Practice length:
60-75 minutes
Practice Scope/Emphasis:
Fitness 10% : all fitness is with the ball. Focus on agility and changing direction | Technical 80% | Tactical 10%
The emphasis at the U8-10 level should be on teaching (1) technique and (2) enjoyment of the game. Pick-up games are very important at this age so that the children can experiment with creativity. It is important for children to develop their individual relationships with the ball. Do not over-demand that the more confident players share the ball. The coach should avoid the impulse to “coach” his/her players from “play to play” in order to help them win the match. He/She should not be telling their young players to “pass rather than dribble,” to “hold their positions” or to “never” do something (like pass or dribble in front of the goal). A coach at this level should think of him/herself more as a facilitator, monitor, guide and participant.
Technical
Dribbling:
- Use of all surfaces, basic turns, basic moves to beat an opponent.
- Speed dribbling in open space.
- Juggling: MU will introduce a “Juggling Club”
- Ball tapping (with pulls and turns)
- Introduction of basic Coerver moves
Receiving:
- Body behind the ball, cushion the ball=> ground, bouncing and air balls. Include receiving a throw-in.
Shooting:
- Proper striking technique (Open body, position of plant foot, toe down, ankle locked, strike ball with laces, follow thru) hit moving ball.
Passing:
- Proper technique for Laces, Inside for accuracy, and Outside for power and distance. Include Throw-ins as a passing technique.
Heading:
- Introduction- Build confidence, eyes open, mouth closed, hit ball with forehead.
Goalkeeper fundamentals:
- Include basic catching and simple distribution (toss and punt).
Tactical
- 1v1, 2v1, 2v2 + jockeying on defense
- Play a variety of positions => Develop the complete player.
- Encourage players to be creative and go to goal.
Psychological
- Keep it FUN and ENJOYABLE to foster a desire to play.
