Coaching Program U7 and U8
Practice Sessions:
At these age groups there will be two main areas we emphasis. Players must learn the basic fundamentals of the game while at the same time having fun.
We will ensure that whilst improving their ball skills players are also improving their listening skills, agility, balance and hand to eye coordination.
It is important that players in these age groups have a ball each or a ball between two during practice.
75% of the practices will be on technique.
1V1 practices towards a goal will be encouraged.
There are a variety of fun games which we will use to help develop all of the above concepts of our program.
Our players will learn to understand restarts and ball out of bounds.
Passing:
Short Passes – Push pass
Players will learn how to pass the ball accurately and at the right speed over short distances.
Players will be encouraged to pass the ball with either foot.
Players will learn how to play simple passes and to play the way they are facing.
Players will learn the following fundamentals of passing:
· Accuracy
· Speed/Pace
· The plant foot and the contact with the kicking foot are important factors at this age.
Control:
Players will learn to control the ball with either foot.
Players will learn to control a ball with one foot and pass it with the other.
Players will learn the following basic fundamentals of ball control:
· To get their body behind the ball
· To use their instep to control the ball
· It is important that players learn to control the ball with one foot and then pass it with their other foot
· Players will practice using their knee and chest to control the ball
· Relaxing on contact is a very important factor at this age
· Players do not use their head to control a ball. They should step back and take it on either their chest or knee
Dribbling:
All players will be encouraged to take risks when dribbling.
Players will learn to be comfortable dribbling a ball in small areas.
Players will learn as many tricks and turns as they can.
Players need to learn the first two basic fundamentals of dribbling:
· Change of pace/speed
· Change of direction
· We will encourage players to dribble at speed and take risks
Defending:
Players will learn the block tackle.
Players will learn the importance of patience when challenging for the ball.
Players will learn and understand the basics of challenging for the ball:
· To get in a sideways position when challenging for the ball
· To keep their eye on the ball
· To be patient and not dive in
· Good defenders stay on their feet
Shooting:
Players will learn how to shoot correctly.
Players will learn the importance of hitting the target.
Players will learn to understand the difference between power and finesse.
Players will learn the following basics of power shooting:
· Their plant foot goes next to the ball
· They strike the ball with their laces
· To get their head and knee over the ball
· They must concentrate on hitting the target
· They must look at the target before they strike the ball
· They must follow in for rebounds
Heading:
Heading is not to be done at this age group.
Games:
It is important that at this young age the players understand the importance of team work.
League results should not be recorded.
Players will have an opportunity to improve their skills and at the same time have fun.
All players will be given an opportunity to play in different positions and also different teams.
Players should be given an opportunity to make new friends.
Player will be given an equal amount of playing time as this is important for their development.
Teams will be selected so everyone is taking part.
Players will learn to spread out during team play and to use the skills they learn at practice.
