These are the goalkeeper drills from our complete goalkeeper library, re-scaled for U14 (13–14 year-olds). U14 is the gatekeeper age. The same drills now run at match tempo with a decision layer — a passive defender, a scan before the action, a two-option choice on every rep. Every drill keeps its core shape — what changes is the volume, the speed, and how much decision-making sits on top of the technique.
Why U14 Goalkeeper Drills Are Different
U14 is the gatekeeper age. The same drills now run at match tempo with a decision layer — a passive defender, a scan before the action, a two-option choice on every rep.
The goalkeeper role has specific patterns (Set position: feet shoulder-width, weight on the balls of the feet, hands at waist height.; Shuffle footwork to adjust to the ball — never cross the feet.). At U14 you train those same patterns, but the demand is matched to 13–14 year-olds — not a watered-down version, and not the senior version dropped onto a younger body.
The U14 Goalkeeper Drill Library
1. Set Position Recovery. Setup: Three servers 12 yards out, each with three balls. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Servers shoot in sequence every 2–3 seconds. Recover your set position between shots. Track recovery, not just saves. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 3 rounds of 9 shots. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
2. Angle Work. Setup: Cones at 5 shooting positions around the box. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Server points to a position; adjust to the bisecting line. A partner behind the goal confirms. Then add shots. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 3 × 10 adjustments + 10 shots. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
3. Distribution Target Practice. Setup: Targets at 15 yards (CB), 30 yards (FB), 50 yards (winger). U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Alternate short, medium, long. Track accuracy: 90% short, 70% medium, 60% long. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 10 reps to each target. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
4. Box Command on Crosses. Setup: Server delivers crosses from both flanks; two attackers, two defenders in the box. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Decide come or stay, communicate (keeper's or away), execute. Count claims, punches, and missed balls. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 20 crosses, 10 each side. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
5. 1v1 Spread Technique. Setup: Start on line; attacker starts 20 yards out. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Come off the line to close the angle, stay on feet with arms wide, force the attacker's decision. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 8 reps. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
6. Back-Pass Under Press. Setup: Partner plays a firm back pass; a second player presses. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: First touch away from the presser, second touch distribution to a target. No ball under the feet. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 4 × 8 reps. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
7. Reaction Shots from Close Range. Setup: Server 6 yards out with 5 balls. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Shots in rapid succession — no set time. Trains reaction handling and recovery to set position. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 3 rounds of 5. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
8. Communication Shadow. Setup: Defensive line of 4, two attackers making runs. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: As a coach plays in balls, organise the back line verbally — step, drop, mark runners. No saves — just talking. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 4 × 2 minutes. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
How to Train These at U14
Run each drill at the listed volume at match tempo. Add a passive defender or a decision rule so every rep carries a small read. This is the age where clean technique has to keep working under light pressure.
Run it as a rotation, not a checklist: 2 drills per session, 3 sessions a week, cycling technical, tactical, and athletic focus. Consistency beats volume at every age — three short sessions every week beat one long session followed by two weeks off.
Turn a Training Clip Into a Skill Score
Upload one clip. Get an AI skill score, drills tailored to the gap, and feedback a coach would sign off on — in minutes.
Tactical Load at U14
Tactical load steps up: the U14 player must choose the right option under light pressure, not just execute the technique in isolation. Decision speed becomes part of the rep.
What Good Looks Like at U14
Measurable progress for a U14 goalkeeper is usually visible inside six to eight weeks of consistent work. Film a set at the start of a block and again at the end, and look for cleaner first touches, faster decisions, and better body shape on reception. The mistakes to watch for at this age:
- Diving too early in a 1v1 — the attacker goes round you.
- Crossing your feet on lateral footwork, killing your reaction time.
- Punching a cross you could have caught, creating a second ball.