My players kept just kicking the ball long. U14 11v11 matches. I want them to win the first ball too

It is worth pausing to consider why your U14 players are opting for the long ball as their primary exit strategy. At this stage of development, long kicking is often a symptom of insecurity under pressure rather than a lack of aerial ability. If they feel that losing the ball near their own goal leads to immediate criticism or goal-conceding errors, they will naturally choose the path of least resistance. The goal is to move them from playing to avoid risk toward playing to gain control. We should focus on the principle of collective support, which allows them to feel confident enough to play through the thirds without resorting to hopeful aerial balls. I would teach the reference before fixing the position. The players need to understand that an aerial duel is not a singular act but a team sequence. Instead of coaching them to win the header, which is a physical outcome often dictated by biological maturity, coach them to manage the second ball. When the ball is in the air, the supporting players should be establishing a landing zone. This shifts the focus from winning the physical challenge to being in the right space to pick up the clearance. If they know their teammates are moving to support the drop, they will feel less panic, and the urge to simply clear the ball long will naturally decrease. In training, you can implement a conditioned 11v11 session focused on recovery and support. Set up a drill where the ball is served long from a coach or a defender into a central zone. The attacking unit is instructed that they only receive a point if they win the second ball or complete a pass after a knockdown. If they win the header but lose the subsequent pass, the point does not count. This forces the players to stop viewing the header as the end of the action. It highlights the importance of the supporting movement and encourages the midfield unit to anticipate the trajectory rather than standing flat-footed. On matchday, observe whether your wide players and central midfielders are drifting away from the ball carrier or tucking in to offer options. Often, players kick long because they see no short options, leaving them isolated. Instead of telling them to stop kicking long, ask them after a clearance: What was the picture in front of you? Did you see a teammate, or were they all behind the ball? By making them responsible for scanning and positioning, you shift the onus onto the supporting players to make themselves available. The transition from 9v9 to 11v11 is the perfect time to build these relationships. When the players understand their role in creating passing lanes, they will stop viewing the long ball as their only survival mechanism.