counterattack U14 soccer drills

counterattack U14 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the counterattack aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

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Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger

Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger

15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U15
Defensive duel to recover the ball before immediately launching a winger in a counterattack....
Continuous fast attacks with a 5v3 in 2 zones

Continuous fast attacks with a 5v3 in 2 zones

15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U17
This drill will help improve your players' speed in exploiting a numerical advantage during a counterattack. Highly appreciated by players!...
6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition

6v4 Possession Game with Attacking-Defensive Transition

20 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U14
Exercise combining a 6v4 possession drill with transitions in various phases of attacking-defensive and defensive-attacking play. You can, of course, adjust the distances and the number of players based on the level of your group....
Possession and quick counterattacks in a 3v2 followed by a 2v1

Possession and quick counterattacks in a 3v2 followed by a 2v1

15 min
8-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U15
Numerous variations are possible for this counterattack exercise. Your players will work on reactivity, movement, and concentration. That's all!...
Attacking transition: recovery and retention

Attacking transition: recovery and retention

20 min
12-14 joueurs
Tactical
U14 - U15
Through this defensive-to-attacking transition drill, your players improve both ball retention/circulation and their game awareness (offensive). Ideal for progressing on pressing and recovery work....
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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: 
  1. The importance of positioning,
  2. Understanding offensive and defensive phases,
  3. Improving decision-making on the field.
  4. Directed passes
  5. 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.

Other sub-theme U14 soccer drills

U14 Agility soccer drills

  1. Dribbling, passing, and diagonal run
  2. 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
  3. Agility and Shooting
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U14 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Interception and forward ball control in 4v3
  2. Defensive transitions after loss in rondo games
  3. Zonal Defense in 6v6: Marking, Cover, and Balance
See all

U14 Build-up play soccer drills

  1. One-two pass drill against a diamond formation
  2. Preventing the build-up play: high press and shooting in 2v1
  3. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
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U14 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
  2. Warm-up Circuit: Speed and Agility Work
  3. Shooting practice with slalom and body feint
See all

U14 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Cognitive work without the ball with 1v1v1 duels
  2. Warm-up: team ball possession
  3. Double square: combinations and sequences of short passing game
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U14 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
  2. Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
  3. Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)
See all

U14 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Defensive work in pairs in a small area
  2. 2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back
  3. 1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender
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U14 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
  2. Interception and forward ball control in 4v3
  3. Shot then defensive transition in 1v1
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U14 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. Dribbling, passing, and diagonal run
  2. Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns
  3. Passing Circuit with Triple One-Two Pass and Give-and-Go
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U14 Duels soccer drills

  1. Drop-off and ball control
  2. Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
  3. Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals
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U14 Endurance soccer drills

  1. Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger
  2. Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
  3. Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters
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U14 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work
  2. Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
  3. Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
See all

U14 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Cognitive work without the ball with 1v1v1 duels
  2. 4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
  3. Warm-up: team ball possession
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U14 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Play in Space and Switches of Play
  2. Forward play with possession in 6v3
  3. Possession play and progressive switches of play
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U14 Motor skills soccer drills

  1. Dynamic Warm-up with Passing, Slalom, and Dribbling
  2. Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball
  3. 1v1 and agility: support and change of direction
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U14 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting
  2. Offensive Combinations and Numerical Advantage in 2v1
  3. Offensive Combinations in 2v1 on Opposite Goals
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U14 Overload soccer drills

  1. Double 2v1 following a passing sequence (variation)
  2. 4v4 possession game with 2 support players per team
  3. Double 2v1 following a passing combination
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U14 Passes soccer drills

  1. Warm-up: team ball possession
  2. Warm-up: Passing drills and 1v1 training
  3. Diamond passing circuit with give and go variation
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U14 Positional play soccer drills

  1. 8v8: connection of the fullbacks with the attacking line across 5 zones
  2. Small-sided game in 3v3 with neutral side supports and quick shooting
  3. Diamond play with passing combinations
See all

U14 Possession soccer drills

  1. Possession game in 2v4 then 4v8 with central zone
  2. Possession game from one goalkeeper to the other in 4v4 (+2)
  3. Possession game in 2 zones with role change
See all

U14 Pressing soccer drills

  1. Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3
  2. Possession game in 2 zones with role change
  3. Possession game in double zone with coordinated press
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U14 Rondos soccer drills

  1. Possession game in 2 zones with role change
  2. Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
  3. Warm-up with neutral support in the wide areas
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U14 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Passing game work with a square of 6 players
  2. Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting
  3. Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit
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U14 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery
  2. Training on directional control and shooting in 2 drills
  3. Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations
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U14 Support soccer drills

  1. 3v3 with a neutral player and central support – stop-ball and overlaps
  2. Quick ball movement in 6v6 with deep support
  3. Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
See all

U14 Transition soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition: recovery and retention
  2. Rondo in 4v2 and pressing with a numerical disadvantage
  3. Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
See all

U14 Using width soccer drills

  1. Build-up Play and Through Ball in Jurgen Klopp's 4-3-3
  2. Restricted zone: Using the wide areas in 5v5
  3. Zonal defense with a 3v3 in an expanded area
See all