U14 Guidelines

This becomes the transitional age into the adult game.  The match form should be 11 v 11 and there begins to be a greater focus on how ball skill and decisions influence success on the field.

At this point, there is a clear difference between the emotional and physical maturity of a 13-yearold and an 18-year-old.  While there is not a big difference between the way a 13-year-old or an 18-year-old processes information (thinking and problem solving), keep in mind that the 13-year old is just beginning to think at this level.  In contrast, an 18-year old will have more experience and confidence in his or her ability to think and problem solve in this manner.

13-year-old children are now less certain about themselves, less communicative, and somewhat more vulnerable.  They are now more focused on their friends and begin to view themselves as being somewhat separate from their parents.  They are also stronger physically and are more aware of what their bodies can do (speed, strength, appearance).

The 14-year-old is typically becoming more outgoing and confident and loves competition. He or she is also increasingly more able to plan, think ahead, and to imagine options.  Coaches can have more discussion about the “what if…”

From now on the matches are full-sided 11 v 11 games.  It is at the U-14 age group that coaches should begin to focus somewhat on team issues, such as how the backs work together in different parts of the field, or the relationship between the different lines of the team (defenders and midfielders, mid-fielders and forwards, etc.).  As the players graduate to the junior level, they should possess a comfort with the ball and an insight into the game that will allow them to deal with the increased pace of the game, both in athletic speed and speed of decisions.  The goal at this point in a player’s development is to begin expanding his or her understanding of the game as their technical and game maturity allows.  Again, this is accomplished through the small-sided game model for practice (up through 9 v 9 games) and the full-sided game for matches.  The graduation to the full-sided game model should be a logical and subtle step.  The ideas and principles that apply to the smaller game models continue to apply to the bigger game.  The outcome of the game at this age is still largely determined by ball skill and game insight.



Parisi Speed School