Coaching U6-U8 Soccer

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Table of Contents

3. Characteristics of U‑6 & U7 Players

4. Involving the parents U‑6 & U‑7

5. Things you can expect U‑6 & U‑7

6. Typical training session U6 & U7

7. U‑6 & U‑7 practice idea “Keep your yard clean”

8. U‑6 & U‑7 practice idea “Red light... green light”

9. Characteristics of U‑8 Players

10. Involving the parents U‑8

11. Things you can expect U‑8

12. Coaching rational U‑8

13. Typical training session U‑8

14. Practice idea U‑8 Dodge Ball

15. Practice idea U‑8 Running Bases

16. Equipment

17. The Parents Role

18. The Coaches Role

19. The Game

20. How a game starts

21. The Field

22. Coaches information 2004U6‑U8 Soccer Rules Summary

23. Bibliography

CHARACTERISTICS OF U‑6 & U‑7 PLAYERS

· Short attention span.

· Can attend to only one problem at a time.

· May understand simple rules that are explained briefly and demonstrated.

· May or may not understand or remember: what lines mean on the field; what team they are on; what goal they are going for. We need to be patient and laugh with them as they get 'lost' on the field.

· Easily bruised psychologically. Shout praise often. Give "hints", don't criticize.

· Need generous praise, and to play without pressure. No extrinsic rewards (trophies, medals, etc.) should be given for winning.

· Prefer "parallel play" (Will play on a team, but will not really engage with their teammates. Thus, a 3 against 3 game is, in reality, a 1 against 5 game because they all want the ball at the same time.

· Very individually oriented (me, mine, my).

· Constantly in motion, but, with no sense of pace.‑They will chase something until they drop. They are easily fatigued but recover rapidly.

· Development for boys and girls are quite similar.

· Physical coordination limited. Eye ‑ hand and eye ‑ foot coordination is not developed. Need to explore qualities of a rolling ball.

· Love to run, jump, roll, hop, etc. Prefer large, soft balls.

· Prefer large, soft balls.

· Catching or throwing skills not developed.

· Can balance on their “good foot”.

INVOLVING THE PARENTS U‑6 & U‑ 7

It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. The U‑6 & U7 player still views their parents as the most significant people in their lives. A pre‑season meeting should be held with the parents so that objectives and team policies can be addressed.

Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

· Nominate a team mother to help with team duties, which are assist phone calling, scheduling refreshments for games at half time and end of game, miscellaneous details (this could be a party at the end of the season etc.

· Choosing a team administrator‑someone to handle all of the details.

· Complete all paperwork required by your league or club.

· Discuss the laws of the game.

· Carpool needs.

· Training and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time, what your attendance expectations are, what you think is a good excuse to miss training.

· What each player should bring to training: inflated ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards, soccer shoes.

· You're philosophy about coaching U‑6 & U‑7 players. Let

· them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer.

· What your expectations are for them during game time. How

· do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines?

· Above all, try to enjoy yourself. If you do they probably will too.

· Being a Referee! This is a major help for both the team and league.

THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT U‑6 & U‑7

As coaches of these younger players there are things that we know that we can expect during training and games. If we know what to expect, we will be more effective in dealing with the hundreds of situations that come up. This will help us relax, and, in turn, allow us to enjoy the unpredictable nature of working with these children even more. Here are some of the things that we can expect.

· Most players cry immediately when something is hurt. Some cry even when something is not hurt.

· No matter how loud we shout, or how much we "practice" it, they cannot or will not pass the ball.

· Somebody will come off the field in need of a toilet.

· Somebody will stay on the field in need of a toilet.

· The only player to hold a position is the goalkeeper (if you play with one). Don't even consider teaching positional play.

· Twenty seconds after the start of a game, every player will be within 5 yards of the ball.

· Several players will slap at the ball with their hands, or pick it up. Several parents will yell at them not to do that.

· A model rocket that is launched from a nearby field will get 99% of the player's attention. By all means, stop whatever you are doing and go watch for a couple of minutes!

· During a season, you will end up tying at least 40 ‑ 50 shoelaces.

· They will do something that is absolutely hysterical. Make sure that you laugh!

TYPICAL TRAINING SESSION U‑6 & U‑7

Here are some items that should be included in a U‑6 & U‑7 training session:

WARM‑UP: A brief warm‑up is appropriate in order to get the players thinking about soccer and to prepare them physically for the time ahead. This should involve individual body activities that may or may not involve the ball. They can chase their ball as it is thrown by the coach, bringing it back with different parts of their body. Or, they can chase someone with their ball at their feet. Static stretching is also appropriate at this time, again, hopefully done with the ball. "Soccernastics" activities are very appropriate, like: rolling the ball with the bottom of their feet, with their elbows, backwards, with the back of their neck while holding on to it; throwing it up and catching it etc.

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES: Follow the warm‑up with some kind of individual activity, not a real 1 v 1 game, but some kind of activity where players act as individuals in a game environment. An example would be a kind of tag game, or "Red Light ‑ Green Light", or a game where players are trying to knock their ball through gates. Keep players in motion at all times. Avoid having them wait on lines. Play games of "inclusion" instead of games where the "looser sits".

PLAY THE GAME: move on to the real game, but make sure it is a 2 v 2, 3 v 3, or 4 v 4 games. Switch the game every 5 minutes or so. Be creative. Play with 4 goals, or 2 balls. Play with or without boundaries. Use cones if you don't have real goals. Keep players involved. Have more than one game going on at a time if necessary. It is important that every player has a chance to shoot on goal as often as possible.

WARM‑DOWN & HOMEWORK: Finish the session with a warm down. Give them some more stretches to do with the ball. You may want to review what you started the session with. Also, give them some homework so that they practice on their own. Think of some ball trick that you would like to see them try to do, like, bounce it off their thigh and then catch it. It is important to finish on time. This is especially essential if the players are really into it. Stop at this point and you will get an enthusiastic return.

U‑6 & U‑7 PRACTICE IDEA:

"Keep Your Yard Clean"

Here is a game that involves kicking and is a good example of parallel play in that it involves all players on the team at one time, but, they are all acting as individuals during the game. This allows for individual differences in skill. The game is simple, fun, and easy to adapt to account for team size and experience.

THE GAME: Create a 'neutral area' between the two teams where no player is allowed. This area can be as small as one yard and as big as 10 yards wide. The width is determined by how far the players can kick the ball.

Each player starts with a ball at his / her feet. On command, each team tries to keep their side of the game free of balls by kicking their ball over to the other teams side.

After an appropriate amount of time (when the balls become too scattered, or, the players are loosing focus), call the game and count which side has the most balls on their side.

Distribute the balls evenly for another try if the players are still interested.

After players have found some success with this basic game, try these variations:

· Players can only use their left foot.

· Throw the ball back.

· Punt the ball back.

· Dribble the ball around a cone that has been set up in the middle of their "yard", then, kick the ball back.

U‑6 & U‑7 PRACTICE IDEA:

"Red Light .. Green Light"

Here is a game that should be familiar to most U‑6s. Again, the game is fun, simple to set up, and has direct application to the game. The skill that it is targeting is dribbling.

THE GAME: Each player has a ball, except the one player that is designated as the "light".

Lines from start to finish should be approximately 20‑ 30 yards.

Players start from the line opposite the "light". The "light" then turns away from the group shouting out "GREEN LIGHT". At this signal, the players start to dribble towards the "light".

When the "light" turns back around, calling out "RED LIGHT", players must freeze their bodies and their ball.

If the "light" catches players or a ball still moving, that player must take 5 steps back.

The first player to cross the line where the "light" is standing is the winner and becomes the new "light".

You can start the game without using balls for younger players, then have them roll the ball with their hands, then use their feet.

CHARACTERISTICS OF U‑8 PLAYERS

· Attention span is a bit longer than U‑6 & U‑7 players but still not at a “competitive” stage.

· Inclined towards small group activities.

· Always in motion: scratching; blinking; jerking; rocking....

· Easily bruised psychologically. They will remember negative comments for a long time. Shout praise. Give "hints".

· They want everybody to like them.

· Developing physical confidence. (Most are able to ride a two‑wheeler.)

· Starting to imitate older players or sports heroes. Want the same "gear" as them.

· Lack sense of pace. They go flat out until they drop.

· Skeletal system growing rapidly. Often results in apparent lack of coordination.

· Cardiovascular and temperature regulation system is not developed. Their heart rate peaks quickly and they overheat quickly. Make sure that they get adequate water breaks.

· Limited understanding with personal evaluation. "if they try hard, they performed well" regardless of the actual performance. Thus, they need to be encouraged constantly, and asked "Now, can you do this?" Better at recognizing when the ball is out of play, and remembering what goal they are going for... but, in the heat of battle, they will sometimes still forget. They still find it difficult to really be aware of more than one thing at a time.

INVOLVING THE PARENTS U‑8

It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. Not only are they a major resource for your team, but also the U‑8 player still views their parents as the most significant people in their lives. A pre‑season meeting should be held with the parents so that objectives and team policies can be addressed. Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

Nominate a team mother to help with team duties, which are assist phone calling, scheduling refreshments for games at half time and end of game, miscellaneous details (this could be a party at the end of the season etc. Choosing a team administrator‑someone to handle all of the details. Complete all paperwork required by your league or club. Discuss the laws of the game. Carpool needs. Training and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time, what your attendance expectations are, what you think is a good excuse to miss training. What each player should bring to training: inflated ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards and soccer shoes. You're philosophy about coaching U‑8 players. Let them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer. What your expectations for them is during game time. How do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines? Being a Referee! This is a major help for both the team and league Above all, try to enjoy yourself. If you do they probably will too.

COACHING RATIONAL U‑8

Some of the players that are playing as a 7 year old have had two years of soccer experience and thus have already touched the ball a few thousand times in their lives. This, however, does not mean that these players are ready for the mental demands of tactical team soccer. True, they do have some idea of the game, but the emphasis still needs to be placed on the individual's ability to control the ball with his/her body. They are still there to have fun, and because some of the players may be brand new to the sport, it is imperative that activities are geared towards individual success and participation. Following are some more items that a coach of U‑8 players should consider.

· Small‑sided soccer is the best option for these players. Not only will they get more touches on the ball, but, it is an easier game to understand.

· Because of rapid growth spurts during this age, players will go through times when they seem to have lost control of their body. What they could easily do 2 weeks ago now seems unattainable. Be patient.

· Passing is not an important part of their game, no matter how much anybody yells at them to do otherwise, it is much more fun to dribble and shoot. Let them.

· Training once or twice a week is plenty, and should not last longer than

· one hour and fifteen minutes.

· Each player should bring his or her own size #3 ball to training. Learning how to control it should be the main objective. They need to touch it, as many times as possible during fun activities that will engage them.

· Challenge them to get better by practicing on their own. There is no rule

· which states that they can't learn by themselves, no matter how important we think we are. Incidental things are important. They are forming the habits that will impact their future participation. Ask them to take care of their equipment (water bottle included), cooperate, listen, behave, and try hard. Realize, however, that they often forget and will need to be reminded often.

· Ask them to work with others to solve a particular challenge. Start them with just one partner and work from there.

PRACTICE IDEA:

U‑8 DODGE BALL

Here is a game, which involves both passing and dribbling that is fun and engages players quickly. Also, although primarily an individual exercise that allows for differences in ability level, if the players are ready, it can quickly become a cooperative game where players work together to solve a challenge.

THE GAME: Each player will need a ball. Player 'A' is "It" and is the only player to start with a ball. All the other players are outside of the grid.

Player 'A' dribbles and tries to hit the other players below the waist with the ball. When hit, that player gets a ball and joins player 'A'.

The game is over when all of the players have been caught.

The last player caught starts with the ball for the next game.

If you think the task will be too difficult for the one player to get another at the start of the game, start with 2 players being "It".

Encourage quick movements and sudden changes of direction to catch players off guard.

Encourage deceptive passing of the ball: look one‑way and pass the other; use the outside of the foot.

Players not caught should run, jump, and use zigzag movements.

PRACTICE IDEA:

U‑8 "RUNNING BASES"

Here is another game that emphasizes dribbling that is fun and challenging for players. Again, primarily, it is an individual game that could lend itself to small group cooperation if the players are ready.

THE GAME: Each player will need a ball, except those that have been designated as "It".

Players that are "It" need to carry a colored pinnie or flag in their hand.

Players with a ball try to dribble without being tagged. If they are, they exchange places with the "tagger" (The "tagger" hands the pinnie to the dribbler and takes their ball).

Dribblers are safe in one of the designated bases. Only one player is allowed in a base at a time. if a new player enters a base, the old player must leave the base.

Add "taggers" when the players find the game to be easy.

It seems about right to have one base for every 3 players, but, this number can be adjusted either way to make the game constantly interesting.

This game can also be played by only allowing the "tagger" to "get" someone by kicking their ball away, not just "tagging" the person.

Experiment with different combinations of "taggers" and bases to keep the players engaged.

Equipment

Player's Uniform: There is very little equipment used in soccer. The players uniform consist of a jersey, shorts, soccer shoes, socks, and shin guards. Most jerseys have a number on them to help identify the players. The home team wears the dark colored jerseys while the visiting team wears the light colored jerseys. Camas/Washougal Soccer Club colors are Royal Blue and White.

The goalies jersey must be a different color then his/her teammates and the other team to distinguish him/her from the other players. The goalie can wear gloves. A goalie's jersey may also have elbow padding and shorts may have hip padding.

Soccer shoes are usually made of leather and have molded soles. The shoes have cleats or studs. The cleats or studs help keep the player from slipping. Shin guards are mandatory to protect the players' legs.

Players may not carry or wear onto the field any objects (chains, jewelry, earrings, etc), which may cause injury to another player. The referee will check each player before the game.

There are hundreds of different kinds of soccer balls made today. The best kind still is the hand‑stitched ball. The soccer ball used in the mini program is a Size 3. Each player on your team should have his/her own ball to bring to each practice and for use at home.

Note: It's the coach's responsibility to check his/her players before the game begins for correct equipment and to make sure that his/her players are not wearing anything that could cause injury to another players.

The Parents Role

1) Provide transportation to and from all practices and games ensuring that the player is not only prompt in arriving but also in his/her departure.

2) Stay and watch practices as well as games if at all possible and lend the young players your support in a positive manner. Do not point out their mistakes, leave that up to the coach, but dwell on their accomplishments as well as their efforts.

3) If unable to attend the practice or game, encourage your child not to talk with or leave practice or games with strangers.

4) Ensure that your child brings all his/her equipment to and from all soccer practices and games.

5) Be available to kick the ball around with your child when you are invited to do so.

6) Avoid material rewards. Build an attitude of "the rewards lie in the fun of being able to play ".

7) Be a good listener. Make them feel important and let them know that they are contributing to a team effort.

8) Be positive. Never. Criticize. Suggest an alternate way if they are not performing correctly... "Hey, that's pretty good but have you ever tried it this way ".. or "that's one option, what would be another option for you in that same situation ? " This gets the players to start to think for themselves.

9) Allow the child to be a child. This is a kid's game‑‑don't try to live your dreams through them.

10) If child will not be able to attend a practice, teach them consideration and responsibility by having them telephone the coach in advance to let the coach know they will not be there. Coaches put a lot of time into planning practices and players need to know that they are part of a team. The coach might have to change his whole practice depending on the number of players who show up. A quick phone call is the best way to keep the line of communication open with your coach.

The Coaches Role:

· Take a course on the laws of the game

· Be accepting of the referee's decision and be a good role model

· Remain calm

· Do not make loud offensive remarks

· Concentrate on coaching, rather than on accuracy of the ref's decision

· Be a role model for Fair Play

· Avoid confrontations with officials, be positive

· During games, leave decisions to the players

· Attend coaching clinics to learn more effective ways to conduct practices

· Give good guidelines to parents

· Set high standards

· Be firm with parents at games

· Teach skills with fair tactics

· Discourage unfair sportsmanship

· Communicate with parents often in meetings and social gatherings

· Play the game and encourage parents to play and to referee

· Referee games

· Delegate responsibilities

The Game

Object Of The Game:

The object of the game is to score the most points by putting the ball into the other team's goal without using the arms and hands. One point is scored per goal. Each game consists of two halves of equal time with a small amount of time for halftime rest. At the U6 through U8 level, scores are not officially kept and team standings are not recorded. It's highly suggested that coaches keep this level of soccer as low keyed as possible. It's a kid's game‑‑ let them play and have fun! The game is it's own best teacher.

Referees and Linesmen:

There is 1 referee for each game, and his/her ruling is final. The Referee usually wears black or black with a white striped shirt and black socks. The referee has a whistle to signal decisions. The referee is also the official timekeeper, keeping track of the playing time per period including time‑outs for injuries. The referee, who has the option of disqualifying the player, may warn a player who engages in disorderly conduct. A disqualified player can't be replaced by a teammate. There are usually 2 lines‑ men, 1 for each side of the field. At the mini level we do not use linesmen. The linesmen's job is to help the referee award goal kicks, comer kicks and throw‑ins. The linesmen indicate what they think happened during play, but the referee makes the final decision.

How a game starts:

Each game starts with a kickoff. The team that wins the coin toss can either choose to kickoff or choose which goal they would like to defend. The team captain and the coach consider factors such as wind conditions and sun glare, keeping in mind that these features many change (for the better or worse) before the next kickoff.

A kickoff also takes place at the beginning of each period and each time a goal is scored: After a goal is scored, the team that gave up the point controls the kickoff. At the start of the second half, the team that did not open the game controls the kickoff and the teams switch sides. This is another consideration when trying to determine which goal to defend at the start of the game. Conditions like wind, sun and slope of fields are just a few things you may wish to consider.

For kickoffs, a forward kicks the ball from the center spot into the opponents half of the field. All players must remain in their own halves until the ball has traveled at least 27 inches. The opposing players must remain at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked.

On kickoffs, throw‑ins, comer kicks and goal kicks, the ban must be touched by another player before the kicker (or thrower) can make a second play on the ball. The other team gets an indirect free kick when a player breaks this rule. The ball remains in play until:

1) The game is stopped by the referee

2) Time runs out.

3) The ball goes out of bounds by crossing the sideline or endline (goal line), regardless of whether it's on the ground or in the air. If the ball hits a goal post, crossbar, comer flag or an official and rebounds back into the field of play it's still in play. Continuous play is one of the main reasons soccer is so appealing to the fans and players.

Drop Ball:

If the referee calls for time out‑‑ for example, when a player is injured‑‑the game resumes with a drop ball where the ball was last in play. If the game stops while the ball is in the penalty area, the drop ball is performed in the nearest spot outside the penalty area.

1) The referee drops the ball from waist height between one player from each team.

2) The ball is in play once it hits the ground. If either player touches the ball before it hits the ground the referee will drop the ball again.

Throw-In:

If the ball goes out of bounds over the sideline, them team that last touched the ball loses possession. A member of the opposing team returns the ball to play with a throw-in.

1) The player stands at the point where the ball crossed the line and throws the ball over his/her head using both hands.

2) The players feet must remain on the ground before releasing the ball.

3) If the player throws the ball incorrectly, a member of the opposite team gets a chance at a throw-in. In the mini program the player gets a second chance.

Goal Kick

When an offensive player accidentally kicks the ball across the end line, the referee stops the play. Play restarts with a defensive goal kick from the goal area.

1) The ball can be put anywhere in the goal area but must be stationary.

2) A defending player kicks the ball up field.

3) The offensive team must remain out of the penalty area until the ball passes the penalty area.

4) If the ball does not clear the penalty area, the defending player gets another chance to kick the ball.

Corner Kicks:

1) If a defensive player causes the ball to cross the end line, the opponents are awarded a comer kick.

2) The referee will point to the comer and the ball will be placed in the comer closest to where the ball left the field of play.

3) Defensive players must remain 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked.

4) The kicker usually lofts the ball to a teammate who tries to score.

Indirect Free Kick:

When someone breaks a rule, the referee awards the opposing team with either a direct kick or an indirect kick. At the mini level all kicks will be indirect.

1) This kick takes place where the ball was in play when the rule was broken.

2) The ball must be touched by at least two players before a score can be allowed.

3) When a team is awarded an indirect free kick less than 10 yards from the opponent's goal, the opposing players can stand on the goal line between the goal posts during the kick.

Direct Free Kicks:

At U6 through U8 direct free kicks do not apply.

Offside: At U6 through U8 the offside rule does not apply.

Rules: Rules for U6 through U8 are modified. See the following section for more information. For complete details please refer to the club rulebook section on rules for your correct age group. Knowing the rules will make you a better coach.

Camas/Washougal Mini Soccer (U6‑U8)