Football Drills for U14s

1. Positional possession 6v4

Playing through the thirds

Set up

A 30x25 area split into three zones. The team in possession must play into the far zone through a pocket between the lines to score a point.

Coaching points

Find the pocket on the defender's back foot, support on both sides of the receiver, switch when the pocket closes.

Make it harder

Only points scored from a pass into the pocket count.

2. Playing out from the back

Building from the goalkeeper

Set up

Keeper plus back four and a midfielder against four pressing attackers on a half pitch. Build out through the midfielder or break the press with a longer pass to the target line.

Coaching points

Width and depth before the first pass, break the first line when it is on, recognise when to go long.

Make it harder

Add a second pressing midfielder so the picture gets tighter.

3. Pressing triggers

Pressing as a unit

Set up

8v8 on a 40x30 pitch. The pressing team can only press when the trigger appears: a backwards pass or a poor touch.

Coaching points

Nearest player leads the press, cover the pass behind, squeeze up together rather than chasing.

Make it harder

Award a point for every regain inside the attacking half.

4. Combination play to finish

Attacking the final third

Set up

Central player sets to a midfielder who releases a wide runner; the cross is attacked by three runners hitting near post, far post and the edge of the box.

Coaching points

Set pass firm and to the back foot, cross in front of the runner, three different runs into the box.

Make it harder

Two live defenders in the box and a recovering full-back.

5. Transition to counter

The five seconds after a turnover

Set up

6v6 on a 40x30 pitch with two mini goals at each end. Every time the ball goes out the coach serves instantly to the other team.

Coaching points

First pass forward, attack the space the defence has left, nearest player delays when you lose it.

Make it harder

Award double for a goal scored inside eight seconds of the turnover.

6. Repeat sprint shuttles

Football fitness for older youth players

Set up

Shuttles to cones at 5, 10, 15 and 20 yards, resting for double the work time, four to six sets depending on where you are in the season.

Coaching points

Low body position into every turn, touch the line with the foot, control the running technique when tired.

Make it harder

Add a ball and a finish at the end of each set once the running quality holds.

7. 9v9 conditioned game

Testing the theme

Set up

Finish with 9v9 or 11v11 on the biggest pitch available, with one condition drawn from the session theme.

Coaching points

Coach in the natural stoppages, ask questions rather than giving answers, one message per stoppage.

Make it harder

Remove the condition for the final block and see if the habit holds.

What should U14 football training focus on?

U14s can handle tactical detail: positional possession, playing out from the back, pressing triggers and transition. Keep technical quality high inside those pictures rather than running isolated unopposed drills.

How long should a U14 session be?

75 to 90 minutes. A ball-based warm up, one opposed technical block, one tactical practice and a longer game gives enough time in each phase.

Should U14s do fitness training?

Yes, but keep it football specific. Repeat sprint work, change of direction, agility and conditioning games fit well. Structured endurance blocks are appropriate from U14, ideally away from match day.

How much heading should U14s do?

Low volume and good technique only, in line with English youth heading guidance. Use it inside crossing and set-piece practices rather than as a standalone heading session.