U9 Practice Session Plans

In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important for us to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristics of the Under 8 player.

• Enjoy playing in pairs.
• Are now able to take another’s perspective.
• Are starting to think abstractly – be patient.
• Cooling system still less efficient than adults – still make sure to give frequent water breaks.
• Still prefer playing to watching – keep everyone active during practice.
• Limited attention span.
• Have an understanding of time and sequence – “if I do this, then that happens”.
• Some now have a third or fourth speed in addition to stopped and as fast as possible.
• Very aware of adult reactions – be very aware of your reactions.
• Seek out adult approval and need reassurance – be supportive.
• Begin to become aware of peer perception – a social order is beginning to develop.
• Wide range of abilities between children at this age.
• Beginning to develop motor memories.
• Some become more competitive.
• Less active imaginations than U7 players.

Below are two full-season courses and specific, targeted tactical training sessions designed for the U8-U10 player. Simply click on the soccer ball.

WEEKLY TRAINING SESSIONS:

	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5
	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019
	Week 6	Week 7	Week 8	Week 9	Week 10
	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019	SPRING 2019 FALL 2019

TACTICAL TRAINING SESSIONS:

	ATTACKING SESSIONS:
	Building Up in Own Half (1)	Building Up in Own Half (2)
	Building up in the Opponents Half (1)	Building up in the Opponents Half (2)
	Scoring Goals (1)	Scoring Goals (2)
	DEFENDING SESSIONS:
	Preventing Build Up in Opponents Half (1)	Preventing Build Up in Opponents Half (2)
	Preventing Build Up in Own Half (1)	Preventing Build Up in Own Half (2)
	Preventing Goals (1)	Preventing Goals (2)

Weekly Lesson Plans Published by Massachusetts Youth Soccer

GRASS-ROOTS EDUCATION: PLAY-PRACTICE-PLAY

TRAINING VIDEOS

THE FOOTBALL SKILLS COACH Taught by Joe Flurry - UEFA qualified professional football coach. Step by step video tutorials for 1v1 Moves, Turns and Ball Mastery techniques taught by elite football clubs.

BALL MASTERY How to do Toe Taps on Top of Ball - Football Soccer Quick Feet Tutorial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e0TwCa-jXU	TURNS - Maradona & Cruyff How to do the Maradona & Cruyff Turn - Football Soccer Move Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVEeum8wA6U	1v1 MOVES How to do the Step Over & Step Over Scissors Move - Football Soccer 1v1 Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biZKX2zE0dQ	TURNS - Stop & Hook Learn the Stop Turn & Hook Turn - Football Soccer Move Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVEfpvQU5A

US YOUTH SOCCER - "THE NOVICE COACH"

US Youth Soccer - "The Novice Coach - U6 - U8" US Youth Soccer's Coaching Education staff shows you how to get started teaching soccer to young players.