Practice Plans
U8 Soccer Practice Plan
U8 players can handle a little more choice while still needing high activity and simple language. The ball should be moving for most of the session. Build from individual control to a defender and then a real game.
A 60-minute U8 session
8 minutes: ball tag
Every player dribbles. Taggers score with a safe shoulder touch; tagged players complete toe taps and rejoin.
12 minutes: turn through gates
Practice a pullback or inside cut, then allow players to choose the turn that fits the gate.
15 minutes: 1v1 to two goals
Two goals reward looking up, changing direction, and accelerating after beating pressure.
25 minutes: 3v3
Use no goalkeepers, several short rounds, and coaching comments mainly between rounds.
Common mistakes
- Teaching several turns at once
- Demanding positions every moment
- Stopping play for small technical errors
- Letting one dominant player control every restart
Coach’s checklist
- Ball per player
- Two 20-by-25-yard fields
- Two pinnie colors
- Extra balls at goals
- Simple team cheer
Questions new coaches ask
How much scrimmage time should U8 get?
Reserve roughly one-third to one-half of practice for small-sided play where the day’s skill can appear naturally.
Can U8 players pass?
Yes, but do not discourage useful dribbling. Create games where both choices can succeed.