Characteristics of U 8 Soccer Players Second Third

Characteristics of U 8 Soccer Players Second & Third Grade Physical Development Mental Development Social Development

Physical Development n Skeletal system is still growing: growth plates are near the joints, thus injuries to those areas merit special consideration. n Cardiovascular system is less efficient than an adults; a child’s heart rate peaks sooner and takes longer to recover.

Physical Development n Temperature regulation system is less efficient than adults; children elevate their core temperature more quickly and take longer to cool than adults. n Improvement in pace and coordination from U 6, however the immaturity of a U 8’s physical abilities are obvious.

Mental Development n The limited ability to tend to more than one task at a time leaves little or no capacity for “tactical” decision making. n Concept of time and space relationship is just beginning to develop and will be limited by the capacity to attend to multiple tasks. n Limited experience with personal evaluation; effort is synonymous with performance.

Social Development n Self-concept and body image are beginning to develop, but very fragile. n Great need for approval from adults such as parents, teachers, and coaches; like to show individual skills.

Social Development n Easily bruised psychologically by adults; negative comments carry great weight. n Like to play soccer because it is “fun”; intrinsically motivated.

Social Development n Their universe is expanded to the neighborhood. n True playmates emerge with the inclination toward small group activities. n There is a desire for social acceptance; they want everyone to like them.

General Characteristics of Children U 8 n Attention span a bit longer than U 6, but still not at the “team at all costs” intensity. n Inclined more toward group activities. n Still in motion - twitching, jerking, scratching and blinking are all second nature physical movements.

General Characteristics of Children U 8 Still very sensitive… Dislike personal failure in front of peers. Ridicule from the coach in front of the group is very destructive. Santa Claus is no longer a peer topic of discussion.

General Characteristics of Children U 8 n Boys and girls still quite similar in physical and psychological development. n Beginning to develop some physical confidence (most can ride a two-wheeler). n Still into running, jumping, climbing and rolling.

General Characteristics of Children U 8 n More into imitation of the big guys (sports heroes becoming important). Unfortunately few are soccer players. n STILL LACK SENSE OF PACE - GO FLAT OUT. Will chase the ball until they drop.

Typical U 8 Training Session n Should not exceed 1 hour. n Warm-up, each player with a ball, stretching and soccernastics, (15 min. ) n Introduce partner activities.

Typical U 8 Training Session n A mixture of individual and partner activities. Add more maze-type games, introduce target games. (25 min. ) n Conclude with small-sided game 4 v 4 to two goals, no GK’s. (20 min. )

U 8 Tactical Sign Change of Direction

Coaching Activities Checklist n Are the activities fun? n Are the activities organized? n Are the players involved in the activities? n Is creativity and decision making being used?

Coaching Activities Checklist n Are the spaces used appropriate? n Is the coach’s feedback appropriate? n Is the coach guiding or controlling the players in the activity? n Are there implications for the game?