[Coys1882]

I've coached both my kids since U4 and I would recommend a team blanket for the subs or circle mats for each kid to sit on. If it becomes part of the routine to find a circle or the blanket to sit on - they just do it on their own. Cheering their teammates on is mandatory and for my daughters team often turns into singing.

As they get older it's still about keeping the drills quick and fun. Long boring drills which force them to stand in line will kill your practices. Also - if the drill you present isn't working because they don't get it - don't waste your time barking orders or trying to explain it too much. If they don't get it - move on to something else.

It's easy to get carried away with positions/tactics and such when they're younger. U6-U8 is more about getting them to be active so focus more on balance, agility, speed and strength. Dribbling, first touch, recieving and turns can be splashed in though. My son is U8 and relay races with cones with and without balls is how we start our practice for the first 20mins.


EDIT - Also remember that some kids mature and 'get it' much much faster than others - so be patient with the ones lagging behind. They'll come around eventually - in the four years I've coached my son, the gains some of the kids he's played with are amazing. Total wallflowers have turned into super aggressive young athletes.