U8s staying on side and use of space

Alex PattonAdministrator, England

This is one of the hardest things to coach to a young side, as all so eager to get to the ball. However, way to overcome it;

1. Keep stopping the games, telling the player to freeze and not to move, explain the mistake they keep making. Do this lots of times to reinforce the mistake. - Use punishment like press ups if it persists.

2. A condition to a match is to keep 2 attackers in the wide channels, mark out 5m in from the touchlines and nominate 2 players that are not allowed to leave that area on either side of the pitch. - This should encourage the players to look up and see there is a player wide, encouraging them to try cover that space.

3. If the problem still persists nominate 2 players from the defending team that are not allowed to leave the wide channels, and nominate a further 2 attacker to stay in the wide channels. This creates a 2v1 in the wider channels and encourages the 1 defender to call for support and be aware of the space left by the rest of the team bunching.

Dave BealCoach, England

Re staying onside:
Referee the game like a RL ref, facing the attacking team, and retreat behind the tackle calling out BACK TO ME. If anyone stays offside, when the ball comes out again tell them they`re offside and they can`t touch the ball carrier (LEAVE HIM usually works). Play advantage and manage the players` behaviour with good communication. And don`t sweat it too much, they`re only U8s. They`ll get there.
​Also have to take issue with Alex - punishment for getting it wrong? For U8s? Press-ups as a punishment? Can`t agree with any of that.