U7/U8 (Basic Stage)

Soccer is still all about having fun with the ball and encouraging the children to want to have the ball at their feet.  The numbers should still be one and two players to a ball.

Games:
U7 – 4v4 no GK
U8 – 6v6 w/ GK

Restarts: When ball goes out of bounds, the game is restarted with a kick-in or dribble-in.  No throw-ins. 

Ball Size: 3

GENERAL THOUGHTS

These children are still young.  By the end of this phase (around 8 years old) children are beginning to be able to apply past experience to the present situation.  For example, at a very basic level, they can remember what they were shown or what they tried with the ball from last practice.  At the same time, this ability is not present on a consistent basis.  They cannot imagine consequences (i.e.: if you do this, what will happen?) Let them learn through experience.

No need to replicate organizational schemes that older teams are doing.  Concepts such as combination play or positions should not be introduced at this age. 

Use older players as mentors and role models.  Often younger players will learn simply by watching how the older players move or what they do with the ball.

GOALS FOR PRACTICE, GAMES AND SEASON

PRACTICE:

There should be a lot of playing with the ball in small numbers for relatively short periods of time.  A key focus for this age group is to encourage players not to fear the ball.  Give each player plenty of opportunities to experience the ball at his or her own pace. 

DURATION, RATIO OF BALL:CHILD

Practices should be 45 to 60 minutes.  For most of the practice, each player should be actively involved with a ball.  Games of 1 v 1, up to 3 v 3, are enjoyable and effective at this age.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING DURING PRACTICE

No lines.  No laps.  No lectures.  Attendance should still be optional.  Try to keep the flow of the game going.  Encourage informal play without pressure to “perform.” 
Encourage the basic skills and give the players a lot of time with the ball.  This will build their confidence.  Always try to include games to goals.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INFORMATION THAT IS COMMUNICATED TO THE PLAYERS BY THE COACH

Similar to the U6 age group, the coach/parent should be positive and encouraging of each child.  Specific soccer-related information should be limited to the basic ideas of how to best keep the ball from running out of bounds too often, as well as some simple ideas for maneuvering in tight spaces and past opponents.  Coaches should exclude discussions about positions or other team concepts.  When addressing technique, consider that kids learn much by watching and copying.  A good picture of proper technique is a very powerful learning tool.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING IN MATCHES

No need to keep score.  The coaches and parents do not need to be very involved, except to enjoy the players and their effort and joy.  Every player should look forward to opportunities to have the ball at his or her feet and to score.  It is the COACH’S RESPONSIBILITY to encourage this fear-free culture.  The kids should see this as another fun activity that happens to include a soccer ball.  Most of the information from coaches during these times will pertain to each player’s individual relationship with the soccer ball – to want it, how to find it, deal with it, feel more comfortable with it, keep it close, etc.

BEST QUALITIES OF A COACH FOR THIS AGE PLAYER

This coach must clearly understand the capabilities and limitations of this age and appreciate the power of learning by watching.  He or she must have the ability to demonstrate or to use older players to demonstrate. 

GAME DAY PREPARATION AND SETUP

Please be sure to have your team arrive at the field early.  30 minutes is more than enough time to prepare the team to play.  During this time, have the kids juggle or have an exercise relating to the topic of the week prepared to warm them up and reinforce the topic. 

This will do several things:

1)      Ensure the game starts in a timely manner
2)      Focus the players mentally
3)      Warm the players up to prevent injury
4)      Serve as extra practice
5)      Prepare players, parents and coaches for game day as the players get older