U8 soccer techniques are designed to improve your child's fundamentals and form while on the soccer field. Because U8 soccer is for children who are 7 and 8 years old, the techniques and skills they learn in the league are fairly basic and limited. Despite this, emphasizing proper form and technique will help build a strong soccer base for your child to expand on later.
1-on-1 Feint Technique
Feinting techniques are designed to help create separation between an attacker and a defender. Place two cones 25 yards apart. Have an attacker stand 1 foot in front of a cone with a soccer ball directly in front of him. Have a defender stand 2 feet in front of him. On your whistle, have the attacker perform two feints -- or fakes -- in order to create separation between him and the defender. These fakes can be either a fake kick or a jab step to the right or left side of the ball in order to get the defender off balance. As soon as the defender is off balance, instruct the attacker to dribble the ball in the opposite direction of his fake and toward the other cone.
Receiving Technique
This U8 soccer technique is designed to help your players receive passes properly and effectively. Start by standing 5 feet away from one of your players. Kick him a slow rolling pass, aimed directly in between his two feet. Instruct the player to receive the ball by angling his right or left foot out at a 45- to 60-degree angle. If done correctly, the ball should hit the inside of his foot. In addition, as the ball comes in, have him move his foot slightly backward as the ball makes contact with his heel in order to deaden the impact of the ball. Repeat until the player gets the hang of it.
Dribbling Techniques
For an 8-year-old, dribbling techniques can be learned through basic dribbling drills. Place four cones down on the field, creating a 20 foot by 20 foot square with them. Have a group of players stand on an imaginary line between two of the cones with balls in front of each one of them. On your whistle, have the kids dribble in a straight line across to the other side of the square. On your next whistle, have the kids dribble to the side of the square to their right. On your final whistle, have them dribble straight across from where they are. Each time they dribble, make sure the kids are keeping the balls between their feet and directly in front of them.
Goalie Techniques
Although a 7- or 8-year-old will not have the speed or quickness to fully cover a goal, teaching him the basic fundamentals and technique of defending the goal will help him as he develops and matures. Have your goalie line up in a defensive stance in the center of the goal. Kick five kicks on the ground to his right side. With each kick, instruct him to dive to his right with his arms and legs fully extended. After five attempts, have him perform the same motion to his left side. Repeat until fatigued.
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