HOWARD FIRE FC U8 CURRICULUM

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE U8 AGE GROUP
Although U8 children may begin to be far more physically and maturationally advanced than U6 children, we must remain patient and not try to force them to develop too quickly. Dribbling still needs to be the primary focus of our efforts, though passing and shooting should be introduced at this age as well. U8 players tend to work best when in pairs and we should allow them to work in pairs (coach selected) often. Similar to the U6 children, we need to make sure that fun is a central theme in practice. Player development will occur most appropriately and expeditiously if all players are enjoying themselves.

This is the age where players can begin to understand the concept of working with a teammate.  The notion, or willingness, to intentionally pass the ball to someone is just beginning to take hold.  Coaches will have more success encouraging players to pass the ball in the seven to eight year old age group.  In this age group, the player begins to think beyond their personal needs and actively begins to cooperate with a teammate.  However, players in this age group must continue individual ball work.    

  • Short attention span, but better than U6
  • Love to use their imagination…pretend
  • Limited ability to attend to more than one task at a time
  • Beginning to solve simple soccer problems (i.e. pass to a teammate) 
  • Some understanding of time and space relations

  • Beginning to develop physical coordination
  • Improvement in pace regulation
  • Skeletal system is growing; growth plates near joints
  • Cardiovascular system is less efficient than an adult’s; heart rate peaks sooner and takes longer to recover
  • Catching skills are still not developed
  • Improvement in dribbling and kicking
  • Love to run, jump, fall and roll

  • Self-concept and body image are beginning to develop
  • Sensitive…dislike personal failure in front of peers
  • Negative comments from peers and adults carry great weight
  • Limited experience with personal evaluation…effort is synonymous with successful performance
  • Inclined more toward cooperative activities (small groups)
  • Inclined to establish and cooperate with friends
  • Desire social acceptance; want everyone to like them 
  • Influential person in their life is their father or significant parent
  • Like to play soccer because it is FUN; intrinsically motivated; play for enjoyment

  • Keep it fun!!!


 

ROLE OF THE U8 COACH

The role of the coach in the U8 age group is to be a sensitive and patient teacher with an enthusiastic and imaginative approach.  It is helpful if they have the ability to demonstrate and very important that they understand technique.

U8 SEASON OBJECTIVES & GOALS
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U8 CURRICULUM TRAINING TOPIC CHART 
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SOURCES:
  • USYS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM
  • MASSACHUSETTES YOUTH SOCCER CURRICULUM
  • US SOCCER CURRICULUM