U8 session plans
Ready-to-run U8 sessions built on the same structure coaching courses teach: warm-up, skill practice, main practice and a game.
Children this age learn through play. Keep explanations to 30 seconds and let the game do the teaching. Each plan below is written for 10 players over 60 minutes. Different numbers? The session planner rebuilds any plan for exactly who turns up.
Your assistant coach: sessions built around your squad and what you're working on.
U8 session plan: dribbling and 1v1
Ball mastery circuit
One ball each: a sequence of short 30-second moves (sole rolls, inside-outside, drag-backs, step-overs). The quickest way to build comfort on the ball and a great start to any session.
Area: Each player in a 5 x 5 m space. Coach: Soft touches, ball close. Use both feet equally.
3v1 triangle rondo
Three players stand on the corners of a triangle and keep the ball from one defender. The first rondo for young players: every pass has one safe option and one brave one.
Area: Triangle of 6 to 8 m sides. Coach: Receive across your body so you face the next cone. Pass away from the defender's feet.
1v1 channels (beat your defender)
In narrow channels, attackers try to dribble over the end line while a defender tries to stop them. Lots of 1v1 reps for both, side by side with the whole squad working.
Area: 15 x 8 m channels. Coach: Attackers: go at them with speed, change of direction and pace. Use a move, then explode past.
1v1 tournament (up and down the pitches)
Players play 60-second 1v1 games on a row of mini pitches; winners move up, losers move down. Huge numbers of 1v1s and a fun competitive ladder.
Area: Several 15 x 10 m pitches. Coach: Be brave: take players on. Get back goal-side when you lose it.
U8 session plan: shooting and finishing
Rapid-fire shooting
A shooter strikes three balls in quick succession from three positions as the coach rolls them. Fast, sharp and tests the keeper too.
Area: Edge of the box. Coach: Set your body before every shot. Accuracy first, power second.
Weak-foot finishing from angles
Players finish from set angles on their weaker side, building confidence to shoot with both feet. Players who can finish with either foot are far harder to defend.
Area: Penalty area. Coach: Plant foot next to the ball, pointing at the target. Lock the ankle: accuracy first.
1v1 to goal
A defender passes to an attacker and steps out to defend; the attacker tries to beat them and score. Two queues keep it moving.
Area: 20 x 15 m in front of goal. Coach: Attacker: run at the defender quickly, then change speed and direction. Defender: close down fast, slow down, get side-on and show them away from goal.
Knockout shooting game
Players take turns to shoot; if you miss, you must score your own rebound before the next player scores, or you're knocked out. A famous playground game with plenty of shooting.
Area: Penalty area. Coach: Shoot low and early. Follow in every shot.
U8 session plan: keeping the ball
Agility, balance and coordination circuit
A circuit of short stations: hopping, jumping, side-stepping, balancing and a ball skill at the end. Builds the ABCs (agility, balance, coordination) that young players need for everything else.
Area: 20 x 20 m. Coach: Land softly on the balls of your feet. Arms help balance.
3v1 triangle rondo
Three players stand on the corners of a triangle and keep the ball from one defender. The first rondo for young players: every pass has one safe option and one brave one.
Area: Triangle of 6 to 8 m sides. Coach: Receive across your body so you face the next cone. Pass away from the defender's feet.
4v1 rondo
Four players on the outside of a square keep the ball from one defender in the middle. The simplest rondo and the best place to start.
Area: 8 x 8 m to 10 x 10 m. Coach: Open your body so you can see the next pass before the ball arrives. Receive on your back foot to buy time.
4v4 with four corner goals
Each team defends two corner goals and attacks two. Teaches switching play and looking up, because the open goal is usually on the other side.
Area: 30 x 25 m. Coach: If one goal is crowded, switch to the other. Stay spread: two wide, one deep, one high.
U8 session plan: transitions
Agility, balance and coordination circuit
A circuit of short stations: hopping, jumping, side-stepping, balancing and a ball skill at the end. Builds the ABCs (agility, balance, coordination) that young players need for everything else.
Area: 20 x 20 m. Coach: Land softly on the balls of your feet. Arms help balance.
Running with the ball race
Players race 30 metres pushing the ball out in front at speed. Running with the ball is different from dribbling: fewer, bigger touches into space.
Area: 30 m lanes. Coach: Push the ball 3 to 4 metres ahead with the laces. Head up between touches.
Numbers game (called overloads)
Each player has a number; the coach calls numbers and those players race on to play. Calling uneven numbers creates 2v1s, 3v2s and recovery runs. Easy to manage, endless variety.
Area: 30 x 20 m. Coach: React quickly to your number. Overloads: attack fast before the extra defender arrives.
Power play (scorers bring a teammate on)
Start 3v3 with subs waiting; when a team scores, they bring on an extra player. Teams that score get an overload, so the other team must defend smartly.
Area: 35 x 25 m. Coach: Use the overload quickly. Outnumbered? Stay compact, protect the middle.
Coaching guides
Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.