“Let them play”

The coaching strategy:   All of the U-7 concepts apply here as well.  We will now introduce another player on the small field- the goalie.  This will be a rotated position shared by all.  Facilitating mastery of ball control remains your primary focus during practice time.  Every player with a ball and participating in lots of dribbling activities that require quick changes in direction and speed.  Try to avoid lectures and keep them moving.  Teach during practice time and sit down and enjoy the games like all the other parents.  No yelling instructions from the sidelines during games!  Let them play, let them make their own choices, and let them learn from their own successes and mistakes.  If you have specific words of advice give it to the subs just before they go into the game.  Model good sideline behaviors by supporting all kids regardless of shirt color and never yell anything negative.  Have a parent organize a snack list. Good coaching is taking notes during games on what you would like to focus on during practice time.

 Technical stuff:  Ball control means the ability to move the ball and body in any direction at different speeds and have the ball remain at ones feet.  Kids will begin to develop the skills to keep control of the ball and prevent somebody from stealing it.  They will do this by dribbling into open space and using change of direction moves.  Instead of dribbling straight ahead it is better to move to the sidelines laterally first and then move up the field.  Dribbling laterally will allow them to find space, then a change direction turn into open space moving the ball up the field.  It is now more than just dribbling.  Kids in this age group can begin to see and understand the benefits of finding open space before moving forward.  Teach them to stay spread apart as they move around the field, but DO NOT teach positions. Trapping, redirecting balls laterally leading to controlled dribble, and the correct technique for power kicking will be introduced and practiced.    Procedural and technical skills of corner kicks and throw-ins will be taught in this age group.  The proper technique of the short accurate instep pass should be introduced as it will be the fundamental skill used at U-10 and above soccer.

Ball control is the skill to practice moving the ball in all directions.  Each player at practice should have a ball and they will benefit greatly from 30 minutes of ball control activities.  Continuing to give kids plenty of opportunities to observe, understand, and eventually anticipate the movement of the ball during play is important.

Homework:  Encourage them to get a soccer ball and dribble around stuff at home and kick the ball with a parent, preferably outside!  Passing is still not part of the curriculum for this age but you will begin to see that idea emerging and it is good to support it.

Terms:  New terms to get comfortable using are the following:  throw-in, corner kick, reverse dribble, open space.