Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U8 Defensive skills

Warm up (15 mins)

Organization: 30x25 yds, 12 players- 8 Attackers, 4 Defenders, 1 ball for each Attacker

Instructions: -The Attackers must try and dribble their ball to the opposite line.

-Defenders try and prevent the Attackers from crossing the finishing line.

-If the Defender wins the ball, they must play the ball wide towards the blue cones.

-As long as the ball is still in play, the Attackers can still attempt to score.

-Defenders get a point for each ball played to the blue cones.

-Allow Attackers 3/4 attempts, then rotate Defending players

Coaching Points: -Correct tackling technique(Block or poke)

-Ankle locked

-Body weight forward to try and win ball

Progressions: Increase size of area to give Attackers more space to attack

Maine Theme 2 (20 mins)

Organization: Open area with Six triangles placed on the field, Triangles sides are 5 yds. 2 players per triangle. 1 ball per pair.

Instructions: -Defenders are now to stay at 1 triangle and prevent Attackers from penetrating triangle.

-Attackers can attack any triangle on the field.

-Attacker still gets a point for each penetrated triangle.

-Rotate playing roles after each round.

Coaching Points: -Correct tackling technique(Block or poke)

-Lock your ankle, body weight forward

-Staggered stance

-Body position shifts based on where the attack takes the ball

-Head must be on a "swivel" to see where Attackers may come from