technical U14 soccer drills
technical U14 drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the technical aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.
Access more drillsFirst touch in the direction of play and double shooting
Shooting exercise that focuses on the importance of the first touch in the final third. Ideal for working on the attacking aspect against a team that would defend in a low block.
Discover our technical U14 drills
Support around the attacker to create 2v1 situations
15 min
10-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Offensive situation where the attacker plays under pressure and relies on two supports to create a 2v1 and find the best shooting option....
Shooting and using support during the build-up play
10 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Very dynamic drill where the player must serve a winger on the run to initiate the counterattack....
Defensive interventions and quick attacks through the winger
15 min
4-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Defensive duel to recover the ball before immediately launching a winger in a counterattack....
1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
High-intensity 1v1 duel with a directional layoff pass, goal choice, and immediate shooting....
Pass sequence with layoff, support runs, and through ball play
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Dynamic layoff-support circuit where players combine quick passes, directional controls, and support runs before attacking the depth....
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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.
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.
Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Individual drill for a forward with a curved run, directional control, followed by a quick double shooting into two mini-goals....
1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
Through repeated 1v1 duels, players must beat their defender using a prescribed skill move and quickly finish with a shot on goal....
Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work
12 min
5-15 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U17
In this highly dynamic exercise, your players will be able to work on passing in various forms, emphasizing the use of both feet....
Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Ideal for working on ball control and dribbling under pressure, this circuit will allow your players to express their creativity while working on duels with a direct opponent....
Breaking the lines with passing combinations in 3 drills
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
This drill used with youth teams at Manchester City is divided into 3 stations, allowing players to work on different passing combinations to develop automatic movements....
1v1 Duels with Mini Goals Following a Passing Sequence
15 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
1v1 duel drill with many possible variations that will call upon the cognitive qualities of your players....
One-two pass drill against a diamond formation
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
Speed of execution, work on passing and movement are key to this drill, which will require several repetitions to achieve a good rhythm....
One-touch offensive combinations with shooting
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
A very simple exercise to set up, but it allows for numerous variations. You will work on several attacking combinations as well as the timing and precision of passes....
Positioning in a "Y", creating space, and shooting
20 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
Inspired by an exercise used by Vicente Del Bosque, this drill will allow you to work on offensive combinations in front of the goal as well as shooting. With several possible variations, you can add more depth to your training session....
Shooting practice on 3 consecutive phases of play
18 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Finishing workshop with 3 different phases of play that will allow your players to effectively work on various aspects specific to shooting, such as positioning in relation to the ball or their relationship to space....
Escaping a 1v2 Under Pressure: Creativity and Quickness
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
A small, dynamic exercise that will allow your players to express their creativity and react quickly under pressure....
Offensive combinations with runs behind and double shooting
20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Used by Unai Emery at Arsenal (2018), this attacking circuit emphasizes timing and speed of execution....
1v1 Duels with a double following a sequence of passes
20 min
12-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
This very intense drill focuses on 1v1 duels and quick decision-making. Your players should enjoy it!...
Decision Making and Shooting in 2v1 (+1) with Defensive Recovery
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Simple exercise to set up, but it allows you to work on many aspects, from decision-making to shooting, including the trajectory of runs....
Training on directional control and shooting in 2 drills
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
Ideal shooting workshop to work on the final touch and specifically the speed during this ball control. The objective is to get into shooting position as quickly as possible....
2v1 with shooting and defender tracking back
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Thanks to this 2v1 exercise with various progressions, you will be able to train your defenders with their backs to the goal, progressing to a 2v2 with a defender tracking back....
First touch and shooting within the box
20 min
7-14 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
A very dynamic exercise that will allow your players to work on their first touch and shooting in the heart of the penalty area. Numerous progressions are possible....
First touch in the direction of play and double shooting
20 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U16
Shooting exercise that focuses on the importance of the first touch in the final third. Ideal for working on the attacking aspect against a team that would defend in a low block....
Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
A highly dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on shooting with 1v1 duels on crosses. Ideal for U14-U15 but can be applied to different age groups (by adjusting the distances)....
Double square: combinations and sequences of short passing game
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Numerous possible combinations in this double square drill to work on the fluidity of passes and movements before and after receiving the ball....
Diamond passing circuit with give and go variation
18 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
Passing sequence in a diamond shape with off-the-ball run and dribbling, this drill will allow your players to primarily work on their passing quality and movements before and after receiving the ball. Numerous variations are possible....
Double square with passing combinations
15 min
12-24 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
Inspired by a workshop used by Vicente Del Bosque at Real Madrid, this exercise helps work on the timing of the pass as well as movements before and after receiving the ball. You can apply it as is for U12-U13 or adjust the distances to use it in other age groups....
Passing circuit on 6 cones with shooting on a full-size goal
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Shooting practice following a passing sequence inspired by the famous Tiki Taka used by FC Barcelona. Feel free to use variations to add tempo to the exercise....
Offensive Combinations and Shooting with 4 Players
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
This drill combining various attacking combinations is ideal for working on shooting from different aspects: shooting at the edge of the box, cut-back cross, etc....
Combination and shooting in front of the goal followed by a 2v2
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U17
Exercise to work on attacking combinations and the final action in front of the goal. The sequence ends with a 2v2 duel, progressing to a 3v2 situation with a numerical advantage....
Layoff in one-touch play during a passing sequence
12 min
12-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Drill consisting of a double sequence of simultaneous passes to work on one-touch layoffs and movement in tight spaces. Be sure to keep your head up!...
Speed Work and 1v1 Duels
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U19
This speed-agility drill with 1v1 duels and shooting on a full-size goal is ideal after a complete warm-up. You can add your personal touch to it....
Double 2v1 following a passing combination
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Intense and very interesting 2v1 exercise to work on offensive combinations. Consider offering progressions during the drill....
Shooting practice with slalom and body feint
15 min
10-22 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Ideal drill for working on shooting with a slalom, a pass into the run, and a body feint. It will allow you to work on strikes in a rhythmic manner, even with a large number of players....
4v1 Rondo with Zone Changes
10 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U17
This rondo across 2 zones involving a total of 6 players is very dynamic and offers a very engaging exercise for your players. Be sure to clearly demonstrate the drill so that the rondo is as smooth as possible....
Combine in a 2v1 to eliminate the direct opponent
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
This drill is ideal for working on direct elimination in match situations, while using sideways support and finishing near the edge of the penalty area....
Passing combination: one-two pass, back pass, and shooting
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Ideal for working on passing and movement in a small area, this drill emphasizes quick play. Consider doubling the station if you have a large number of players....
Working on playing between the lines with a passing circuit
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U17
Ideal technical drill to grasp playing between the lines, it will enable your players to perform a technical circuit while staying constantly engaged in the game....
Square of passes and directional controls
10 min
4-12 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U14
Simple yet effective, this square drill used by Pep Guardiola with FC Barcelona's B team is ideal for starting a session. The variations are then endless....
One-two pass circuit with speed work
18 min
6-12 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Discover a passing circuit with different combinations that should help your players improve on two aspects: the pure quality of the passes and the movement after making the pass....
Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
18 min
6-12 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
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....
1v1 and agility: support and change of direction
12 min
6-12 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
Through this 1v1 drill, your players improve their footwork and change of direction at high speed. They also practice both offensive dribbling and defensive back-pedaling....
1v1 Duel Facing the Goal
15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U17
Excellent 1v1 drill allowing your players to practice both the duel as the last defender (defensive) and the duel facing the goal to finish an action (offensive)....
Playing between the lines and following up the action
15 min
4-12 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Through a 1v1 with 2 attackers providing support, your players practice making penetrating passes to the attacker and following the action. The attackers also practice layoffs....
Passing Technique Training
12 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U17
Ideal drill to train your players on execution and technique for making accurate passes....
Precision and speed of ball movement (1)
16 min
10-15 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
Quick passing drill, your players work on precision and speed of ball movement....
Precision and speed of ball movement (2)
16 min
10-15 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
Quick passing drill where your players work on both the accuracy and speed of ball movement....
Drop-off and ball control
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U15
Ideal exercise to practice the back-pedal technique (defense) and dribbling (attack) with a point system to instill a good competitive spirit....
Defensive Techniques: Working on Interception
20 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U15
Exercise designed to improve both the quality of passes for attackers and the quality of interceptions for defenders. An ideal exercise for improving defensive positioning....
Oriented Controls – Ground Balls and Aerial Balls
15 min
12-15 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U15
By asking the players to switch positions and position themselves correctly to receive the ball, your players practice anticipating and looking up before the teammate's pass and before controlling the ball....
Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 3)
12 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U15
Ideal exercise for practicing duel techniques: dribbling and acceleration with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning of the attacker (defensive)...
Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 2)
12 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U15
Ideal exercise for practicing 1v1 techniques: dribbling and acceleration with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning of the attacker (defensive)...
Working on Duels: Offensive and Defensive Techniques (Version 1)
12 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U15
Ideal exercise for practicing duel techniques: dribbling and accelerating with the ball (offensive); backpedaling and positioning the attacker (defensive)...
Shot on the move without control
15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U15
Excellent exercise to work on shooting without control and on the move with your players. Game awareness is essential in this type of drill, so remember to remind your players!...
Play in Space and Switches of Play
15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U14
With this exercise, your players can calmly practice switching sides and playing in space with or without the ball. The possibility of scoring in multiple goals also enhances concentration for defenders and creativity for attackers....
1v1 Duel and Wing Play
20 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
Excellent exercise for practicing 1v1 duels on the flanks with an attacker’s feint and shooting situation....
1v1 Duel with Chasing Defender
15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U14
By giving a slight disadvantage to the defenders, this 1v1 drill helps work on both ball control at full speed for the attacker and delayed defensive situations for the defender....
1v1 Duel: Working on Footwork and Balance
12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
1v1 Duel Exercise with Gate Passing: Ideal for working on footwork, balance, and defensive technique....
Dribbling then cross: right foot, left foot
15 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
Practice crosses with this easy-to-set-up drill that allows for good rotation when you have a large number of players....
Shot then defensive transition in 1v1
10 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
The individual attacking-to-defensive transition is one of the most important aspects of modern soccer, yet it is often overlooked during certain sessions. Here is an exercise that should address this!...
5v5 Shooting Game
20 min
10-14 joueurs
Technical
U13 - U17
Simple but incredibly effective drill to work on shooting. Find the right angle, position yourself, strike, all while simulating match situations....
4v4 and off-the-ball runs into space
15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
With this 4v4 enhanced by off-the-ball runs and duels in the box, this drill is perfect for working on both offensive and defensive technique....
Other theme U14 soccer drills
U14 Conditioning soccer drills
- Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work
- High-intensity box-to-box runs with active recovery
- Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball
U14 Small-sided games soccer drills
- Pressing and possession play in an 8v4 (+6)
- Small-sided game in 4v4 with 4 players providing support in the defensive third
- Possession game in 2 zones with role change