dribbling U8 soccer drills

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Dribbling under pressure: "The Robbers"

Fun game to offer in soccer school, which will help work on dribbling while incorporating a team component with a relay system.

Animation: Dribbling under pressure: "The Robbers"
Mark out a 20x20m square, where you will place 4 gates on each side. Then place a small square in the center of 5x5m. Form 4 teams of 3 players and place 12 balls within the small square. (see animation).

The objective of the 4 teams of thieves is to recover as many balls as possible and bring them back to their zone by passing through their gate. The exercise will proceed as follows:
  1. The 1st player of each team starts at your signal. He/She must get to the square as quickly as possible and then return dribbling with a ball into their zone. 
  2. Upon arrival, the 2nd player can start to perform the same route.
  3. The team that has brought the most balls into their zone at the end wins the round.
  4. Conduct several rounds depending on the number of players present.

Reminder: passing is prohibited, only dribbling is allowed.

Discover our dribbling U8 drills

Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones

Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U7
Dribbling and space management exercise in an area filled with colored squares where players must combine changes of direction and quick information gathering....
Running, game awareness, and passing in a circle formation

Running, game awareness, and passing in a circle formation

10 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U7 - U6
Ball running exercise in a large circle, focused on game awareness, off-the-ball run by a teammate, and quick passing....
Dynamic Warm-up and Dribbling Relay

Dynamic Warm-up and Dribbling Relay

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U7 - U9
Progressive warm-up combining dynamic movements, dribbling, and competitive relays to prepare young players for the session....
Youth Academy: Working on dribbling with the four colors game

Youth Academy: Working on dribbling with the four colors game

12 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U8
Very useful in soccer school, this drill is ideal for working on dribbling and changes of direction while adding a fun aspect....
1v1 Duels with Shooting and Use of Support

1v1 Duels with Shooting and Use of Support

15 min
5-15 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U9
A very simple duel exercise to set up, which allows your players, from a young age, to better understand the opponent's runs while keeping their heads up to look for a solution....
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What is the U8 category in soccer?


The U8 category corresponds to children aged 7-8 years. They play on fields adapted to their age, about 25x35 meters. Children in the U8 category play in a festival format and have training sessions just like players in other categories such as exercises for U9 or exercises for U7, even though these training sessions are often much more fun than other categories. At this age, prioritize fun U8 training exercises, which will allow U8 players to enjoy themselves while discovering some essential soccer concepts.

Make sure to keep these different notions in mind when setting up your U8 training sessions. Keep an eye on how you animate and prepare your U8 exercises: fun is a fundamental notion at this age, and it's up to you to convey your passion well.

The U8 category in soccer
is one of the first steps where young players begin to understand the basics of soccer while thriving in a fun environment. This article explores the characteristics of this category, the associated educational objectives, and practical advice for effectively coaching a U8 team.

What is the U8 category in soccer?


In the U8 category, children continue to play on reduced-size fields, adapted to their size and physical abilities

Matches are often played in small groups, usually with five players per team, sometimes six, to maximize each child's involvement. The goal is to allow each player to frequently touch the ball, actively participate in game actions, and begin to understand the basics of positioning and team play.

The objectives of the U8 category


The U8 category's main objective is to continue learning the technical basics of soccer, while reinforcing the love of the game among young players. The objectives are both technical, tactical, physical, and psychological.

On the technical side, it involves perfecting basic skills like ball control, dribbling, passing, and shooting. At this age, children are also encouraged to use both feet to play, which enhances their coordination and versatility on the field.

From a tactical point of view, children start to understand simple concepts like defense, attack, and positioning on the field. However, the focus is still on play rather than competition. The goal is to help them acquire basic game intelligence while maintaining a fun approach.

The physical objectives include developing general motor skills, coordination, speed, and endurance, all essential for preparing children for more intense sports practice in the coming years.

Finally, psychological and social aspects are also essential. The transition to U8 is a period where self-confidence, team spirit, and the ability to manage emotions, whether in victory or defeat, are strengthened. It is also important to instill values of respect, effort, and fair play.

Some tips for coaching a U8 team


Coaching a U8 team requires a clear understanding of the needs and abilities of children at this age. Here are some recommendations to optimize their learning while providing enjoyable moments on the field:
  1. Maintain the fun aspect: at this age, it is crucial that children continue to have fun. Integrating games and fun activities into training helps maintain their enthusiasm while developing their skills. For example, organizing exercises in the form of challenges or mini-competitive games can motivate them to progress;
  2. Vary the exercises: children aged seven to eight can quickly get bored. It is therefore important to vary exercises and game situations during a single session. This helps maintain their attention and interest while working on different technical and tactical aspects;
  3. Encourage initiative: at this age, it is beneficial to encourage children to make decisions on the field. Let them experiment, make mistakes, and learn by themselves. This approach promotes the development of their autonomy and understanding of the game;
  4. Value efforts: it is important to praise children for their efforts rather than focusing solely on results. Every progress, even minimal, should be encouraged to boost their self-confidence and motivation;
  5. Involve parents positively: as with previous categories, parents play a key role in their children's sports development. They should be encouraged to support their child without putting excessive pressure, emphasizing the joy of playing above all.

The U8 category is therefore a crucial period for young soccer players, where technical learning blends with the joy of the game. With clear objectives and an adapted coaching approach, children can develop their skills while nurturing their passion for soccer.
The hunter game (youth academy): dribbling and game awareness

The hunter game (youth academy): dribbling and game awareness

12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U8
Ideal drill for younger players in soccer school, it will help them work on their dribbling while staying focused on their surroundings. It's up to you to make the exercise as dynamic as possible by incorporating the concept of a chaser....
Switch of play game in youth academy

Switch of play game in youth academy

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U7
Fun game to introduce from a young age, it will help your players work on their focus, ball control, and information gathering....
Diamond play with ball control (youth soccer)

Diamond play with ball control (youth soccer)

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U6 - U7
A very simple drill to set up, it is ideal for younger players in youth academy and will allow them to work on coordination, ball control, and passing game....
Head, Shoulder, Knee, and Ball in Soccer School

Head, Shoulder, Knee, and Ball in Soccer School

15 min
8-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U9 - U8
Fun exercise to offer in a youth academy that combines cognitive work (listening, information gathering) with technical work (dribbling and agility). It is very popular with young players!...
Team relay with dribbling and acceleration

Team relay with dribbling and acceleration

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U9
This relay race exercise is very effective for working on dribbling from a young age. It is generally very popular with the players!...
Youth academy: The "Leapfrog" Game with One Ball per Player

Youth academy: The "Leapfrog" Game with One Ball per Player

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U9
Motor skills and coordination are the focus of this fun game designed for younger players. It's ideal because it can be played while adhering to social distancing rules....
Dribbling under pressure: "The Robbers"

Dribbling under pressure: "The Robbers"

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U9
Fun game to offer in soccer school, which will help work on dribbling while incorporating a team component with a relay system....
Dribbling as a team to fill your "bucket" (youth academy)

Dribbling as a team to fill your "bucket" (youth academy)

15 min
6-21 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U9
Fun drill to work on dribbling with younger players. Remember to keep score to create healthy competition....
Ball collection and "prison" game (youth academy)

Ball collection and "prison" game (youth academy)

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U9
This fun game drill will allow your players to work on their dribbling, keep their heads up, and position themselves correctly in space....
Dribbling with the “River and Its Crocodiles” in youth academy

Dribbling with the “River and Its Crocodiles” in youth academy

12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U6
A fun game ideal for younger players, this drill will help your players work on dribbling as well as various cognitive aspects such as perception and decision-making....
The game of "musical balls" in soccer school

The game of "musical balls" in soccer school

15 min
5-15 joueurs
Warm-up
U8 - U7
This fun game is ideal in soccer school to work on spatial awareness, ball control, and the reactivity of young players. Progression and enjoyment will be on the agenda!...
The "stop / go" with rhythm work in youth academy

The "stop / go" with rhythm work in youth academy

15 min
6-16 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U7
For U6-U7 players, this exercise is ideal for helping your players understand the importance of not rushing and properly timing their movements. Many variations are possible....
The River Goalkeepers: dribbling and duels in youth academy

The River Goalkeepers: dribbling and duels in youth academy

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U11 - U9
Ideal drill in soccer school to work on dribbling and familiarize players with duels in a fun way with the famous "river keepers"....
Ball control and triangle play in youth academy

Ball control and triangle play in youth academy

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U11 - U8
Fun dribbling drill ideal for soccer school with triangular zones and defenders who will do everything to touch the attackers....
Triangle passing sequence and dribbling through gates

Triangle passing sequence and dribbling through gates

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U12 - U11
Drill in the form of a predetermined passing sequence and dribbling with various possible variations. Perfect for youth soccer or as a warm-up....
The hourglass: passing game and dribbling

The hourglass: passing game and dribbling

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U10
Perfect for youth soccer training, the hourglass drill will help your players develop their passing and dribbling skills while varying the angles and surfaces of the foot used....
Fun Warm-up: Dribbling and Ball Control in Tight Spaces

Fun Warm-up: Dribbling and Ball Control in Tight Spaces

10 min
5-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U11 - U12
A very simple drill to set up that will allow young players to maximize their touches on the ball in a small space and under pressure. Perfect for the start of a session....

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