U8 Soccer Training

Coaches can be some of the most influential people in a child's life. There is a lot of development during a U8 season and watching a player develop skills and confidence is a coach's greatest joy. There are also challenges in training players at the U8 level that can be handled by being prepared and setting realistic expectations.

  1. U8 Players

    • U8 players will work hard and run until they are exhausted.

      U8 players are 6 or 7 years old. In this age group, there will be players with two to three years experience and new players. At this stage, players will start to understand teamwork and are able to follow two- to three-step instructions. It is important to understand these players need to be in constant motion. If you have them waiting for an activity too long they will find something else to do: talking, jumping, poking, chasing a butterfly, etc. They are not interested in strategy. They need to move and practice.

    Involving the Parents

    • Parents are a coach's best resource.

      The parents can be the best resource a coach has. Get them involved. Have a meeting before the first practice so you can introduce yourself and your coaching philosophies, and the kids can see who is on their team. Discuss practice times, being on time and what each player is required to bring to practice. Invite the parents to participate in the practices. Let parents know what realistic expectations are for this age group and go over the basic rules.

    Short-sided Games

    • Short-sided games teach better ball control.

      U8 teams play on smaller fields and with fewer players than the typical regulation 11 vs. 11. At practice, a coach can take the field down even more, use mini goals and no keepers. This develops better ball control and comfort and is still challenging. It is easy to dribble and pass in a wide open space. It feels completely different when players are closer. Be creative with game play and change up the rules for added fun. For instance, only use the left foot, pass twice before shooting, require two touches, etc.

    Routines

    • A planned practice routine is a sign of a prepared coach.

      Routines are especially important with U8 players. Knowing how each practice will start, the basic drills and games and how practice will end will help create more confident players who want to be at practice. There should be a pregame warm-up that is similar to the practice warm-up, but less intense. The kids love closing the practice with a fun activity. Use that as a reward for a good practice. Big boot keeper kicks, long shots on goal, learning rainbows or juggling are a few fun ideas.

    Practice Game

    • U8 players learn through playing.

      After fundamental drills for dribbling, defending, passing and shooting, play a game that combines skills--sharks and minnows. Create a box with cones large enough for everyone to dribble around inside. Everyone has a ball except the player that is the "shark." Players dribble inside the box and cannot stop moving. The shark tries to kick their ball out of the box. When a player's ball has been kicked out, he joins the original shark. The game continues with the number of sharks growing and until all balls have been kicked out. Everyone plays the entire game.

    Coaching Tips

    • Coaches make a difference in our children's lives.

      U8 players will learn from playing the game. Rework a game of tag to incorporate a soccer ball and you are ready to go. Keep them running and moving to hold their interest and build their fitness level. Every U8 player needs touches on the ball. Incorporate the ball in as many drills as possible. If you have access to older players, use them to demonstrate skills or help with practice. Utilizing your resources will help you be a more successful coach and help your players stay excited about playing.