02/01/2022

Football Development Program 12-14 Years Olds

At this age, we help players build a lifelong love for football. Our program is fun, effective, and designed specifically for what 12-14 year olds want and need from the game.

Players at this level are ready for more complex games. They are better at working together and learn team play quickly. We take the skills from our junior levels and show players how to use them in real match situations.

Program Content:

Attacking: Master the Three Stages of Possession

We teach players how to control the game from one end of the pitch to the other.

1. The Build-Up (Moving out of Defense) This is where the play starts. We teach players how to safely move the ball from the goalkeeper and defenders into the midfield.

Key Skill: Learning how to keep the ball even when the other team is “pressing” high up the pitch.

2. The Progression (Controlling the Midfield) Once we are in the middle of the field, the goal is to move forward. Players learn how to break through the opponent’s defensive lines.

Key Skill: Using quick passing, dribbling, and smart teamwork to find gaps in the defense.

3. Creation and Finishing (The Attack) This is the final step near the opponent’s goal. We focus on being creative and clinical to score.

Key Skill: Mastering the final pass, crossing the ball, and using 1-on-1 skills to create and take shots on goal.

Defending: Learn Key Principles

Protect the Goal: Our top priority is keeping the ball out of the net.
Defend the “Danger Zone”: We teach players how to protect the penalty area and stop the opponent from getting close to the goal.
Win the Ball Back: We don’t just wait—we teach players how to take control and start our own attack.
Slow Down the Play: Learn how to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm, giving our team time to get back into position.

Defensive Skills & Techniques

Pressing (When to Move): Learn the “triggers”—like a bad touch or a back-pass—that tell you it’s time to close down the ball.
1v1 Defending: Master the “Jockey”—staying low and side-on to force the attacker away from the goal.
Reading the Game: Learn how to intercept passes by predicting where the ball is going next.
Strong Tackling: Use the right timing to challenge for the ball or block a shot safely.
Clearance: Knowing when to simply get the ball out of the danger zone to reset the play.