U-9 | Igniting the Passion
Me, the ball and my friend
The objective of the fundamental stage is to learn all basic movement skills by building overall motor skills.
There can be differences now in the motor, cognitive and social development capabilities of the players in this age group. Individual and small group play, especially pairs, is essential for both touches on the ball and learning at their own pace.
The emphasis on movement education and body awareness continues with this age group and is expanded to involve even more activities with the ball.
The attention capacity for this age group is still limited to one task at a time. Unfortunately, they are often distracted by adults giving advice from around the field. Now they have to make a choice: either play the ball or listen to the adults. If the adults want to help the children play their best, they need to be quiet while watching the children's game.
General Characteristics of the U-8 Age Group
Like to show skills – need approval
Beginning to develop some physical confidence (most can ride a bicycle)
Lack sense of pace - go flat out, chasing the ball until they drop
Still in motion - twitching, jerking, scratching and blinking are all second nature physical movements
Still into running, jumping, climbing and rolling
Boys and girls are still quite similar in physical and psychological development
Attention span is a bit longer than the U-6 age group
Developing playmates
More into imitation of the big guys (sports heroes becoming important)
Still very sensitive – Dislikes personal failure in front of peers, making ridicule from the coach in front of the group very destructive
Still do not believe in the intensity of the team at all costs
Inclined more toward small group activities
Components of the Game for the U-8 Age Group*
Technique: Experiment with the qualities of a rolling or spinning ball. Introduce ball lifting, juggling, block tackle, receiving ground balls with the inside and sole of the foot, shooting with the inside of the foot, toe passing and shooting and dribbling while changing direction. Introduce the push pass.
Fitness: Agility, eye-foot and eye-hand coordination, balance, leaping, bounding, tumbling, catching, throwing, pulling, pushing, warm-up activities and movement education. Continue education on sports nutrition with players and parents.
Psychology: Encourage working in pairs, sportsmanship, parental involvement, how to play, emotional management, creativity, dynamic activities, participation of all players and a safe and fun environment. There is still a short attention span unless the player has peaked (keep interest high). Like to show what they can do- encourage trying new things. Developing self-esteem - activities should foster positive feedback and attainable positive success.
Tactics: Backline and forward line, 1v1 attack and choosing to dribble or pass. Introduce the names of positions (fullbacks and forwards). Institute games of 2v1, 1v2 and 2v2, playing with the ball with a purpose and promote problem-solving.
*Please note that the components of the game are in a priority order for this age group.
Typical U-8 Training Session
Should not exceed one hour.
Free play or a warm-up, each player with a ball, dynamic stretching.-approximately 15 minutes
Some individual body awareness activities.
Introduce partner activities.
A mixture of individual and partner activities. Add more maze-type games. Introduce target games with a
variety of player combinations: lv1, 2v1, 1v2 and 2v2.-approximately 25 minutes
Conclude with a Small-Sided Game of 4v4, two goals and no goalkeepers.-approximately 20 minutes
Coach's qualities: Sensitive teacher, facilitator, patient, enthusiastic, imaginative, able to demonstrate, understand technique and preferably young at heart.
The game: Preferably these should be unstructured pick-up game style matches. No organized matches where the score is recorded. If scheduled matches must occur then they should be seen as another fun activity that includes a soccer ball. There should be no emphasis on team concepts or positions. Outcome-based matches are in their future. Playing for results must not be part of the U-8 match.
US Youth Soccer Player Development Revised 8/24/17