These are the striker drills from our complete striker 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 Striker 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 striker role has specific patterns (Check-to runs: drop at an angle toward the passer, receive half-turned, decide to turn or lay off in one touch.; Diagonal runs into the channel between centre-back and full-back — the highest-value run a striker makes.). 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 Striker Drill Library
1. Movement Circuit. Setup: Three cones 20 yards from a passer. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Start centre. Check to passer, lay off, sprint back. Next rep: check but spin behind. Next rep: diagonal to a side cone. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 4 sets × 3 reps. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
2. First-Time Finish from a Cutback. Setup: Passer on the wing, cone at the top of the box. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Arrive at the cone in stride; the passer plays a cutback; finish first-time to the far post. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 10 reps each side. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
3. Back-to-Goal Turn & Finish. Setup: Feeder 12 yards behind, goal 15 yards in front. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Receive on the half-turn, take one touch forward, strike with your first clean contact. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 10 reps each foot. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
4. Pressing Trigger Shadow. Setup: Two centre-backs pass along a 15-yard line. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Start between them. When the ball travels from strong foot to weak foot of a CB, press on a curve to cut the pass back. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 4 × 60 seconds. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
5. 1v1 vs Keeper. Setup: 20 yards from goal with a keeper. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Dribble at pace, choose a side-foot round the keeper or a chip over. Decide before the last 5 yards. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 8 reps each foot. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
6. Weak-Foot Inside-Box Finish. Setup: Partner serves from the weak side. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Take one touch across the body, finish with the weak foot only. If the angle forces the strong foot, reset and retake. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 10 reps. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
7. Tight-Space Volley. Setup: Partner tosses a looped serve 10 yards out. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Plant foot slightly behind the ball, strike through the middle with the laces, body over the ball to drive it low. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 15 reps each foot. U14 load: 3 sets at match tempo.
8. Far-Post Attack Pattern. Setup: Crosser on the byline, cone at the penalty spot. U14 progression: add a passive defender or a second target so the rep includes a read. Execution: Arrive late to the far post, time the run with the cross, head or volley across goal. Alternate near-post pull and far-post attack. At U14, execute at match tempo and scan before you act — pick the right option from two before your first touch. Reps: 10 reps each side. 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.
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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 striker 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:
- Standing still between shots — every striker's default position should be moving.
- Checking to the ball only when tired, never as a tactical trigger.
- Blasting every shot with the laces when placement would score.