and personal expression on the field for each U14 player, while teaching the fundamental principles of team play.
Finally, keep in mind that at this age, positive communication and attention to the players' well-being are essential for their development and fulfillment.
What training exercises for U14s?
U14 training exercises should be designed to develop both the individual qualities of each player while implementing a collective game tactic. The U14 exercises, similar to exercises for higher categories, can encompass many themes, but we advise you to focus on the basics: control-passing, movement, and game intelligence. These elements will form the foundation of your players' playing style for many years, so do not neglect them. Be sure to animate your U14 training sessions well, managing the exercises as well as the rest periods.
Are you lacking inspiration in structuring your training sessions? Here are some exercise ideas:
Technical courses: create courses with cones to work on dribbling, ball control, and accelerations, etc. The goal here will be to improve ball mastery and ball handling.
Triangle or square passing games: these games help develop passing accuracy, quick decision-making, and off-the-ball play.
Mini-matches: organize matches in small groups (3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4) to encourage interactions and understanding of team play. This will also allow you to apply technical skills in a match context.
Shooting workshops: set up specific exercises around shooting, from various angles, game actions, focusing on power, technique, or precision.
