Ages 13–14 · The Method

U14 Soccer Drills

U14 is where positional understanding takes shape. Six sessions on structure, transitions, and match-realistic decisions at a competitive tempo.

Session length: 90 minutes. Warm-up · tactical block · game-based drill · 9v9 or 11v11 finish.

Drill 01

Positional 4v4+3

Set-up: 25×20m grid. 4v4 in the middle with 3 neutrals on the outside (2 wide, 1 central).
Focus: Body shape, using width and depth, finding the free player.
Coaching points: Receive open. Central neutral is the switch — always available.
Progression: Neutrals limited to two touches. Score by playing through the central neutral twice.

Drill 02

Set-up: Half pitch. Keeper + 4 defenders + 2 mids vs 4 forwards pressing. Objective: reach the halfway line via passes.
Focus: Playing out under pressure, splitting lines, calm on the ball.
Coaching points: Full-backs stay wide and high. Centre-backs split. Break the line with a pass, not a run.
Progression: Add a target striker to hit. Reduce the space.

Drill 03

Set-up: 8v8 on 40×30m pitch. Defenders press only on trigger: back pass or heavy touch.
Focus: Reading pressing triggers, arriving together, forcing errors.
Coaching points: First presser cuts the inside. Second and third block the switch and the vertical option.
Progression: Add a stopwatch: press must win the ball back within 6 seconds or reset.

Drill 04

Set-up: 6v6 on 30×25m pitch. When possession changes, both teams must touch a sideline before scoring.
Focus: Reaction speed on turnover, offensive and defensive transition.
Coaching points: First reaction wins the transition. Attackers — sprint to space. Defenders — sprint to block.
Progression: Remove the sideline rule for 30-second bursts.

Drill 05

Set-up: Full width, three attackers vs two defenders + keeper. Cross from either flank; strikers attack near, back, and top of box.
Focus: Cross quality, run timing, finishing under pressure.
Coaching points: Near post attacks the front foot. Back post stays behind the last defender. Top of box arrives late.
Progression: Vary the cross type. Add a second defender to press the crosser.

Drill 06

Set-up: 9v9 on 60×40m pitch. Full rules, two 15-minute halves.
Focus: Applying the session in a real match environment.
Coaching points: Keep your shape when tired. Talk to your line. Every possession has a purpose.
Progression: Coach freezes play to teach moments. Restart from the frozen picture.

Ready for the senior game?

See U16 & U18 drills — high-intensity tactical work.