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Soccer practice plan

U14 Soccer Practice Plan (13 and 14 Year Olds)

90 minutes · 4 activities · Play, Practice, Play

U14 players are on the full field, and pressure comes faster than it did a year ago. This 90-minute plan for 13 and 14 year olds builds one habit: keep the ball when the pressure is real. It moves from a classic rondo to continuous transition and finishes with a game that rewards winning the ball back. Every activity is in the Coachworthy library.

Time
90 minutes
Game format
11v11 on game day
Players
works from 12 to 18
Bring
balls, 40 cones, 2 mini goals, 1 full-size goal, pinnies in three colors

The plan (90 minutes)

  1. Play15 min

    Rondo: Classic

    Players around a 12 by 12 grid keep the ball from two defenders inside. Whoever gives it away swaps in.

    Say this: Open your body before the ball arrives.

  2. Practice25 min

    Rondo: Diamond 5v2

    Five players in a diamond keep the ball from two pressing defenders, drawing both to one side before playing into the far half.

    Say this: Draw them, then play through.

  3. Practice25 min

    Rondo: Continuous Transition

    Two teams of four plus three support players in a 10 by 20 area. Win the ball, connect a pass out, and you're the possession team. Lose it, and you defend right away.

    Say this: Next action, right now.

  4. Play25 min

    Counter Goals: 5v4

    Attackers use a neutral player to overload and score on a full goal with a keeper. Defenders who win the ball counter into two mini goals.

    Say this: Keep it, then hurt them.

Coaching tip

At this age, ask more than you tell. 'Where was the free player?' teaches more than pointing to them.

What to skip at this age

  • Unlimited heading. U.S. Soccer limits heading practice for 11 to 13 year olds. Keep crossing and heading reps in check for anyone still 13.
  • Standing lectures. Coach inside the game with quick freezes.
  • Only possession for its own sake. End every block with a goal to attack.

A plan like this every week

Coachworthy builds a season of practices for your team from the same library, around the days you practice.

Build a season

Questions coaches ask

How long should a U14 soccer practice be?
About 90 minutes, two or three times a week. Build in a water break between the two rondos.
What is a rondo?
A keep-away game where a group in possession tries to keep the ball from fewer defenders. It trains passing, first touch and decisions under pressure.
What if I only have 10 players?
Swap Rondo: Continuous Transition for a second round of Rondo: Classic with three defenders, and play Counter Goals as 4v4 without the neutral.