InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Better Soccer Coachinghttp://www.bettersoccercoaching.com/soccerforum/forums@bettersoccercoaching.co.ukWed, 08 Feb 2012 22:35:46 GMT20http://www.bettersoccercoaching.com/soccerforum/Topic753-4-1.aspxI completely agree with coachbobby. I taught my kids that trick by starting with the simple start off kick. Last year they would just boot it back to the opposition who in turn would promptly run in back up field and score. The method I used was to start two kids only have the kicker say the players name and then boot it ahead into the gap ( Two cones)right or left After a few runs of the drill I had them nod at the player. Then add a third player the one not getting ball then learns to pay attention during these situations because are more likely to get the ball if they're not off in the clouds. Make sure though that you keep friends apart or some kids will never get the ball.</P><P>You can then work it into a free kick anywhere on the field. Also make sure you're making it quick speed is essential.Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:52:04 GMTdavey18http://www.bettersoccercoaching.com/soccerforum/Topic753-4-1.aspxIf they are direct kicks, teach you kids the "quick kick". As soon as the ref blows for a direct kick, get someone up there IMMEDIATELY to pass it off and keep the momentum going. At this age most coaches are clueless about the quick kick and haven't taught their kids what to do to watch out for it. Remember, unless the ref says. "Wait for the whistle" or your player asks the ref to mark off 10yds, then you can take the quick kick. Defenders have NO rights to set up a wall. You do not have to wait for it unless the ref says to wait.<br><br>If there is a wall set up near the opponent's goal, just set someone to the side that has a clear shot of goal and have the kicker just pass it to him for a one-touch shot, thereby avoiding the wall.<br><br>I have seen TONS of goals scored against teams that were running around confused after a foul was called, because the other team knew how to take a quick kick. As a ref, I always tell coaches that it is completely allowed and that their team has NO rights unless I say to wait.Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:04:01 GMTCoachBobbyhttp://www.bettersoccercoaching.com/soccerforum/Topic753-4-1.aspxI have worked out that by letting the kids think about the funny/original or down right daft works. let them show you how much they can come up with the silliest free kick ever now and then. When they come up with one they will tell you and show it to you. I often think that left to it the kids will surprise you. This thought paten will take time to work but I sure it will bring fun into the coaching and then the rewards. formality breads boredom and although the coaching needs to be structured you never want to put the spark out.Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:54:07 GMTCrozhttp://www.bettersoccercoaching.com/soccerforum/Topic753-4-1.aspxAnyone have any simple but effective set plays (not corners) for the U8 level?</P><P>We play 7-a-side for what it's worth. All our free kicks in our league are direct - but that doesn't mean I want them always just have one kid blast it.</P><P>If it's too far out but in an attacking third, I'd like to have some tricks up our sleeves that can set a player free for a 1v1 run at goal.</P><P>They need to be simple because as I'm discovering 8 yr olds aren't always good at showing disguise! We've just started working on this aspect of not letting the other team know what's coming. Ironically (funny actually), but it's my defenders who are the bright bulbs of my group and good at disguise! The forwards are a little dim!!!</P><P>Any thoughts?Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:05 GMTGav