Technical Outcomes

Overall this age group is the introduction into select soccer for a majority of the players. The atmosphere is likely significantly more charged and because parents have higher expectations, the psychological impact on players can be significant. We have a responsibility to remind the parents that these are still little kids and that the primary objective is to help foster in these U8 players a love for playing. Practices and games should be fun with no emphasis from adults what so ever on the results but rather on the enjoyment gained from playing the game. The kids own competitiveness is fine, but we should strive to be a balance for them. Almost all of the focus should be on player-and-the-ball and player-a-friend-and-the-ball activities. By spring you may be able to employ some tactical information (support away from defenders).

Technical Outcomes

Passing

·  Players will be able to recite key coaching points – plant foot points at your target and use your brick wall.

·  Players will be able to demonstrate both right and left footed inside of the foot pass and will attempt some passing in the game.

Receiving

·  Players will be able to recite key coaching points – get into the path of the ball, open up to the field, cushion it, keep it in your ring of life (or shower curtain or tub – just keep it close), and play it in the direction you want to go.

·  Players will be able to demonstrate both right and left footed inside of foot traps.

Shooting

·  Players will be able to recite the key coaching points – take a look at the goal, plant foot pointed towards the target and use your brick wall. Players will be able to demonstrate both right and left inside of the foot shots.

Dribbling/Ball Control

·  Players will be able to perform Toe Taps, Tic-Tocs, Inside Cuts, Outside Cuts, Pull Backs, and Step Overs with both feet in practice.

·  They will attempt to take on players in games.

·  Players will be able to play Kick and Catch with themselves with at least two kicks in a row before a catch. Players will be able to play Kick and Catch accurately with a teammate over a distance of 8-10 yards.

·  Players will begin working on taking balls out of the air from a ball that they toss.

1v1 Attacking

·  Players will be encouraged to take players on in practice and games and will demonstrate an attacking mentality.

·  Players will have frequent 1v1 training opportunities throughout each season.