motor skills U14 soccer drills

Drop-off and ball control

Ideal exercise to practice the back-pedal technique (defense) and dribbling (attack) with a point system to instill a good competitive spirit.

Mark out a 15m x 15m square. Using soccer cones, set up 2 goals on one side and 2 more on the opposite side. Form 2 teams and place them between the goals. The coach is on one of the other sides with the balls. The exercise can last from 10 to 15 minutes.

The coach makes a pass to the attacker who must then try to dribble through one of the defender's 2 gates. The defender must perform a backpedal well supported on both feet to slow down the attacker's run and try to push them towards the sideline. They can recover the ball on a mistake by the attacker and go score between one of the attacker's 2 gates.

Pay attention to the quality of the backpedal and don't hesitate to correct if necessary. Clearly instruct the defender to push the attacker towards the sideline and wait for the attacker's mistake to recover the ball. The goal is not to seek the duel for the defender!

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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.