• Soccer is about having fun with the ball. Coaches of U7 & U8 players should be encouraging the players to want the ball at their feet. Creativity with the ball is encouraged so that we can develop better attacking players who are free to play and display their abilities.

• Skill development is important. Please follow the training guidelines, goals, and expectations for your group. Developing skill is about the player’s repetition with the ball. It is not about coaching. Stay positive with each player and encourage him or her. They need to build confidence at these ages with the ball.

• Dribbling and juggling should be a main focus in this age group. Basic positional play should be taught. The use of older players for demonstrations and role models is highly encouraged.

• The coach should understand that youth at this age learn by watching so providing good demonstrations is essential to player development.

• Get the kids started in exercises/activities quickly that are fun and promote using the ball. Getting them in and out of exercises quickly, so they don’t have time to chat with one another and goof off.

• At this age it is important to keep one or two players per ball for relatively short periods of time. At this age, it is vital to continue to encourage players not to fear the ball. Encourage them to dribble, dribble and dribble.

• Sessions need to be organized where there are multiple goals and balls for the players to work with. Play games where they can change direction and see how fast they run.

• Let them deal with balls on the ground. There is no need to teach heading at this age.

• Basic tactics/positioning can be introduced, but the focus needs to be on the skills.

• Dribbling and moves should be worked on for the majority of each season. Shooting and finishing techniques should be introduced.

• Passing can be introduced at this time. Passing techniques should only be worked on for 2-3 weeks of your 11-12 week fall or spring season.

• NO LINES, NO LAPS, AND NO LECTURES!

• Finish sessions playing 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3. Use can use multiple balls in the games.

• COACH THE SKILLS during the game.

Points of Emphasis

Technique: Important to establish a good strong solid base. Develop individual skills then increase technical speed.

• Juggling: Same feet without a bounce. First 5 minutes of each training session.

• Dribbling: Encourage risk taking!!!

o Moves to beat an opponent;

o Moves to keep possession;

o Change of speed, change of direction.

• Receiving:

o Toe Up, Heel Down

o Plant foot facing where the ball is coming from, along with your shoulders, hips.

o Keep the ball in front of you while receiving it.

o Ground and introduction of air balls. All surfaces, from a partner, on the move.

• Passing:

o Toe Up, Heel Down

o Plant foot point at your target along with your shoulders and hips facing your target.

o Passing using laces, inside, outside - Short and long.

• Shooting/Finishing:

o Ankle Locked

o Toes curled inside boot/shoe

o Using entire body to strike through the ball

o Striking with the laces

o Land on shooting foot.

• Tackling: Proper technique.

o Stepping into the ball

o Using entire body, not just a leg, to make a tackle.