Characteristics of 8 and 9 year olds:

Some coaches say that the 9 and 10 year-old players are beginning to "turn the corner" and starting to look like real soccer players. However, games are still frantically paced and unpredictable for the most part. These players are starting to find out how much fun it is to play the game skillfully, but they will still stop and laugh if the referee gets hit in the backside with the ball during a game. Some other things that we can expect when working with this aged player are:

· Gross and small motor skills becoming more refined and reliable. Boys and girls begin to develop separately.

· Ability to stay on task is lengthened. They have the ability to sequence thought and actions.

· Greater diversity in playing ability and physical maturity.

· Skills are emerging. Becoming more predictable and recognizable.

· Some children begin moving from concrete thinking to abstract thinking.

· Able to pace themselves, to plan ahead.

· Increased self-responsibility. They remember to bring their own equipment.

· Starting to recognize basic tactical concepts, but not exactly sure why certain decisions are better.

· Repetition of technique is very important, but it must be dynamic, not static.

· Continued positive reinforcement needed.

· Explanations must be brief, concise, and mention "why".

· Becoming more "serious". Openly, intensively competitive, without intention of fouling.

· Still mostly intrinsically motivated. ¨ Peer pressure starting to be a factor.

· Adult outside of the family may take on added significance.

· Prefer identification with a team. Like to have good kit, equipment, balls.

· More inclined towards wanting to play instead of being told to play. Will initiate play more.

· They start to understand offside, but still forget themselves when the goal is in front of them.

· They will really beat up on each other during practice... especially boy's teams.

· During a game, the parents will scream out "HAND BALL" or "COME ON REF, CALL IT BOTH WAYS" at least fifteen times.

· They might cry after the game if they lose, but will forget it if you ask them if you want to go out for burgers and fries.

· You might actually catch them practicing on their own without you telling them to do so.

· Their parents are telling them to do one thing during the game, you are telling them another thing, but what they end up doing might be what their friend is telling them to do.

· You will see a pass that is deliberate. You might even see a "back pass"!

The separation between levels becomes more pronounced and often the parents of the top players bring increased expectations to the situation. Some parents see these years as a continuation of a hobby while others see it as the final preparation before the "real 11 a side game." This can cause conflicting agendas between adults on the same team and add to the stress that the children and coach already face.

Often this is the age when some children will start to gravitate to a position or a role. While it's too early to predict where a child is best suited to play in the future, they should be allowed the option of sticking to the position or role of their choice.

This allows them the opportunity to experience the game in depth as it meets their needs. (If a 10 year old wants to play the violin do they need to practice the trumpet?) Later, if they want to change it's their choice. Soccer at this age is a hobby. Hopefully the children are there because they choose to be. If they are forced to play too often outside of their comfort zone they can simply pick a new hobby. The down side of this position is that the average 12 player team has 8 right wings and will require the coach to work out a diplomatic plan for playing time.

Children that have been playing a while might express a total commitment to the game, even dreaming of a professional career. The game has become the centre of their lives outside of school, church and home. But this attachment is like a first love and is subject to change with age and experience. Unfortunately, many parents don't recognize this and it can also lead to increased expectations. In addition, some children go through a prepubescent growth spurt and their physical qualities can change almost overnight, usually for the worse. Children who only a year ago were stars can rapidly gain 15% in body weight, lose confidence and develop a fear of failure. This period of a crisis in confidence must be recognized as a temporary and natural process. They'll simply out grow it.

Motor skills are becoming more refined. A great diversity in maturity and playing ability is apparent. The players have a better sense of reality vs. fiction but still like imaginative games (roll playing). Under-10's demonstrate more responsibility (will bring own ball, water, choose shirt, etc.). They are a little more aware of their play or performance.

Players will recognize basic tactical concepts (width, depth, and support). They have more leg strength, which means more power. Passing becomes a real part of the game. Repeating technique (kicking, receiving) is very important but must be done in a dynamic, interactive environment (no drills, no lines).

Explanations must be brief and concise as for all kids. Players are able to work in small groups during practices. Practice activities should focus on small groups working together to solve problems. Coach can also include games with one player one ball and pair activities. Practice lasts 75-90 minutes max.

Activities for 8 and 9 year olds:

Note that older players will still benefit from the activities used with younger ages (as above) but will be capable of more types of games and drills.

Four vs. One

Keep away. Coach serves ball in to keep play going. Rotate players in and out quickly. Get two groups going.

Progress to four vs. two.

Three Sided Goal Two or more teams play on three-sided goal. Players can score from any side.

Four Goal

Criss-Cross Field set up in a square with a goal on each side. One team plays horizontally, the other team plays vertically. In other words, each team can score on two goals and defends the other two. Serve balls in rapid succession. Have players chase all balls when server runs out.

Clean the Box

One team with balls dribbling in the penalty area. The other team on the top edge of the penalty area. On coach’s command, team enters box and tries to steal balls from other team. How long does it take to eliminate all the balls from the penalty area? Subtract extra time (5 seconds) if defenders put ball in the goal after stealing it. Teams switch roles.