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Recommended U-8 Coaching Objectives
Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director
When coaching players 6,7, and 8 years of
age, your main role should be one of a facilitator. Emphasis needs to be
placed on playing at this age. Your practices should include fun activities
where each player has a ball as well as plenty of opportunity to play 3 v 3
games.
The optimal teaching system approved by WSYSA recommends that players
of 7 years of age play 3 v 3. I suggest you devote
the end of each practice to playing 3 v 3. It's
important to focus on 3 v 3 play for 7 year olds, even though your club or
association may not be playing 3 v 3 for your league games.
Further Developments of U-7 Objectives
- Developing
a general understanding of the basic principles of play.
- Appreciation
of space - width, length, and depth
- Understanding
of the team triangle
- Support
in attack-the big triangle
- Support
in defense-the small triangle
- Develop
the role of the Goalkeeper
- How
to use hands to defend the goal
- Coming
out to narrow the angle on shots
- Moving
out to clear long kicks with feet when necessary
- Moving
out to edge of goalkeeper zone and beyond, encourage goalkeeper to join
in attack.
- Greater
cooperation by the field players - collective attacking and defending.
Rotation of all players to play in all roles.
- Further
appreciation of space in team play by:
- Attacking
shape on goal kicks and throw ins
- Use
of the width of the field
- When
in possession of the ball, stretching the opposition by the most
advanced player pushing deep toward opposition goal.
- Encouragement
to use both feet
- Continued
practice in technique of the throw in.
- Development
of attacking opportunities from corner kicks, throw-ins, and free kicks.
- Encouragement
in practices and games of the skills of dribbling, passing, and ball
control.
Overriding
Consideration - The game is for all players-everyone should be encouraged to
participate, particularly the "non-assertive" players(s).
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