Passing and receiving exercises for U14 players
Passing and receiving are the technical foundation of any game model. For U14 players (13-14 years), improving body positioning, oriented control and ball circulation at high speed under pressure is the key quality that distinguishes a good player from an average one at this stage. In this article you will find 5 passing and receiving exercises for U14 players, with complete structure: objective, players, materials, space, duration and how to progress or simplify each task. Everything you need to work on this essential technical base effectively with your team.
Why work on passing and receiving with U14 players?
Passing and receiving are the technical foundation of collective football. At U14 (13-14 years), the quality of control and passing is one of the main differentiators between players. A player who controls and passes in one touch, already oriented toward the next action, multiplies their effectiveness on the field. Three pedagogical principles to keep in mind when working on passing and receiving with U14 players. First, body positioning: always receive sideways-on, ready to play forward. Second, oriented control: every touch must prepare the next action. Third, execution speed: at U14, the circuits must be performed at high tempo, simulating the rhythm of game pressure. These exercises work on these principles through passing circuits that combine complex combinations including one-twos, third-man runs, penetrating runs and medium-long switching passes.
Exercises 5
Collective technique
| Objective | Improve body positioning, control, passing, one-two combinations and third-man runs |
| Players | 5-20 players |
| Materials | Cones, discs and balls |
| Space | 20x30m |
| Duration | 2-4 sets x 4-6 min per set |
| Category | Collective technique |
The task consists of a passing circuit in which various technical actions are performed.
In the circuit follow the numerical rotation.
Focus on pass execution, the timing of the one-two combination and the third-man run.
Variation: reduce the space to increase defensive intensity or add a touch limit to force faster play. You can also add a joker to create numerical superiority and facilitate learning.
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| Objective | Improve body positioning, control, passing, penetrating runs and third-man runs |
| Players | 7-20 players |
| Materials | Cones, discs and balls |
| Space | 20x30m |
| Duration | 2-4 sets x 4-6 min per set |
| Category | Collective technique |
The task consists of a passing circuit in which various technical actions are performed.
In the circuit follow the numerical rotation.
Focus on pass execution, the timing of the pass-and-run and the third-man combination.
Variation: reduce the space to increase defensive intensity or add a touch limit to force faster play. You can also add a joker to create numerical superiority and facilitate learning.
Collective technique
| Objective | Improve body positioning, control, passing, medium-long passing and third-man runs |
| Players | 11-22 players |
| Materials | Cones, discs and balls |
| Space | 20x30m |
| Duration | 2-4 sets x 4-6 min per set |
| Category | Collective technique |
The task consists of a passing circuit with 2 variants (black and orange) in which various technical actions are performed.
In the circuit follow the numerical rotation.
Focus on pass execution and the timing of the third-man combination.
Variation: reduce the space to increase defensive intensity or add a touch limit to force faster play. You can also add a joker to create numerical superiority and facilitate learning.
Possession 5v2
| Objective | Maintain possession under pressure, improve body positioning, control and passing |
| Players | 7-20 players |
| Materials | Cones, discs, bibs and balls |
| Space | 1 square of 10-15 m per side |
| Duration | 3-5 sets x 3-5 min per set |
| Category | Small-sided possession |
A 5v2 possession rondo is played. The 5 attacking players maintain possession through passes and movement while the 2 defenders try to intercept.
When a defender wins the ball, they swap with the player who lost possession.
Focus on body positioning, oriented control and quick pass execution to maintain possession under pressure.
Variation: reduce the space to increase defensive intensity or add a touch limit to force faster play. You can also add a joker to create numerical superiority and facilitate learning.
Possession 6v2
| Objective | Maintain possession under pressure, improve body positioning, control, passing and switching play |
| Players | 8-20 players |
| Materials | Cones, discs, bibs and balls |
| Space | 1 square of 12-18 m per side |
| Duration | 3-5 sets x 3-5 min per set |
| Category | Small-sided possession |
A 6v2 possession rondo is played. The 6 attacking players maintain possession through passes, movement and width while the 2 defenders try to intercept or tackle.
When a defender wins the ball, they swap with the player who lost possession.
Focus on body positioning, oriented control and switching play to exploit space away from pressure.
Variation: reduce the space to increase defensive intensity or add a touch limit to force faster play. You can also add a joker to create numerical superiority and facilitate learning.
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Frequently asked questions
How many touches should the oriented control take for U14 players?
Ideally, the oriented control is performed in one touch that already prepares the next action. At U14 (13-14 years) the player should consistently master the one-touch oriented control. When they can do this reliably, add a touch limit in the circuits to increase intensity.
How often should I include passing and receiving exercises in my sessions?
For U14 (13-14 years), collective technique exercises for passing and receiving should appear at least once or twice per week, usually in the warm-up. They are also excellent as technical-tactical activation tasks before possession or game-based exercises.
What is the difference between working on passing with U8 and U12 players?
"With U14 (13-14 years), passing and receiving exercises must simulate game intensity: high execution speed, one-touch limits, combinations with multiple decision points. The technical base is assumed; the focus is on applying it at game tempo and with game quality."
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