U8 Practice Session - Finishing and Shooting

U8 Practice Session - Finishing and Shooting

This practice plan focuses on shooting fundamentals. It offers an opportunity to discuss how and when to shoot, power vs placement, and what part of the foot to use. The drills include:

  • 20 x 10 2 vs 2 Scrimmage (10 minutes)
  • Goal to Goal (15 minutes)
  • 1 vs 1 Turn and Shoot (15 minutes)
  • 4 vs 4 Scrimmage (15 minutes)

End of Practice Discussion

  • How is the shape of our foot different if using the inside of our foot to pass, vs. the instep (laces) to pass/shoot? (toe up, heel down for inside of foot, and toe down, heel up for instep). Show the players.
  • What does the coach mean when talking about placement vs. power? (we don’t always want to blast the ball into the net. Inside of the foot is more accurate, and sometimes we just need to pass the ball into the goal).
  • When should you look to shoot? (whenever you see an opportunity to! Always be looking to see if you can score).

20 x 10 2v2 - Small Sided Soccer Game

Players Required: 
4

Set Up:

  • Make fields of 20 x 10 yards. Place small goals on each endline.

  • The players go 2 v 2 on the field. On balls put out of play, use a throw-in or kick-in to get ball back in (coach's choice).

  • After a goal is scored, play is restarted with a goal kick

Coaching Points:

  • None. Let the players play and make mistakes. Only intervene if it is taking too long to get ball back in play.

Goal to Goal - Soccer Drill for Goalies

Players Required: 
2

Set Up:

  • Players are in pairs with one ball.

  • Each player has a goal to defend (3 yds. wide), and the goals are 6 yds. apart. They can be further away/closer depending on the players' ability. Have extra soccer balls close by.

  • Players try to score on the opponent, but only with an underhand throw. Ball must be below shoulder height to count as a goal, and the attacker must be standing between his own goal posts.

  • Play for 1 minute. Ask who won and switch partners to play again.

Coaching Points:

  • GKs need to move their feet to get their body behind the ball.

  • The ready position for GK's id knees bent, up on the toes, chest forward. The hands need to be at hip height with palms facing the shooter.

  • Encourage quick play to catch the opposing GK off-guard.

1v1 Turn and Shoot

Players Required: 
6-8
Balls Required: 
2
Goals Required: 
1

Set Up:

To begin the drill, the Feeder plays a ball out into the center of the field. A player from each team releases from the end line to try and win the 50-50 ball (Diagram 1). The player who wins the ball tries to turn and score on the small goal (Diagram 2). If the defender steals, he becomes the attacker. The play is over when the ball goes out of bounds or a goal is scored.

Coaching Points:

1.  Take your first touch away from the defender.

2.  Use a feinting/turning move to create space between you and the defender.

3.  It may take two or three moves to beat a good defender.

Progressions:

1. Progress to 2v2.

31 x 20 4v4 Scrimmage

Players Required: 
8
Balls Required: 
1
Goals Required: 
0

Set Up:

  • Remove the endzones in the previous game, and add two 3 yard goals on each end (field is now 31x20yds)

  • Let players play 4v4, coach decides how restarts happen, depending on local rules

Coaching Points:

  • None. Just let them play. However, get excited when you see a player try a try a dribbling move or attempts to get a defender off balance.

  • Always highlight positives you see, but don’t stop play and don’t correct their decision making. This is their time to play how they want.

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