Why U8 Players Play Soccer

Most under 8's that play soccer have been playing in an organized group for at least a year or two now. They have started to socialize with friends and normally want to be with their friends more.

So now what...

Watching U8 players in a game of soccer has changed from when the players were in the U6 division. The player's attention span has improved a little and their abilities to understand and play the game have improved a great deal. There is still a little bit of "Beehive Soccer" going on, but for the most part they have started to pass the ball more and head towards the correct goal too.

However this is a tender age as they remember more and get emotionally hurt much easier; so as a coach you need to be much more careful about what you say and how you say it. The U8 player wants everyone to like them and they will try to imitate older players or even you.

So How Does a Coach Teach a U8 Player?

The first rule doesn't change. As a Coach the first thing you need to understand is that your player's on your team are usually between the ages of 6 and 8 years old. The Skills of the U8 player are improving yes; but again please remember you do not need to teach them everything about soccer and every possible move within soccer, as they are still not the Michael Owen, Alexi Lalas, or Pele's of the world.

The best way to coach a U8 team is to create a practice that incorporates a lot of FUN activities/games. If you do this they will learn without even realizing it and your job as a coach will become much easier.

The basic principles to remember when coaching U8's are:

• Keep all players moving; create games of Inclusion not Exclusion
  
• Get them working together in pairs
• Challenge your players without getting to complex
  
• Create a positive learning environment
  • Quick SIMPLE explanations of activities
    
  • Demonstrate
    
  • Encourage players to demonstrate to one another
  • Give positive correction and feedback
  • Encourage everyone to do their best
• US Youth Soccer say's it best...
  • The Game is the Best Teacher

Check with your Director of Coaches and/or your State Association for information on Youth Module Clinic's for coaching U8's that they may be running in your area.

Until then you are free to view our activities for U8's which you can incorporate into your practice sessions.

A Typical Practice Session

A U8 Practice Session should only be held once a week and it should be no longer then 45 - 60 minutes.

1. Start with some warm up activities which should incorporate movement (Dynamic Stretching), with and without the ball (approx. 2 - 4 minutes)
2. Plan for some SIMPLE, but FUN games and activities for individual players with and without the ball (approx. 5 - 8 minutes)
3. Make games more challenging but not to complex (approx 6 - 10 minutes)
   • NOTE: Remember not to make things to complicated.....they are ONLY 8
4. Progress to 2 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 2, etc, working together (approx 10 - 12 minutes)
5. Play 3 v 3 soccer as you would play in a game on game day (approx. 20 minutes)
   
6. Cool down with Dynamic Stretching (approx. 2 - 6 minutes)

• A Ball
• Shin Guards
• Water or Juice (NOT carbonated water, juice or soda)
• Cleats or Sneakers
  

What Every Coach Should Bring to Practice

Players and parents will occasionally forget to bring what is required for practice and/or games, so it is always a good idea to bring the following:

• Extra Balls
• Ball Pump
• Bibs/Pennies
• Additional Water or Juice
  
  • Don't forget to bring paper cups too, and please remember to pick up your trash
• Disc's or Cones
  
  • Its always a good idea to have more then one color for visual effects
• First Aid Kit
  • Ice bags, bandages, gauze pads, non-latex gloves, zip-lock bag (to dispose of any used items - please dispose of correctly)
  • PLEASE REMEMBER:
    
    • YOU are a COACH... NOT a Doctor