conditioning U14 soccer drills

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

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Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations

In the form of 4 stations, this exercise is ideal for interval training (30-15) while including a fun element with the ball. Perfect for the start of the season or after the winter break.

Animation: Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations
On a large field, set up 4 stations in each corner of the field. Then ask your players to divide into 4 groups. The stations will consist of:
  1. Station 1: poles (or constri-foot) to create a series of slaloms, with a supply of balls. Players must slalom between the poles.
  2. Station 2: 5 to 6 hoops randomly placed on the ground with a supply of balls. Players must maneuver around the hoops.
  3. Station 3: a few balls. Players must perform a series of passes using multiple balls simultaneously.
  4. Station 4: only a supply of balls, with one ball per player. They must perform a series of juggles.

The exercise will proceed as follows:
  • Each group starts at a different station.
  • Each station lasts 30 seconds.
  • Along the length of the field, players move from one station to another in a 15-second fast run.
  • Across the width of the field, players move from one station to another in a 15-second active recovery.
  • You can complete 5 full rounds with 2 minutes of recovery between each round.

Discover our conditioning U14 drills

High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery

High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery

20 min
1-24 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - Seniors
High-intensity shuttle runs across the width of the field, followed by structured active recovery....
Speed training: sprint variations in a diamond shape

Speed training: sprint variations in a diamond shape

15 min
4-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
Rhythmic course combining sprints, lateral runs, jogging, and walking around a central diamond for several timed laps....
Speed work: alternating jogging-sprint on a progressive run

Speed work: alternating jogging-sprint on a progressive run

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
Speed circuit alternating sequences of low-intensity jogging and short sprints over progressively increasing distances....
Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters

Speed work with varied movements over 25 meters

15 min
4-24 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - Seniors
Sequence of specific movements (walking, backpedaling, lateral movement, sprinting) on a linear course of 25 meters....
Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns

Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
Ball control drill with slalom followed by a quick return in control or pass depending on the progression....
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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.

High-intensity 1v1 mini-tournament (promotion-relegation)

High-intensity 1v1 mini-tournament (promotion-relegation)

16 min
8-16 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
1v1 tournament in a promotion-relegation format with 4 fields featuring different rules to enhance intensity, creativity, and the repetition of duels....
Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work

Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work

12 min
4-24 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U18
Inspired by the work done by American football players, this exercise is ideal for getting your players to work on their fitness and agility in a competitive manner....
Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations

Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations

20 min
8-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
In the form of 4 stations, this exercise is ideal for interval training (30-15) while including a fun element with the ball. Perfect for the start of the season or after the winter break....
Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations

Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
Perfect drill for a warm-up during a session with an athletic focus. Remember to gradually increase intensity and alternate players in support....
Cognitive work without the ball with 1v1v1 duels

Cognitive work without the ball with 1v1v1 duels

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U12 - U16
Ideal for working on the cognitive aspect, this exercise can be used in a session after a complete warm-up. Very dynamic, it often appeals to players....
Cognitive ability with agility work and color play

Cognitive ability with agility work and color play

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U12 - U16
Very engaging agility exercise with cognitive work involving colors, voice, and gestures. Combine auditory and visual signals with a bit of competition, and you'll see that it's an exercise highly appreciated by players....
Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work

Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work

15 min
6-22 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - Seniors
Excellent athletic circuit that will allow your players to work on endurance capacity (aerobic) while incorporating ball work in the form of dribbling....
Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals

Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - Seniors
A small agility exercise that will engage your players' cognitive abilities while keeping a significant portion of the drill with the ball....
Dribbling, passing, and diagonal run

Dribbling, passing, and diagonal run

12 min
6-12 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
Ball control exercise with diagonal runs, ideal for working on the athletic aspect of pre-season while maintaining a technical component....
Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball

Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball

12 min
12-14 joueurs
Conditioning
U10 - U15
Fun exercise ideal for working on motor skills: footwork, balance, and body control....
Agility and Shooting

Agility and Shooting

12 min
8-10 joueurs
Conditioning
U11 - U15
Ideal exercise for working on speed and agility without the ball. The race between 2 players for the final shot adds extra motivation for the players....