soccer coaching objectives at U8 and U9

courtesy of the Abbotsford Soccer Association

It is vital that you have a clear idea of what you want your players to learn before you step on to the training field. If you don't, you will waste valuable training time, bore your players as you struggle to make the transition from one unrelated activity to the next and, just as importantly, you simply won't enjoy your 'career' as a soccer coach.

You should also have an idea of where you want your team to be in terms of soccer skills at the end of the season.

Before you can prepare for a training session or set out the framework for your season, you have to know what children should be able to do at different ages. If you don't, you may set unrealistic goals for your players. This results in frustration for you ("why don't they get it?!!") and for your players ("what is he talking about?!").

The articles below and on this page are a guide to what you can help your players achieve at different ages.

U-8 soccer coaching objectives (7 Year Olds)

Tell me and I will forget
Show me and I will remember
Involve me and I will understand

1. Developing a general understanding of the basic rules of the game

• Goal-Kick

• Corner-Kick

• Kick-Off

• Throw-In

• Ball In and Out of Play - throw-in, "goal" and no goal", corner kick, etc.

2. Teach the correct method of the throw-in; but don’t over do it, encourage players to shoot the ball with both right/left feet; how to dribble the ball; how to stop the ball. Show players that passing is another option to dribbling.

3. Encourage the players to cooperate - examples through passing; helping in defense by running back towards goal.

4. Do not expect the keeper/sweeper (supportive player) to grasp the concept of moving out on attack and defense right away.

5. Do encourage the keeper/sweeper (supportive player) to come off the goal line when play is at the other end of the field to support the attack. The back player can also serve to reduce the amount of space between the goal and an opponent attempting to shoot. This provides a smaller view of the goal for the shooter. The sweeper/keeper player also serves as support on defense, which provides coverage for the teammates in front of goal.

6. Do emphasize and encourage the idea of a team triangle when attacking and defending.

(A) Understanding of the basic principles of team play :

1. Appreciation of space - Width, Length and Depth. Understanding the team triangle

• Support in attack - The Big Triangle

• Support in defense - Smaller Triangle

2. Develop the role of the goalkeeper (Keeper-Sweeper)

• How to use hands to defend the goal

• Coming out to narrow the angle on shots (Makes view of goal smaller)

• 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

3. Greater Cooperation by the field players

• Collective attacking and defending

• Rotation of all players to play in all roles

4. Further appreciation of space in team play by:

• Attacking shape on goal-kicks and throw-ins

• Use of width on the field.

5. When in possession of the ball, stretching the opposition by the most advanced player pushing deep toward opposition goal

6. Development of attacking opportunities from corner kicks & throw ins.


Overriding Consideration

The game is for all players - everyone should be encouraged to participate, particularly the “non-assertive” player(s). Always encourage in practices & games the use of skill, creativity & decision-making. Don’t expect youngsters to play a “passing game”, don’t get caught up in tactics & formations or positions. KEEP IT SIMPLE! Systems of play at young ages will only lead to “Agriculture Soccer” since they dictate that players be “planted” rather than “playing”. Also never stifle the creative, gifted dribbler. Eventually all players will learn to pass as they get older. This is the time for players of all abilities to experiment & learn from trial and error. Encourage talking in practices & on the field, let them know this is their game and that they own it. If you believe that the difference between kicking and passing is thinking, and the difference between drills and activities is thinking, then you should understand the premise that “Soccer Is A Player’s Game” and your sessions should give players as many opportunities to both play, think & communicate as possible!

Remember the 3 evils: Lines, Laps & Lectures!

U-9 soccer coaching objectives (8 Year Olds)

Tell me and I will forget
Show me and I will remember
Involve me and I will understand

1. Further development of U-8s objectives

2. Development of the appreciation of space through the fourth player in what is called "third man play' (see "Coaching 9, 10, and 11 Year Olds")

• Diamond Shape at goal-kicks and throw-ins must be continually emphasized

• Continued encouragement to use the "width" - both sides of field

• Encourage the most advanced player to stretch the opposition by pushing toward opposition goal - when own team is in possession

3. Encouragement in practices (and games) of the importance of team support-particularly in 3 v 3 and 4 v 4 games and practices, e.g., Micro Soccer, Zone Game & Change Soccer

4. Encourage all players to be 'two-way players.’ Suggest all players should recover to help defend after losing possession; all players should look to contribute to every at- tacking play (even where their "role" is as the "covering" rearmost defender).

5. Development of the role of the goalkeeper

• Basic catching techniques

• Coming out to narrow angle on shots

• Distribution by throwing

• Moving out to edge of goal area and beyond to support attack and using the feet (4 v 4)

6. Continued development of basic techniques such as dribbling (to keep possession and to beat opponents), accurate passing and ball control Introduction or reinforcement of longer passing

Summary

• Appreciation of space - through the diamond shape - Use of width; stretching opposition from end to end (length)

• Continued development of basic skills

• Encouragement of 'two-way play"

• Awareness of "Third Man" when on attack

Overriding Consideration

“Let the games and practices be the teachers”; encourage use of space and support. The game is for all players - everyone should be encouraged to participate, particularly the “non-assertive” player(s). Always encourage in practices & games the use of skill, creativity & decision-making. Don’t expect youngsters to play a “passing game”, don’t get caught up in tactics & formations or positions. KEEP IT SIMPLE! Systems of play at young ages will only lead to “Agriculture Soccer” since they dictate that players be “planted” rather than “playing”. Also never stifle the creative, gifted dribbler. Eventually all players will learn to pass as they get older. This is the time for players of all abilities to experiment & learn from trial and error. Encourage talking in practices & on the field, let them know this is their game and that they own it. If you believe that the difference between kicking and passing is thinking, and the difference between drills and activities is thinking, then you should understand the premise that “Soccer Is A Player’s Game” and your sessions should give players as many opportunities to both play, think & communicate as possible!

Remember the 3 evils: Lines, Laps & Lectures!