Passing, shooting and 2x1

Some typical characteristics of the Under 10 player

• Attention span lengthens and they start to show the ability to sequence thoughts and actions.
• Players start to think ahead and think “If this, then that”
• Players are more inclined towards wanting to play soccer rather than being told to play
• Demonstrate increased self-responsibility
• Players start to recognize fundamental tactical concepts
• Begin to become aware of peer pressure.
• Players affiliate with their team or their coach
• There is a wide continuum of maturity evident on most teams.
• U10 is still a crucial age for technical skill development.

http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/u10/

Some typical characteristics of the Under 8 player

• Enjoy playing in pairs
• Are now able to take another’s perspective.
• Still unable to think abstractly – be patient.
• Cooling system still less efficient than adults – still make sure to give frequent water breaks.
• Still prefer playing to watching – keep everyone active during practice.
• Limited attention span
• Have an understanding of time and sequence – “if I do this, then that happens”.
• Some now have a third or fourth speed in addition to stopped and as fast as possible.
• Very aware of adult reactions – be very aware of your reactions.
• Seek out adult approval and need reassurance – be supportive.
• Begin to become aware of peer perception – a social order is beginning to develop.
• Wide range of abilities between children at this age
• Beginning to develop motor memories
• Some become more competitive
• Less active imaginations than U6 players

http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/u8/

Some typical characteristics of the Under 6 player

• Focused on themselves – reality to them is based on what they see and feel
• Unable to see the world from another’s perspective 
• Everything is in the here and now
• Cooling systems are less efficient - need frequent water breaks 
• Enjoy playing, not watching. Every player should have a ball in practice
• Limited attention span - keep directions concise and to the point
• Effort is performance – if they try hard, they are doing well
• Active imaginations – utilize their imagination in activities, and they will love practice!
• Look for adult approval – be encouraging when they say “Coach, look what I can do!”
• Unable to think abstractly – spatial relationships are a mystery 
• Typically have 2 speeds -- extremely fast and stopped
• Usually unaware of game scores – keep it that way

http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/u6/

Knock It Off

Instructions

How The Game Is Played: The coach will roll a ball into the grid and say “Go”. Each team fights for possession. The team that gains possession attacks and the other team tries to regain possession. The game is won when all the balls on the end line that a team is attacking are knocked off the cones. If the ball goes out of play the coach will roll it back into the grid. Coach determines which team attacks.

1v1 50/50 to Goal Team Competition

Instructions

On the coach’s command, the first player from each team should sprint around the cone in front of their line. As the players approach the cone the coach should play a 50/50 ball in the middle of each cone. The two players should battle for possession and quickly attack the goal. 

The players should battle each other for the ball and either player can score a goal once possession is won. As a goal is scored the team scoring the goal is awarded a point. 

4vs3 Attack vs Defense

Instructions

Instruct the players to exploit their numerical advantage and finish with a shot on goal.

• Attackers should move the ball looking for the open player and holes in the defense.
• Defenders should attempt to break-down the attack and will gain experience in how to cover a one-down situation. Defensive players should complete a pass to the coach to end the attack.

The coach should then give the ball back to the attackers to build the attack again.