Player Ownership
U14 players can plan and organize with little guidance and are ready to make commitments. Hand them real pieces of the team to run.
TIPS
SETUP
- The team creates team standards (on time, equipment, effort, etc) and commits to them.
- Rotating leaders run the warm-up, including injury prevention.
TRAINING
- Give groups a game problem and let them find the solution.
- Ask players what they want from the season and build team goals around it.
- Hold a mid-season “start, stop, continue” check where players give the coach feedback.
BREAKS & HUDDLES
- Players check in on how their body feels (soreness, fatigue) before training.
- Check in one-on-one, not in front of the group, on goals and confidence.
GAME DAY
- Each player builds their own pre-game routine.
- Players do a private self-reflection after games: one strength, one focus.