Fun is still the motivating factor for the u8 age group. Children are now beginning to recognize the ‘team’ and so we can start to consider team shape and some general positioning.We want to encourage creativity as players become more able to manipulate the ball. Individual skills, attacking and defending techniques are emphasized for players to enjoy discovering how and what works for themselves. This age group is the first time we pay special attention to coaching correct technique. While players have previously been going through general movement education and physical literacy, we can now delve deeper into how players perform certain soccer specific techniques. You can refer to the Coaches Guides for help in coaching ‘correct technique’ to the U8 player. These session plans should facilitate a learning of some general positions which should, for the first time, create an environment which seems a little more organized.
The session plans have been created to keep a positive and challenging environment for these children. Keeping an open mind to the positive effect these sessions will have is important,the game will not yet look like the ‘adult game’ of soccer.