What to teach u-8 u-10?

[Elroy]

Originally posted by Kelly Vargas
is it a little too early to give footballers of this age group performance enhancing drugs?

Only if they are English.

[JohnR]

Originally posted by Red Star
I whole heartedly embrace this theory. Yet, I am so tired of losing to teams that are playing rigid positions (Defenders aren't allowed to cross midfield) and mechanically booting the ball that I don't know what to do. The kids are tired of these losses as well. It would be so much easier to give in to the Dark side.

It may be trickier in Arkansas to beat the Dark Side.

In Chicago, we are fortunate enough to have a bunch of immigrant families and/or dads who are ex-college players. Assemble the better players from those families onto a team and give them some basic tactical training to make sure that they play at least some semblance of team ball, and you'll kick the Dark Side's butt up & down the field.

OK, it's a lot harder if you have to teach the kids from scratch and if they're not going home and playing for 45 minutes with dad & the siblings. But do take heart, the Dark Side is indeed weaker than the Force.

[Bonji]

After going through the US Soccer Youth E coaching license program I have a few thoughts on coaching at the U-11 level.

1. Everything you do in practice must be about soccer. This seems obvious but many teams, mine included at that age, feel that conditioning and fitness are more important than soccer skills. Make sure whatever drills/games you are playing have soccer involved. Don't make the kids run laps around the field. They are at an age where they have enough energy to play for hours. You don't need to work on their fitness levels. Everything you do with them should revolve around the soccer ball and playing against their team mates.

2. Proper technique is key. This is the age where they learn bad habbits. Teach them the right way to shoot, pass, head, dribble, tackle, etc. If they are learning bad habbits you are a bad coach, obviously. They don't need to have a power shot at this level, just a technically sound shot.

3. Encourage a love for the game. Get them to dribble a ball in their back yards on non-practice days. Make them comfortable with the ball at their feet. Teach them juggling they can do in their bedrooms and basements. Other countries are ahead of the US in youth soccer because our kids only play at practice. Get them playing at home too.

4. Don't put them into set positions at this age. Make sure they feel compfortable at all positions on the field. The tactics and positions should come into the game at an older age. If a kid is only playing defender, he will not progress in total ball skills. This goes back to the Dutch total soccer theory. U-11 you should be playing and teaching total soccer.

Enough from me.

[Richie]

Originally posted by Kelly Vargas
the most important thing is just to instill in them early that winning is the most important thing.. who cares if its fun... you play to win.

Brilliant :-)

[Richie]

Originally posted by Kelly Vargas
i strongly , but respectfully, disagree. it is vital for you to teach them that winning is important early on. You are cheating these kids if you dont give them the skills they will need as a professional soccer player.. they need to look at soccer as a business and not a game. they have plenty of time to learn dribbling and passing but coaches should be honest with these kids that you play to make money and become famous, not just to have fun.

Even more Brilliant :-)

[Richie]

Originally posted by Kelly Vargas
is it a little too early to give footballers of this age group performance enhancing drugs?

Brilliant a little coffee before the game can't hurt. :-)