THESE SKILLS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED FOR U8 AGE GROUP:

• teach how to dribble the ball
• teach how to stop the ball (bottom, inside and outside of the foot)
• teach how to pass with inside and outside of foot
• introduce how to shoot the ball and a proper throw-in
• continue teaching how to run, jump, hop and skip (motor development)
• teach 1-4 Feint moves to lose a defender (will be taught at coaches clinic)
• teach the basic rules of the game
• introduction to offside rule, which includes "cherry picking" (i.e. hanging out at the goal waiting for the ball)

• A coach from each team will be on the field both refereeing and directing (coaching) the players

• Allow for 2 – 24 minute halves with a break in between for a snack

• Go with approximately 2-3 minute shifts, with both teams changing at that time

• Recommend 4-6 vs 4-6, plus goalies, however, due to the small team sizes, teams may generally be split into 2 shifts (usually based on age of players – assertiveness or being timid may come into play as well – coaches use their discretion). Discuss with other coach before the game to decide format

• Coaches designate a goalie – rotate to give all an opportunity

• To start play, each team gets the kick-off for one of the halves

• No hands (except goalie)

• Ball out of bounds – throw in – player opposite the team who last touched the ball makes a 2 hand throw-in, overhead. Players from the opposing team move back at least 5 yds

• Corner kick – if the defending player last touches the ball that passes over the goal line, an offending player takes the corner kick. The opposing players must be 5 yds away

• Free kick is given for handling, pushing, shoving, tripping, etc. The opposing players must be 5 yds away. A goal may not be scored directly from a free kick. The ball must be passed to another player first

• Goal kick – ball must be out of the penalty area and touched by a teammate before a goal can be scored

• Parents may encourage from the sidelines, but leave the “coaching” and “refereeing” up to the coaches

• Let the kids play – “let the game be the teacher”