What to train with U13–U14 players, with a sample session

Between 12 and 13 (the infantil category in Spain) most players make the jump to 11-a-side. The pitch is suddenly much bigger, offside matters and every player has a clear position with clear jobs.

It is also the age of growth spurts. Some players grow ten centimetres in a year and lose coordination for a while, others are still small. Training has to keep technique high for everyone while teaching how a team of eleven occupies the pitch.

Positional play in possession: width, depth and the third man. Players learn that the pass that breaks a line often comes after a short pass to someone else.

Team shape out of possession: a compact back four that shifts together, distances between lines, when to step up and when to drop.

The offside line, from both sides: defenders learn to hold it, attackers learn to time their runs.

Technique still every day: receiving, passing at speed, 1v1 and finishing. Players who grow fast need it most, because their touch comes and goes.

Warm-up (10 min): 6v3 activation rondo. Three defenders press as a unit; when they win the ball, the three who lost it go in.

Technical part (12 min): third-man diamond rotation. Pass, set back and play forward to the third player, then rotate positions.

Main part 1 (20 min): 7v7 + 1 possession keeping team shape. Each team keeps its 11-a-side positions in a reduced pitch, with a floater who plays for the team in possession.

Main part 2 (15 min): compact back four. The four defenders shift together as the ball moves from side to side between servers.

Game (25 min): 7v7 with offside zones, so attackers time their runs and defenders hold the line. Cool-down (8 min): mobility and breathing.

Use a whiteboard or a frozen moment in the game to show distances. On a big pitch players cannot see the shape of the team from inside it; one picture explains more than ten corrections.

Do not lock players into one position yet. Let each player learn at least two: a full-back who also plays winger understands both roles much better.

Watch the load of those who are growing fast. Fewer jumps and sprints for a few weeks, more technique, and talk to the family if a player has pain in the knees or heels.