- Panthers USA Guidebook for Developing U-6 and U-8 Players
- US Youth Soccer "Best Practices Introduction"
- Ball Control
- Coaching Technique
- FUNdamental Skills
- Dribbling Coaching Points
- Dribbling Lesson Plan
- Passing Coaching Points
- Passing Lesson Plan
- Receiving Coaching Points
- Receiving Lesson Plan
- Pairs Lesson Plan
- Throw-Ins
- Finishing
- Tackling
- US Youth Soccer "Skills School"
- 1v1 To Goal
- 2v2 To Goal
- 3v2 To Goal
- More on Basic Skills
Technique: ball lifting and juggling; block tackle; receiving ground balls with the inside and sole of the foot; shoot with inside of the foot; toe pass and shot; introduce the push pass and throw-in
Psychology: working in pairs; sportsmanship; parental involvement; “how to play”; emotional management
Fitness: agility; eye/foot and eye/hand coordination; introduce the idea of cool-down; movement education
Tactics: being exposed to all positions; 1 v 1 attack; introduce the names of positions
Best Qualities of a Coach for this Age Player: This coach must clearly understand the capabilities and limitations of this age and appreciate the power of learning by watching. He or she must have the ability to demonstrate or to use older players to demonstrate.
Number of matches per year - 20 matches: No organized matches where the score is recorded.
Breaks from Mandatory/Organized Soccer: Children at this age should not be participating in a mandatory soccer program and should be free to participate at their own pace. There should not be a penalty or consequence for missing practice and no discussion about “commitment.” An effort should be made to include any child that wishes to play soccer. It is healthy and appropriate to group players according to ability level, but movement between groups should be open and fluid in order to reflect changes in ability and individual development from year to year or every six months.
Travel: None
US Youth Soccer Recommends: The field is approximately 25 yards wide and 35 yards long. Play with a size 3 soccer ball. Each team should have 4 players on the field and no goalkeepers. Player smust play at least 50% of each game.
