U14 Week Curriculum
U14 Curriculum Week 1 - Passing and Control Week 2 Positive Dribbling Week 3 Turning with the Ball Week 4 - Technical Development Session Week 5 Shooting and Finishing Week 6 Transition to Attack Week 7- When to Dribble and when to Pass Week 8 Principles of Defending Week 9 Crossing and Finishing Week Dribbling into Space
Objective of the Practice Session- Passing and Close Control Run and Pass Use soft touches when running around, keeping the x yards squared area with ball close cones on the outside. Players work in pairs with one ball between 2. One player must run around an outside cone before then passing to their partner in the middle. This player will then repeat. Encourage using inside, outside and laces of both feet when running and turning Try to keep head up to see where the player is before passing Make verbal contact with partner before passing Pass and Move Triangle 3 cones, yards in between. 2 Players. Players pass to partner and then move to the free cone. Control and Pass. Progression 1 Receive the ball and dribble around the cone on the right side. Then pass. Change direction half way through Progression 2 Add 2 pairs together to make 4. One player acts as a defender. Aim of the other 3 players is to make a pass through the triangle. No player is allowed to enter the centre of the triangle Pass using the inside of the foot Control the ball on the back foot Control the ball to the direction of the next pass that will be played Movement around the triangle to become open for a pass. CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL SIDED Small Sided Game Encourage lots of passes. Condition the game to 3 touches per player maximum at any one time to focus on control and quick passes Movement to get open for a pass Control away from the defense to the direction of the next pass Quality of pass, accuracy and weighted.
Objective of the Practice Session- Positive Dribbling Fakes Step to the side of the ball with none kicking foot Players run up to a cone and perform a fake. Drop of the shoulder, bend of the knee whilst then pushing away with the opposite foot. Attempting to fake out the imaginary defender Bend the knee and drop the shoulder Push away with the kicking foot to the other side of the cone Through the Gates Players dribble through as many gates as possible. 1 defender will attempt to steal a ball. If the defender steals a ball they then join the offence by playing with the stolen ball. The new defender is then the player who lost the ball 1 vs 1 Players line up in 2 lines. Line 1 passes the ball to line 2. The player that kicks the ball must then try and stop the offensive player from reaching the red goals. To score a goal a player must run through the cones with the ball. Progress to blue goals to make it harder for players offensive players to score Keep the ball close to feet using soft touches. Look up to see where the next gate is and the defender Use different the inside, outside and laces of the feet when dribbling Encourage using the fake to lose the defender Encourage the use of the fake, coaching points above Pass the ball to the offensive player using inside of the foot. A good pass never leaves the grass. When space opens up run into as fast as possible. Push ball out of feet when attacking the space CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL Run through the gates to score 2 Teams. To score a goal a player must run through a gate. The game is fast with no stops in between goals. Reinforce all of the above coaching points
Cones, Pinnies, Balls, Goals Beginner Objective of the Practice Session- Improve Turning with the ball WARM-UP/ ACTIVATOR 6 players on the outside of the square, 4-6 players in the middle. Players run to the outside and play a quick pass back before turning and running to a different free player on the outside Check to receive the pass. Quality of the pass (Inside of the foot). Surface used to receive the pass. Bend the knees, and accelerate into space. Inside players run to outside player to receive the ball whilst then turning to pass to a different outside player Progression add a defender to make more game realistic. Players pair up in the middle, one attacker and the other a defender. Attacker has the ball Servers can move up and down on the outside Attacking players play it in to the server, who can play it back to the attacking player in any fashion. Look up to see where a pass can be made. Communication to ensure player is ready for the pass Look around before turning to see where defender is Direction of turn will affect what part of what used to push away with on the turn Head Up Movement after the pass Protect the ball, be aware where the defender is Body Shape Communication CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL SIDED GAMES 4 v4 plus Goalkeepers Players are restricted to staying in their own halves Defenders play the ball into the attackers, who try to turn and score Attackers can play back to defender Defenders can shoot if ball is laid back Movement into space to receive the pass, get in front of defender or around the back if a ball can be played into space. Emphasize points from previous drills Guided Discovery Question What can you do as a target player to go directly yourself into the scoring zone on receiving the pass?
Objective of the Practice Session- Technical Development Session. Pass, Control, Dribbling & Heading Combinations of Dribbling Encourage using inside, outside and laces of both feet when running and turning Players run around a x square. The coach will use combinations such as Outside, Outiside, Inside or Laces, Laces, Outside. This drill is used to help players dribble using different parts of the feet. The coach may also say a combination and finish with a turn. Run with the ball close using soft touches Fast movement on the turn Encourage keeping the head up as much as possible The Square Drill Players in even numbers lined on the 4 sides of the square. Firstly players run out one by one and turn in the middle and running to their left. (Running and turning for 2 minutes) Secondly one player stands by red cones and passes back to their partner in between the cones. (Passing, Using both feet for 5 Minutes) Thirdly player on the outside under arm serve the ball and player side foot volleys (kicks) the ball back into the player s hands. (Aerial Control) Finally same serve however this time uses the head to return the ball. (Heading) Use the inside of the cleat when passing and controlling the ball. Encourage using inside, outside and laces of both feet when running and turning Run with the ball close using soft touches When volleying the ball back to the players hands ensure the player keep their eye on the ball, brings the knee up and keeps the ankle locked using the inside of the foot. 30 CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL Small Sided Game Encourage lots of passes. Condition the game to 3 touches per player maximum at any one time to focus on control and quick passes Movement to get open for a pass Control away from the defense to the direction of the next pass Quality of pass, accuracy and weighted
Cones, Balls and Pinnies Objective of the Practice Session- Shooting and finishing Shooting Zones Shoot using the inside of the 5 foot, heel down toe up. 2 teams, 1 team in each zone. Each player has a ball. Players try to shoot the ball into the opposition s zone. After 1 minute the team with the least balls in their zone wins. Lean over the ball to keep the shot low Standing foot by the side of the ball Alamo 4 players. A triangle is set up, each side of the triangle is a goal. The players shoot on goal whilst the keeper attempts to save. Players are told not to get to close to the goal. 3 Lines to Goal 1 st line (left) Shoots directly at goal 2 nd line (middle) then passes ball to player that just had the shot who then lays the ball back for the 2 nd line player to shoot. 3 rd line (right) runs through the gate and crosses a ball to the middle for both players (left and center) to attack. Progression for this drill is to add a defender Use the inside of the foot if close to the goal for better accuracy Use the laces of the foot if further away for more power Lean over the ball slightly to get the shot low Standing foot by the side of the ball Use the inside of the foot if close to the goal for better accuracy Use the laces of the foot if further away for more power Lean over the ball slightly to get the shot low Lay off pass in front of player Cross aimed to the penalty spot 25 CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL Scrimmage Reinforce coaching points above.
Objective of the Practice Session- Transition to Attack 3 Team Possession Defensively stay compact, don t chase WARM-UP/ ACTIVATOR 2 Teams work together to keep the ball from the other team. The team that loses possession then becomes the defensive team Move into space to get open for a pass 3 vs 3 Quick Break Defensive team starts to defend when offensive team goes over confrontation line. If defensive team win the ball they attempt to score in the 2 goals. The team waiting become active as soon the defensive team score 6 vs 6 Regular 6 vs 6 scrimmage however when the team loses the ball all player must go back to their own half to encourage a fast break, transition. Explode into space Be patient Decision making, dribble or pass Stay compact defensively Don t over commit Decision making when in possession of the ball Outlets upon gaining possession CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL Scrimmage Same teams as the above drill however play the game as a regular scrimmage Step in occasionally to reinforce coaching points
Objective of the Practice Session- When to Dribble and when to Pass 3 vs 3 with Neutral Player Where possible take a touch of feet and run into space Players pass between their own team. As soon as each player has touched the ball pass to neutral player to score a point. The team with the quickest passes will get the most point. Neutral player only has two touches 3 vs 3 with Neutral Player Aim of the game is dribble of the oppositions teams line. Both teams have to use the neutral player before they are able to score a point. 5 vs 5 to goal Yellow team attempt to score on goal. Green team is the defensive. Player must dribble into the end zone. Only one team mate can join the player who ran into the end zone. Defensive team attempt to score in the 2 goals. Use neutral player or team mates if there is no option to dribble Where possible take a touch of feet and run into space Where possible take a touch of feet and run into space Team shape wide and long 25
Objective of the Practice Session- Principles of Defending Quick Pressure Fast run to try and intercept pass WARM-UP/ ACTIVATOR Players pass the ball around. The nearest player to the player who receives the ball must put pressure on them. Head up to see where a pass is being made 1 vs 1 Away from the Goal Green team starts by passing to the lay off play on the cone. They then receive the pass and try and score in the yellow teams goal. Face away from the goal, side on to force player to the side line. Fast run to try and intercept initial lay off pass The yellow defender attempts to win the ball and score in the green teams goal. Low center of gravity, slightly bent knee s and side on to the ball Table Soccer 3 teams of 3 players. Blue team attempt to pass to yellow team. The green team attempts to stop the two teams passing. Teams must stay inside their zones. Progression One player from defensive team can enter oppositions zone. Small Sided Game Encourage lots of passes. Condition the game to 3 touches per player maximum at any one time to focus on control and quick passes me Defensive team stay compact One defender puts pressure on the player with the ball The other two players provide cover behind the 1 st defender to stop a pass. Defensive team stay compact One player pressures the ball player and another player covers Encourage lots of passes. Condition the game to 3 touches per player maximum at any one time to focus on control and quick passes
Objective of the Practice Session- Crossing and Finishing Dribble and Cross Keep ball close when running with the ball Players work in pairs running down the side and passing the ball Use laces to cross the ball through the gate to their partner. Continue to drills until each player has passed the ball teams each TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT/ SKILL BUILDING CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL SIDED GAMES 3 Lines to Goal 1 st line (left) Shoots directly at goal 2 nd line (middle) then passes ball to player that just had the shot who then lays the ball back for the 2 nd line player to shoot. 3 rd line (right) runs through the gate and crosses a ball to the middle for both players (left and center) to attack. Progression for this drill is to add a defender Wonder Wingers 2 teams attempt to score like a normal scrimmage. Wingers in the blue zone cannot be challenged. Team can score from a cross. Use the inside of the foot if close to the goal for better accuracy Use the laces of the foot if further away for more power Lean over the ball slightly to get the shot low Lay off pass in front of player Cross aimed to the penalty spot Encourage Reinforce players coaching to spread points out to the sides above which will therefore create space in the middle (in a normal game where there is no middle line coaches will see benefits as central runs can then be made). Explain that players without the ball can make runs through the middle when player on the wing has the ball Reinforce coaching points from previous drills with regard to passing and dribbling Game can work on a 3vs3 all the way to a 9vs9. Normal set up for scrimmage only difference being there is a line of cones placed in the centre of field. 25
Objective of the Practice Session- Dribbling into Space Outline & Progressions Coaching Points Organizational Diagram Fakes Step to the side of the ball with none kicking foot Players run up to a cone and perform a fake. Drop of the shoulder, bend of the knee whilst then pushing away with the opposite foot. Attempting to fake out the imaginary defender Bend the knee and drop the shoulder Push away with the kicking foot to the other side of the cone Through the Gates Players dribble through as many gates as possible. 1 defender will attempt to steal a ball. If the defender steals a ball they then join the offence by playing with the stolen ball. The new defender is then the player who lost the ball 1 vs 1 Blue team attempts to run into the space and try and run into the red end zone. The yellow team attempt to stop the player. Keep the ball close to feet using soft touches. Look up to see where the next gate is and the defender Use different the inside, outside and laces of the feet when dribbling Encourage using the fake to lose the defender Use different the inside, outside and laces of the feet when dribbling Keep ball close when defender is near Take heavier touches when there is space CONDITIONED GAMES/ SMALL Run through the gates to score 2 Teams. To score a goal a player must run through a gate. The game is fast with no stops in between goals. Reinforce all of the above coaching points