U8 game modifications
Here are some notes for game play in the U8. In addition to the small-sided game rules, we have made some modifications to our U8 game play to make games more competitive for as many players and teams as possible.
Starting Fall 2016, we play 4 v 4 with no GK
Impact Recreational program used to play 4 v 4 prior to 2007. While the US Youth Soccer Association recommended a 4 v 4 format for the U8, we incorporated a GK and turned it into 5 v 5 games with a GK and 4 field players. With all of the changes, USYSA reiterated that U8 should play a 4 v 4 format. As a result, we will now be in line with the recommended format.
It may be that you play a pre-academy team and choose to play a man up with the 5th player in goal, but that is up to your discretion.
UPDATE FOR SPRING 17
Just so we are clear on this point. You are playing 4 v 4 without GK's. That is where you start. If, in your discussions with the other team's coach, you mutually decide to vary from 4 v 4 to make the game more competitive, then one team can add a GK OR a 5th field player. Under no conditions, should both teams opt to play with a GK.
At this point, ONLY pre-academy teams playing other PA teams will be playing 5 v 5.
The 4 field players play a 1-2-1 formation.
Long ago, we decided to organize them into a bird formation. Tail- right wing- left wing- head. Kids understand this analogy and will line up in this formation, even if they don't hold their positions all the time. Don't obsess about them holding their positions. It is far more important that they respond to the ball, both in attack and defense.
The game is 40 minutes long (20 minute half).
We do not supply referees for U8, so the coaches have to split the duty. ONLY ONE of you needs to be on the field at one time to handle the referee duties. Your job as referee is to keep the game flowing and give clear instructions as to what is going to happen next. You don't need to give any tactical information except as it aids the flow of the game. For example, many players don't know what to do on a corner kick. Please help them with this, but be as unobtrusive as possible. Normally, each coach referees for one half.
Players play AT LEAST 50% of the time.
Move the players into different positions throughout the game. Like I said earlier, they won't hold their positions anyway, but give them a chance to see what the game is like from different positions.
Throw-ins are taken, but they are not corrected (usually).
Get the ball into the player's hands and get them behind the line. Tell the player to touch the back of their neck with the ball and then throw it to a teammate. You don't have to give them a direction to throw but do encourage them to make a decision quickly and get the ball back in play.
Your team parent handles the snack schedule, not you.
Please have them bring a reasonable, healthy snack and don't over do it. Possibly oranges at halftime, but water is fine. A single snack and a drink after the game is perfect.
The home team wears red, visitors blue.
Even if you are sure, please have your parents bring BOTH jerseys, just in case.
There are no standings or scores kept during U8 games.
You don't have to report the scores of the game to anyone and the only time I need to hear from you is when there is a game that is non-competitive and the other coach didn't do anything to make it more competitive.
The one rule change we have added is the 3 goal lead rule.
When one team is leading by 3 or more goals, that team doesn't get any corner kicks. All balls over the defending team's line are given as a goal kick to the defending (trailing) team. On each goal kick, the team in the lead must have all players retreat to midfield until the ball is put into play. If the game gets closer than a 3 goal lead, then this rule is not enforced.
You can withdraw your team to midfield on every goal kick the whole game if you want to, but you are not obligated. Some coaches like to make this move because it can open up the field and can lead to better organization in attack.
Nobody wins a 9-0 game.
This statement informs our philosophy. If your team is clearly better than the other team, scoring more goals isn't going to make your players better. Challenge them, give them other goals within the game to try to achieve. Move them into different positions. Ask them to try something that you worked on in practice even if they are afraid to try it in the game.
You are not the show.
Don't draw attention to yourself. Let the players play. Trying to help them by telling them what to do goes against our player development philosophy. Coach the players on the sideline who aren't playing. Give the players a weekly goal and see how they are progressing during the game. To use a school analogy, the game is the test and you are the teacher. Analyze the game to see how well the players are learning what you did in practice. If they aren't learning, how are you going to change your practices to be more effective?
Finally, Do you want help?
Starting Fall 2016, we play 4 v 4 with no GK
Impact Recreational program used to play 4 v 4 prior to 2007. While the US Youth Soccer Association recommended a 4 v 4 format for the U8, we incorporated a GK and turned it into 5 v 5 games with a GK and 4 field players. With all of the changes, USYSA reiterated that U8 should play a 4 v 4 format. As a result, we will now be in line with the recommended format.
It may be that you play a pre-academy team and choose to play a man up with the 5th player in goal, but that is up to your discretion.
UPDATE FOR SPRING 17
Just so we are clear on this point. You are playing 4 v 4 without GK's. That is where you start. If, in your discussions with the other team's coach, you mutually decide to vary from 4 v 4 to make the game more competitive, then one team can add a GK OR a 5th field player. Under no conditions, should both teams opt to play with a GK.
At this point, ONLY pre-academy teams playing other PA teams will be playing 5 v 5.
The 4 field players play a 1-2-1 formation.
Long ago, we decided to organize them into a bird formation. Tail- right wing- left wing- head. Kids understand this analogy and will line up in this formation, even if they don't hold their positions all the time. Don't obsess about them holding their positions. It is far more important that they respond to the ball, both in attack and defense.
The game is 40 minutes long (20 minute half).
We do not supply referees for U8, so the coaches have to split the duty. ONLY ONE of you needs to be on the field at one time to handle the referee duties. Your job as referee is to keep the game flowing and give clear instructions as to what is going to happen next. You don't need to give any tactical information except as it aids the flow of the game. For example, many players don't know what to do on a corner kick. Please help them with this, but be as unobtrusive as possible. Normally, each coach referees for one half.
Players play AT LEAST 50% of the time.
Move the players into different positions throughout the game. Like I said earlier, they won't hold their positions anyway, but give them a chance to see what the game is like from different positions.
Throw-ins are taken, but they are not corrected (usually).
Get the ball into the player's hands and get them behind the line. Tell the player to touch the back of their neck with the ball and then throw it to a teammate. You don't have to give them a direction to throw but do encourage them to make a decision quickly and get the ball back in play.
Your team parent handles the snack schedule, not you.
Please have them bring a reasonable, healthy snack and don't over do it. Possibly oranges at halftime, but water is fine. A single snack and a drink after the game is perfect.
The home team wears red, visitors blue.
Even if you are sure, please have your parents bring BOTH jerseys, just in case.
There are no standings or scores kept during U8 games.
You don't have to report the scores of the game to anyone and the only time I need to hear from you is when there is a game that is non-competitive and the other coach didn't do anything to make it more competitive.
The one rule change we have added is the 3 goal lead rule.
When one team is leading by 3 or more goals, that team doesn't get any corner kicks. All balls over the defending team's line are given as a goal kick to the defending (trailing) team. On each goal kick, the team in the lead must have all players retreat to midfield until the ball is put into play. If the game gets closer than a 3 goal lead, then this rule is not enforced.
You can withdraw your team to midfield on every goal kick the whole game if you want to, but you are not obligated. Some coaches like to make this move because it can open up the field and can lead to better organization in attack.
Nobody wins a 9-0 game.
This statement informs our philosophy. If your team is clearly better than the other team, scoring more goals isn't going to make your players better. Challenge them, give them other goals within the game to try to achieve. Move them into different positions. Ask them to try something that you worked on in practice even if they are afraid to try it in the game.
You are not the show.
Don't draw attention to yourself. Let the players play. Trying to help them by telling them what to do goes against our player development philosophy. Coach the players on the sideline who aren't playing. Give the players a weekly goal and see how they are progressing during the game. To use a school analogy, the game is the test and you are the teacher. Analyze the game to see how well the players are learning what you did in practice. If they aren't learning, how are you going to change your practices to be more effective?
Finally, Do you want help?
- Come out to my Tuesday 5:30 practice on field 7. You can bring your team or just your child. I will be running practice for any U8 team or player who shows up. You will get some good ideas on what to do and what skills to focus on.
- email me jmurnan@csaimpact.com I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Remember that you pay my salary. Use me as a resource.
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