Leveling Up in Early High School
Athlete Resources: What to focus on at ages 14–16
Ages 14–16 are an interesting stretch, everyone’s at a different point in their growth and athleticism. Some players hit their growth spurt early and dominate. Others are still figuring out coordination and confidence.
The good thing is that this stage isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building your foundation, learning how you play, and trusting that growth doesn’t follow a straight line.
Some players peak early. Some take longer to develop. What matters most is how you use this time to invest in your game, your confidence, and your identity as a player.
From our own experience, here’s what we’ve learned about this phase and what can actually help you grow!
Key Takeaways
Ages 14–16 can feel like a weird in-between, but it’s a critical stage for development
Growth and performance vary wildly from player to player during these years
Leveling up means focusing on your foundation, not someone else’s timeline
Confidence comes from reps, watching the game, and trusting your instincts
Pick-up games, street soccer, and watching pros can shape your game alongside club training
What to Focus on Right Now
This age range is about continuing to build your foundation. That means getting better at the skills that will carry you into whatever level you decide to pursue later. Even if others seem ahead of you right now, it doesn't mean they always will be. Confidence and consistency will close the gap.
Key areas to focus on:
Being able to use both feet.
Ball control in tight spaces.
Dribbling at speed while keeping your head up.
Technical repetition to make movement feel automatic.
Developing composure under pressure.
These are the building blocks that set you up long-term. The players who gain these skills are the ones who continue to grow once the physical playing field levels out.
Why Confidence Matters
When you’ve trained enough that your touches and decisions feel like second nature, you start to trust yourself. You’re less in your head. You play freer. And that’s when you hit your stride.
Confidence comes from reps, consistency, and self-trust. You earn it, and once you do, it shows up in how you play.
Watch the Game
One of the most beneficial things you can do right now is watch more soccer. Full matches, highlights, and clips of players in your position offer the chance to learn from the best in the world.
YouTube is packed with full matches and player breakdowns. This doesn’t have to be a chore. Just watch, notice, and learn.
What you gain from watching:
Movement patterns (on and off the ball).
Smart habits you don’t see in training.
Tactical awareness and timing.
Ideas for how to use your strengths.
It’s not about copying every move. It’s about picking up ideas, seeing what’s possible, and learning how to read the game better over time.
Build Your Style. Don’t Copy Someone Else’s
One of the best ways to add creativity and confidence to your game is by spending time outside of formal training.
Whether it's playing pickup, futsal, small-sided games, or just training on your own, this unstructured format gives you a different perspective and the space to experiment, take risks, and figure out what works best for you.
These settings let you try things without pressure. You might discover new ways to beat a defender, develop your own rhythm, or get more comfortable using your weaker foot. These are things that aren’t always easy to explore during structured club sessions.
During this stage, I (Rory) was going through an awkward growth period and couldn’t perform at my best. But the extra time I put in outside of organized practice helped me grow as a player. Once my coordination caught up, I was able to excel. Rotating between technical drills, futsal, and pick-up games helped me understand my strengths and lean into what made me unique, letting that shape how I played.
Final Thoughts:
Ages 14–16 full of growth in every way. Some players will seem way ahead. Some will drop off. Some will come out of nowhere. That’s how this works.
Don’t chase timelines or compare your path to someone else’s.
Focus on your game. Build your confidence. Watch. Play. Train. Repeat.
If you can use these years to grow your foundation and understand your strengths, you’ll set yourself up for whatever comes next.
