You’ve got a U14 soccer player in the family, someone who is old enough to know her way around the field but young enough to still be in the “figuring it out” phase.
At this age, she’s learning the skills, tactics, and mentality she needs to thrive, not just in youth soccer but also to set her up for high school, college, or even competitive league play.
Let’s break it down, skill by skill, and talk about why each one matters, how to help her develop it, and how to keep it fun, so your young player stays engaged and motivated.
1. First Touch
Think of the first touch as the foundation of any great soccer move. When the ball comes her way, can she control it in a single, smooth movement?
Or does she look like she’s fighting with it? At this age, learning to control the ball on the first touch is like upgrading from a bike with training wheels to a sleek, grown-up ride.
How to Help Her
- Drills for Control: Practice trapping the ball from various heights and angles. Set up exercises where you pass the ball to her in different ways, on the ground, in the air, or bouncing, and encourage her to control it calmly.
- One-Touch Passing Games: Engage her in one-touch passing games. Set up small goals or markers in your backyard and pass the ball back and forth quickly, so she has to focus on controlling the ball before sending it back to you.
- Use Both Feet: It is tempting to favor one foot, but try to encourage her to control with both, as it’s the difference between a “good” and “great” player.
Pro Tip: Remind her that “messing up” is part of the process. She’s not failing; she’s learning what doesn’t work so she can master what does.
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2. Dribbling with Confidence and Speed
At just 14 or below, she will often face faster, stronger, and more skilled opponents. Dribbling is not just about looking good on the field, it’s about maneuvering through defenders and creating space. Plus, having control of the ball makes her more comfortable under pressure, whether she’s facing an opponent or trying to escape a tricky corner.
How to Help Her
- Change of Direction: Practice changing direction with the ball. A classic cone drill with quick direction changes can go a long way in building agility.
- Speed Variations: Mix up the speeds during drills. Some drills should focus on a slow, controlled dribble, while others should be fast-paced.
- Obstacle Course Drills: Set up cones, markers, or even random objects in a small area. She has to weave through these obstacles, helping her learn precision and control.
Pro Tip: Dribbling isn’t just about speed—remind her to keep her head up and look for passing options, so she’s developing “vision” at the same time.
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3. Passing Accuracy and Timing
Young players should know that passing is not just about “getting rid of the ball.” It’s about finding the right teammate at the right time and understanding the rhythm of the game.
This requires accuracy and timing skills that are essential if she wants to play in the midfield or connect well with teammates in any position.
How to Help Her
- Wall Practice: A wall is an underrated practice partner. Have her pass against the wall with her left and right foot, challenging her to keep the rhythm. It helps with both passing technique and ball control on the rebound.
- Passing Drills with Teammates or Friends: Get a group together and practice passing in triangles or squares. This can help her learn angles, as well as how to move and receive at the right time.
- One-Touch Drills: Have her practice one-touch passing. This will improve her reaction speed and teach her the importance of timing and anticipation.
Pro Tip: Encourage her to talk while passing. Communication makes passing smoother and builds her confidence as a leader on the field.
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4. Shooting with Accuracy and Power
The thrill of scoring a goal is always sweet. But to make it happen, she’ll need to know how to strike with accuracy, power, and technique.
U14 is a great age to start thinking beyond “kick the ball at the goal” and start focusing on placement, precision, and a bit of finesse.
How to Help Her
- Target Practice: Set up small targets in the goal area and have her aim for them. This helps her understand that it’s not always about power; sometimes accuracy makes all the difference.
- Both Feet Shooting Practice: Encourage her to practice with her non-dominant foot. This is tough, but mastering shots from both sides will make her a nightmare for defenders.
- Shooting Under Pressure: Create scenarios where she has to shoot quickly, as if under pressure from defenders. You could stand in as a “defender,” or have her race to get a shot off within a few seconds of receiving the ball.
Pro Tip: Set up reward-based challenges. For example, if she hits the target three times in a row, she gets to pick the next dinner spot. It adds a fun incentive and keeps her engaged.
5. Defensive Positioning and Tackling
Not every player dreams of being a defender, but knowing how to defend is important for every position. By U14, she should be learning how to mark, track back, and tackle effectively.
How to Help Her
- Shadowing Drills: Pair her with a friend or sibling. The “attacker” tries to move around, and she has to shadow their every move without overcommitting. This teaches patience and positioning.
- Tackling with Timing: Tackling is about timing, not aggression. Practice stepping in and poking the ball away. It’s about knowing when to commit and when to stay back.
- Defensive Drills with Cones: Place cones on the field to represent attackers. She has to move side-to-side to “defend” the space, honing her footwork and reaction time.
Pro Tip: Remind her that a good defender is smart, not just strong. It’s about anticipation, reading the game, and making tactical decisions.
6. Spatial Awareness and Game Vision
Spatial awareness is not just knowing where the ball is; it’s about understanding the bigger picture.
This skill will make her more valuable to any team, whether she’s playing midfield, defense, or forward. Game vision allows her to spot opportunities, anticipate movements, and stay two steps ahead.
How to Help Her
- Scrimmage Matches: Regularly play small-sided games (e.g., 3v3 or 4v4). This allows her to see the game from different angles and positions, developing her vision and awareness.
- Video Analysis: Watch soccer games together and pause occasionally to talk about what’s happening. Ask her questions like, “What would you do here?” or “Where would you move if you were that player?”
- Positional Drills: Practice playing her in various positions during drills, so she learns different field perspectives and can appreciate what each position needs.
Pro Tip: Encourage her to keep her head up as much as possible. This is tough at first but incredibly rewarding once she’s confident enough to scan the field while in motion.
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7. Stamina and Endurance
Soccer requires a mix of running, jogging, and recovery, all in a single game. At her age, stamina and endurance become more important as games get longer, competition gets tougher, and the demand for speed and agility goes up.
How to Help Her
- Interval Running: Practice short sprints followed by light jogging to mimic game conditions. These intervals will help her develop endurance specific to soccer.
- Fun Fitness Challenges: Make it a game. Maybe a “last one to the goalpost buys ice cream” or something playful. Fun fitness challenges keep her motivated and competitive.
- Recovery Emphasis: Encourage her to respect rest and recovery. This can be a tough lesson, but proper recovery will prevent burnout and make her a stronger player.
Pro Tip: Mix up training sessions to include both intense days and lighter, skill-focused days. This variation prevents monotony and keeps her excited to keep training.
8. Mental Toughness and Resilience
Mental toughness is a major asset at her age. Soccer is a game of mistakes; the key is not letting them get in her head. Confidence, resilience, and the ability to bounce back from a bad play are skills she’ll need as games become more competitive.
How to Help Her
- Encourage Self-Reflection: After each game, encourage her to reflect on her performance. Help her focus on a few things she did well and one or two things she wants to improve.
- Visualize Success: Have her spend a few minutes before a game visualizing her best plays. It’s a simple trick, but visualization can boost confidence.
- Praise Effort Over Outcome: Emphasize effort over results. Praise her for working hard, staying positive, and being a good teammate.
Pro Tip: Remind her that confidence is about how she sees herself, not what others think. Encourage her to find her inner voice and not be afraid to own her space on the field.
9. Teamwork and Communication
The game is not just about individual skills; it’s about bringing those skills together for the team. Communication, cooperation, and understanding other players’ strengths and weaknesses all play a key role.
How to Help Her
- Drills that Require Talking: Set up passing drills or scrimmages that require calling for the ball. Have her practice calling out names or giving short, clear directions.
- Encourage Leadership: Encourage her to step up as a leader, whether that’s motivating her teammates, organizing drills, or simply showing kindness and respect.
- Highlight Team Success: Celebrate team victories and successes, not just her own. This helps her see the value in teamwork and contribution beyond individual performance.
Pro Tip: Teach her that good communication doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes a thumbs-up, a nod, or a quick point can be just as effective.
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Wrapping It Up
Watching a young player grow is one of the best parts of being a parent, coach, or supportive fan. Your U14 beautiful girl is in a prime stage for mastering these core skills, building confidence, and shaping her own style of play.
And do remember, encouragement, patience, and a little fun can go a long way. With these skills, she’s well on her way to becoming the complete player, ready to take on the game at any level.
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