build-up play U14 soccer drills

Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

This situational exercise is ideal for working on the build-up play phase. Used in Naples a few years ago, you can use it at the end of a session.

On a half-field, place a large goal at the midfield line, as well as 4 gates on each side of the field using 4 cones (see animation). Then form 2 teams of 9 players with 1 goalkeeper per team.

The opposition starts and the objective for each team is to score on the opposing goal. However, they must pass through a gate on each side of the field before they can finish their action. After passing through at least 2 gates, players can finish on the opposing goal.

Used by Rafael Benitez during a training session in Naples, the objective of this opposition is threefold:

Work on the build-up play
Work on attacking movements
Work on the accuracy of passes

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Build-up play

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What is the U14 category?

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.
Agility and information gathering - the cup stealing game in soccer school : this fun exercise will help your players improve key skills like speed and decision-making.

build-up play U14 soccer drills

Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

Discover our build-up play U14 drills

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8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones

Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)

Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

Progress with our drills

What is the U14 category?

The objectives of the U14 category in soccer

Some tips for coaching a U14 team

What training exercises for U14s?

Breaking the lines with passing combinations in 3 drills

One-two pass drill against a diamond formation

Fast forward play with a 7v7 in 3 zones

Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3

Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1

Build-up play and shooting in 9v9 with passing gates

Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 2-1-2

Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)

Possession play and progressive switches of play

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