U8 Week 8

Hey Coaches! Its week 8 already! Can you believe it?

Thanks for helping out with the Wind-Up on Saturday and for making everything run smoothly.

This week the Girls will replay their games from the week that the Thunderstorm hit (Blue vs. Orange, Green vs. White). I will bring the nets out, but will need you to set them up (or get some parents to set them up). Feel free to make the games a little shorter and do some of your girls' favourite drills with them. Try and keep them engaged and working hard :)

Boys, I said that I will come do a Head Coach Technical Session with you. With it being the last week, I do not want to take the entire session away from you. So I will come and do a 30 minute session with your teams, and then for the last 30 minutes you can do whatever drills/games/ideas you have with your team. Try and keep them engaged and working hard :)

If you need any extra equipment for your session, let me know.


I will also be coming around with some evaluation forms for your teams. This will help us with team selection next year, as well as keep track of development of a club from year to year.

U8 Week 7

Hey Coaches!

It’s crazy to think that we are almost done the season! We have this week, the Wrap-up on Saturday, and then our final week next week. Thank-you for all of your hard work! You’ll notice that the format below is a little different. I am trying out a new resource that we are looking at implementing next season.

All information for the Wrap Up will be coming out ASAP.

Over the last few weeks I have been going around to each age group and doing a "Head Coach Technical Session" where I have coached all the teams at once. This gives myself a chance to interact with the players, as well as a chance for you to observe me and hopefully learn something :)

This week I will work with all the u8 GIRLS teams. As your players show up get them to pass with each other, and then we will start the session all together with a warm-up. We will need all of your balls and other equipment. I will also need your help in demonstrations and drills. We will work on the specific skill together, I'll demonstrate the drill, and then we will break in to our teams and do that drill.

Boys, you will play your games that were cancelled on Thursday due to the Thunderstorm. Check you schedule for who you are playing. I will bring the nets over to the field, but will need your help in setting them up :) Also note that you will not have referees (unless Rory is able to find some that may be interested) so one of the coaches will ref the game.

Next week (Our last week) I will work with the boys, and the girls can play the games that were missed from the thunderstorm.

U8 Week 6

Hey Coaches!

This week we will be working on possession and being a team. Encourage your players to use the width of the field, always have their head up, and to communicate (talk) to let their teammates know where they are and that they are open.

Start with your regular warmup. It is important (especially if it is warm) that we warm-up properly. As your players arrive, get them passing the ball to each other or working on their juggling.

1. Avoid The Collision:

See image below for drill.

• When players meet in the middle and avoid each other, have each player move to the right. Try making a move (cut the ball outside, spin around, step over, etc..). Tell them what direction to go so they don’t collide.

* Coaching Point: Players should always have their head up. As soon as the receive the ball they should have their head up so that they can see where they are going, where the defender is, and where their team is. Players must always be looking up. You can see the ball from the bottom of your eyes (peripheral vision)

2. Outside Posession

Make a grid 15x15 (or larger if you need). On the outside, make channels on every side, 1-2 yards deep running the entire width of the grid (see image below).

Count how many players you have, if you have 6, have 2 players inside and 4 on the outside (on each side). If you have more, add them where you can, but make sure there are more players outside then inside. Try putting 2 players on one side on the outside.

The goal is for the players outside to keep possession by passing the ball. The players inside must try and win the ball. Players inside must not enter outside players areas. Make sure the players outside are not standing in one spot. They should be moving along the sides to find an open space to receive the pass.

As they get the hang of passing, put a time limit on how long they have until they must pass (something like 3 seconds) or a touch limit (can only take 2 or 3 touches). This will force them to move the ball quicker and speed up their thinking.

*Coaching point: Before a player receive a pass, they should already know where their next pass is going. Not just in this drill, but any time they receive a pass. This is done by knowing where you players are, communication, and positioning.  

3. Through the Middle

See image below. Make your area either a square for circle. Place 4 cones in the middle. This is the starting point.

Split teams into 2 groups. One will work inside while the others are outside.

Players on the inside start in the middle square, and then must run out and receive a pass from a player on the outside. They must then pass the ball back, and run back through the middle square (they must always return to the middle).

See who can get 30 passes first (or whatever number your decide on :)  )

Change the groups after everyone has made that many passes.

4. Keep Away

Create smaller grids, probably 10x10 would be good, but feel free to make them bigger. In groups of three, play 1 v. 2.  Start with the 2 plays having a ball, the other player tries to get the ball. The one who has the ball must dribble and keep it. Those who don’t have a ball try to get one. Once they get the hang of it, change it that only 1 players has a ball, and the other 2 are trying to get it.

5. Possession Game

Regular scrimmage game, but no nets (at least to start). The goal is to make passes and keep possession.

• Start with a goal being 5 passes
• Next every player on the team must receive the ball
• Next is 10 passes
• Next is..? Get creative!

We want to see our players working as a team, not just one “superstar”. Games are won and lost as a team.

Towards the end of your session, feel free to add in some nets and just simply let them play, but only if they are working as a team and making passes.

U8 Week 5

I can’t believe we are already in week 5! It has been great to watch all of your team’s progress and to see how much fun everyone is having! Remember, our goal is to help teach our players all while having fun. The more fun that they are having the more they will learn (whether they realize it or not!).

One way to help motivate your team is to always be vocal. What I mean by this is to always be encouraging them (celebrate every good pass or kick or goal). Talk to your team, get down on their level (get down on your knees while you talk). Have fun. Kids love it when we act ridiculous and crazy. Enthusiasm goes a long way. If you’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.

Tonight we will be focusing on dribbling and lots of touches on the ball. As I’ve been watching your team I have been impressed in how well they move the ball (passing the ball up the field) at this age. Many of your players are grasping this idea far before they normally do.

Start off with your normal warm-up. Make sure they get moving, get lots of the touches on the ball, and stretch (both dynamic and static stretching)

1. Colour dribbling and Stopping

This is a variation of Red Light/Green Light. Start by having players dribble in in your area. Red Light means Stop, Green Light go.

As they get warmed up with this,  have them stop their balls with various parts of the body as identified by colors. Example - red is right hand, blue is left foot, rainbow is forehead, etc. I suggest start by just saying the body part first, and then as they get the hang of it assign a colour to that body part. This is a great game for them as it changes how they think about the movements of their body. They have to process what they are doing, which down the road will help them focus more in the game. As we change how our brains associate movement, the less we actually end up thinking about it when it becomes a normal thing (it becomes a “muscle memory” movement).

2. Number Dribbling

Have players jog with a ball at their feet in the same direction. When you call a number, that many players must come together with balls touching each other. Example: the call is three, players must get in groups of 3. Those players unable to form a unit of three do three push-ups or star jumps or…? Be creative :)

3. Keep Away

Create smaller grids, probably 10x10 would be good, but feel free to make them bigger. In groups of three, play 1 v. 2.  Start with the 2 plays having a ball, the other player tries to get the ball. The one who has the ball must dribble and keep it. Those who don’t have a ball try to get one. Once they get the hang of it, change it that only 1 players has a ball, and the other 2 are trying to get it.

4. Gates

We’ve done this one before, but it is a great one to get them moving and dribbling with lots of changes in directions and touches on the ball.

This is a 1v1 (1 beat 1) drill. Set up grid as shown below. However large you want, with pairs of cones 1 yard apart creating “gates.” The goal is for the attacking player to keep the ball and run through as many gates as possible, while the defending player tries get the ball.

To start, having the defending player simple “shadow” the attacker, and not trying to win the ball, but just add some pressure. As they get the hang of it, have the defender work a little harder to win the ball. Let them go for 60 seconds, then switch.

5. Turn and Burn- dribbling with speed

We did this a couple weeks ago, but is a good one to continue out dribbling, now introduce turning and accelerating.

Divide players into two teams – put them in different colored pinnies One team starts on one end of the grid with a ball each. Objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary. The coach shouts “Turn” and the players with the ball stop, turn and try to dribble back to their starting line. When the players without the ball here the coach shout “Turn” the players without the ball can release and try and steal the balls of the opposing team before they get back over the safe line. Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.

Variations: Introduce specific turns: big toe turn, little toe turn, pull back, etc.

6. Scrimmage

If you have extra time, feel free to have a scrimmage. However, make the playing field larger than normal, and encourage lots of dribbling. Passing is great, and is totally an important part of soccer, but at times dribbling is needed. If there is space in front of the player, they should dribble and take that space. But encourage them not to be a ball hog at the same time. Soccer is a team sport, but sometimes by dribbling we can open up more space and create more options for passes.

U8 Week 4

Hey Coaches!

This week is supposed to be warm, so it might be wise to email your team and remind them to bring lots of water. We will be doing some fun game this week to hopefully keep everyone motivated through the heat! Make sure you give your team plenty of water breaks, but at the same time don’t give them too much time to goof off.

Do your regular warm up with the 2 lines. It has been great to see everyone doing this. Warming up is vital to being a good soccer player, and helps prevent injuries. It is also a time to help them focus on what they are there for.

Once you have done your warm up, have them pair up and get in groups of 3 and try to keep the ball in the air while juggling. See who can do it the longest. This is also something you can get them to do while they arrive.

This week we will be working on defending. As I was watching the game last week I was extremely impressed with the awareness of every player on how to use the width of the field, and also how to pass around the other team. I saw some plays that honestly you would never see at this age! Rory Luxmoore and I were both super impressed! But there are always things we can work on, and there were some key areas I noticed that we will begin to touch on. One was defending. All the teams were aggressive, but the technique behind defender was missing a little. There was lots of just running at the ball and lots of collisions. Hopefully these drills/games will help with defending awareness. Next week we will work on using the width of the field and how to work as a team with our positioning.

Defending coaching points. Here are some points for you as a coach to remember about defending, as well as a youtube clip that talks about Block Tackling. Remember, we DO NOT slide tackle at this age, and all slide tackles will be called by the ref and could result in your player being asked to sit on the sidelines during a game. This is simply about safety as most players at this age are unable to slide tackle safely.

Ensure you spend time demonstrating proper defending stance and positioning. Encourage good defending skills and correct when needed.

Defender's stance:

Defender's feet should be about a shoulder width apart, boxers stance

- legs should be slightly bent

- stay on toes so you can react to any sudden changes of direction by the attacker.

-quick close down. You want to get to the attacker quick, but in the last few feet slow your run down so you can close down the space and react to their movements.

-delay/give space - don't commit- jockey (wait for them to take a bad touch or make the first move).

-watch ball not player. You want to be watching the ball, not the player's body or feet. Their feet and body can confuse you, but the ball can only go in the direction it will go.

-make the attacker make the mistake

Defender positioning:

- defender is goal side (closer to net than attacker)

- direct attacker into area where there is support or try to force them out wide.

How to block tackle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUtauRD5ipo

1. Ball warm up:

Keep Away - 20 X 30 m grid. All players except for two are dribbling within a grid. Those without balls try to win ball from other players and then continue to dribble with grid. When coach stops play the two players without balls must do a challenge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RWJ6u8X4dY

2. 1 vs 1 defending.

Play kings court style or just let them play until the get tired.  Players stand 15 yards apart. Defender passes ball to attacker who tries to beat defender and dribble to end line and stop it. 2 minute games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6-1No0rddBo  (as in video except multiple grids so no line ups.)

Progress to 2 vs 1 where defender is trying to prevent two attackers from getting to endline or to get a shot on net.

3. Shark

You Could play knock out version with two grids, continuous, with one person as the shark, they need to know everyone's ball out of grid, when knocked out, they go into second grid, coach designates a shark for that grid.  Switch sharks when clearly tired.  

4. Win ball Drill  

Two lines facing coach, coach passes a 50/50 ball, players need to try and win ball and either score on a small net or pass to a target (ball on cone or at the net) and work on defender's working to win the ball back and make strong second effort.

5. 1v1 to numbers game

Have two small goals on either end of a mini field.  Balls at centre on side of grid with coach, line up of players on either side of coach (two teams, one in pinnies), play a ball into middle of field, 1v1 until dead or score.  Can increase number of players going for ball to create different situations, 2v2, 3v3 etc...or numbers game:  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. Coach rolls out ball at center line and numbered player on each team must try to win ball and then either defend their goal or attack the other goal. Progress to calling out more than one number and encourage players on same team to work together to score.

6. Game

Two teams. Regular rules except man on man marking only. Pair up forwards and defence, and midfielders and midfielders. Have one player on each team who can check anyone. Stress importance of knowing where your check is and to get goal side (between the attacker and your goal)  and defend against check when ball is lost. Place a ball on top of a cone at each end. This will act as the “goal.” To get a point the attacking team must knock the ball off of the cone.

U8 Week 3

Hey Coaches! It has been great to hang out with you the first 2 weeks!

I know that last week many of the players showed up in attitudes that made it difficult to coach. If you had this, it was not just your team, but seemed to be common all across the fields. Sometimes that’s just how it goes unfortunately. Players can show up to the field tired and not wanting to listen. The biggest thing to do is always encourage them, and also remember that they are competitive by nature. So if they aren’t wanting to listen to you, adapt the drill to have them compete against each other either by racing (see who is the fastest, or the best defender/attacker, who has the hardest kick, etc...). I encourage you to never send your team for a lap or running lines as punishment (we didn’t have any of this last week which is good, but in future, I recommend no fitness punishments). However, letting your team run around your field to burn off energy is different is is totally acceptable, but I encourage you to do this with them so its not seen as a punishment but as fun. The difference is punishment vs energy burning. Sometimes they they may show up with just too much energy. Our role is to encourage and never discourage. While punishment sometimes is needed, we just need to be creative in how we do it.

If you have problems with your team not listening to being too rowdy, let me know and I will come over and help out! In the end, we want everyone to have fun, including you! :)

This week we are going to be working on attacking. When we are attacking we want to:
- keep possession of the ball, 
- keep the ball close
- attack with speed-have good first touch
-attack weak side if you know it-try and catch them flat footed-exploit them if too close

Warm Up

Make 2 lines, Placing cones 10 yards apart from each other

players X ----------------------------------X

10 Yards apart

Players X-----------------------------------X

Have players line up in 2 single-file lines with equal numbers in each.

Have them start at the first cone, and work toward the second cone. Demonstrate and call out the follow: do each 2x, have next player go when player in front is half way through

• Light jog from cone 1 to 2
• High knees
• Heel kicks/ Butt kicks
• Open the gates (talk to me if you don’t know what this is :)   )
• Close the gates (talk to me if you don’t know what this is :)   )
• Kicks straight out
• Kicks across the body (swing arms and upper body opposite direction of kick)
• Touch the toes (bend down, straight leg, no bending knees and reach as far as you can. Try reaching with left hand to right foot, right hand to left foot)
• Squats (take 2-3 steps between each)
• Full sprint from cone 1 to 2

Watch this youtube clip for an idea of what it should look like, not all are in the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emw4_CV5eR8

1. Box work

• We have done this the first 2 weeks, but it is good to teach the players how to warm up properly and to get a good touch on the ball before working on other techniques.

Make your grid (however large you want) and give each player a ball.

• Start with dribbling around the box. Encourage players to change direction and not just go around in a circle
• Remember to take lots of small touches, and not big touches. The ball should never be more than 2 feet away from you at any time
• DO NOT use your toes, use the inside or outside of your foot
• As they get better at this, yell “stop” and have the players stop in place. Each time they are getting the hang of things, or you need to switch it up, do this and demonstrate one of the follow:
• Turn: Place foot on ball and roll it backwards as you turn
• Sit: Sit down on the ball until the coach says “up”
• Cut: With the outside of your foot, wrap your foot around the ball and push it in another direction (if they struggle with this one feel free to skip it)
• Change: Swap balls with another player by running up to them and gently passing the ball
• Outside: leave your ball and run to a cone on the other side of the box and run back to your ball
• Etc… Be creative. This is all about getting the players moving, and as many touches on the ball as we can.

2. Turn and Burn- dribbling with speed

Divide players into two teams – put them in different colored pinnies One team starts on one end of the grid with a ball each. Objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary. The coach shouts “Turn” and the players with the ball stop, turn and try to dribble back to their starting line. When the players without the ball here the coach shout “Turn” the players without the ball can release and try and steal the balls of the opposing team before they get back over the safe line. Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.

Variations: Introduce specific turns: big toe turn, little toe turn, pull back, etc.

3. Gates

This is a 1v1 (1 beat 1) drill. Set up grid as shown below. However large you want, with pairs of cones 1 yard apart creating “gates.” The goal is for the attacking player to keep the ball and run through as many gates as possible, while the defending player tries get the ball.

To start, having the defending player simple “shadow” the attacker, and not trying to win the ball, but just add some pressure. As they get the hang of it, have the defender work a little harder to win the ball. Let them go for 60 seconds, then switch.

4. 1v1 game (1 against 1)

Place 2 cones 1 yard apart. Place to pop up nets on either side of grid (see below).

Have players line up in 2 equal lines behind the cones.

When you say “GO” players will run behind the net (see line below), and then battle for the ball (played in by coach) in the middle. Whoever gets to the ball first tries to score, the other is the defender.

• Coach plays ball in from where the triangle is in the diagram
• Make sure you DO NOT play the ball straight down the middle as this is end up in a collision. Play ball more to one side, but make sure you are fair from turn to turn

5. Channel Game

We did this last week, but if you have time at the end it’s a way to have them play as well as continuing to learn to use the entire width of the field. Make your grid (I suggest 20x20 for this one). On each side, make a channel 3-5 yards in from the side (see below).

One each end, put a Pop-up net (I will bring them out on the field and they will be in a black cart with other equipment) for a goal.

Split team into 2 team, 1 with pinnies.

Before a team can score, they must have one player receive a pass while in the channel and pass it back out of the channel. This is to help the team use the width of the field rather than just stay in the middle of the field. Extra points if they score off of a direct cross that results in the goal.

• Change things up by making them pass into and out of each channel, or make every player have to touch the ball before the team can score.

NO GOALKEEPERS

If you have time at the end, allow them to keep playing this game, or take the channels out and just let them play a scrimmage, encouraging them to use the width, make lots of passes while finding the space, and to talk lots while calling out each other’s names.

U8 Week 2

Hey Coaches! Our first week went great, and kids seemed to have fun! I enjoyed coming around to each team and seeing the giggles and smiles on your player’s faces. Every week our goal is to have fun, and to encourage our players. The more fun they have, the more they will learn -even if that’s just how to run around within a square, or kick a ball to their friend. These are the building blocks of strong players.

As your team shows up give them a ball and have them play pass with each other, or with a parent.

When you change to a new drill, send the team for a REALLY quick water break (30 seconds) or have them working on their juggling, passing between each other, or be creative in how to keep them occupied. If you give them time to goof off, they will do just that and you will struggle to get their attention back.

Rory Luxmore, our head referee will be coming by at the following times to talk about rules of the game, and answer any questions you or the player's may have. This will be about 10 minutes:

5:20 U-8 girls

5:40 U-8 boys

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Warm Up

Make 2 lines, Placing cones 10 yards apart from each other

players X ----------------------------------X

10 Yards apart

Players X-----------------------------------X

Have players line up in 2 single-file lines with equal numbers in each.

Have them start at the first cone, and work toward the second cone. Demonstrate and call out the follow: do each 2x, have next player go when player in front is half way through

• Light jog from cone 1 to 2
• High knees
• Heel kicks/ Butt kicks
• Open the gates (talk to me if you don’t know what this is :)   )
• Close the gates (talk to me if you don’t know what this is :)   )
• Kicks straight out
• Kicks across the body (swing arms and upper body opposite direction of kick)
• Touch the toes (bend down, straight leg, no bending knees and reach as far as you can. Try reaching with left hand to right foot, right hand to left foot)
• Squats (take 2-3 steps between each)
• Full sprint from cone 1 to 2

Watch this youtube clip for an idea of what it should look like, not all are in the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emw4_CV5eR8

1. Box work

• We did this last week, but it is good to teach the players how to warm up properly and to get a good touch on the ball before working on other techniques.

Make your grid (however large you want) and give each player a ball.

• Start with dribbling around the box. Encourage players to change direction and not just go around in a circle
• Remember to take lots of small touches, and not big touches. The ball should never be more than 2 feet away from you at any time
• DO NOT use your toes, use the inside or outside of your foot
• As they get better at this, yell “stop” and have the players stop in place. Each time they are getting the hang of things, or you need to switch it up, do this and demonstrate one of the follow:
• Turn: Place foot on ball and roll it backwards as you turn
• Sit: Sit down on the ball until the coach says “up”
• Cut: With the outside of your foot, wrap your foot around the ball and push it in another direction (if they struggle with this one feel free to skip it)
• Change: Swap balls with another player by running up to them and gently passing the ball
• Outside: leave your ball and run to a cone on the other side of the box and run back to your ball
• Etc… Be creative. This is all about getting the players moving, and as many touches on the ball as we can.

1. Numbers Passing

In your grid, split your team into 2 groups. Give pinnies to one team. 1 ball per team (so only 2 balls will be used)

• Start with having the pinnie team only pass within their team, and the shirt team only passing within their team. Encourage movement around the box. No standing. Also encourage them to call out the name of the person they are passing to. We want them to talk lots.
• Once they get the hang of it, number each group (1-?). Have them pass in that order (pinnies pass from play 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4 etc…, same with the shirts)
• Change things up by putting a line of cones down the middle, have Even numbers on one side, and odds on one side. Each pass should now be going across this center line. Make sure players around just standing waiting for the pass, but are running around until someone calls out their name.
• Change things up again by making the 2 teams into 1 team again and numbers them 1-? And do the same as previous. Now there are more people, and players must pay attention. Encourage them not to just stand, but always move and find the space.
• Change things up by making them do it backwards

2. Find the Gap

This is similar layout and drill to soccer tennis that was in the blog last week and some of you did, but a little simpler to help our players practice moving the ball between themselves, and “finding the gap” to pass through to maintain possession of the ball.

-In your grid, split it into 3 equal areas as pictured below. If you made your grid 15yards by 15 yards than these areas should be 5 yards deep by 15 years wide.

-Split your team into 3 equal groups. If you do not have enough for 3 groups than just do 2 and have parents act as defenders in the middle

-The goal of the attackers is to pass the ball 5 times before they can try and pass it through the middle to the other side of attackers. They must stay in their area, and make a minimum of 5 passes before they can play the ball to the other side. If they get it through the defenders in the middle, then they get a point and the game keeps going

- The goal of the defenders is to get the ball. All of the defenders stay in the middle of the grid and try to block that final pass.

-If the ball goes out the round is over and the other attacking team gets the ball. Switch after each attacking team has had 3 turns, and rotate the defenders with an attacking team.

- The coach will play to ball into the attacking team.They must take a first touch, and play the first pass to one of their team mates before the defenders enter.

-This will work on their first touch, movement, and most of all, working as a team.

-Try and keep things moving as fast as your can. It may take a few minutes and tries for the players to get the hang of what’s going on, but when they do they will love it! Keep things moving quickly and energetic and play the balls in quickly. The less time standing around the more fun every one will have.

- Change things up by introducing a defender that can only enter after the first pass. Once you have a defender, only make the attacking team make 3 passes.

3. Channel Game

Make your grid (I suggest 20x20 for this one). On each side, make a channel 3-5 yards in from the side (see below).

One each end, put a Pop-up net (I will bring them out on the field and they will be in a black cart with other equipment) for a goal.

Split team into 2 team, 1 with pinnies.

Before a team can score, they must have one player receive a pass while in the channel and pass it back out of the channel. This is to help the team use the width of the field rather than just stay in the middle of the field. Extra points if they score off of a direct cross that results in the goal.

• Change things up by making them pass into and out of each channel, or make every player have to touch the ball before the team can score.

NO GOALKEEPERS

If you have time at the end, allow them to keep playing this game, or take the channels out and just let them play a scrimmage, encouraging them to use the width, make lots of passes while finding the space, and to talk lots while calling out each other’s names.