Reply to should 8-year-olds be capable of focusing & following directions across a 45-minute practice?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]have you taken the 7v7 Grass Roots coaching module with VYSA?[/quote]

OP here. I have not taken this module. Instead, I've watched a dozen YouTube videos with coaching suggestions aimed at this age group, and I've chatted with a couple other coaches in the league. Based on the feedback I've gotten, I think I just need to (1) stick with simple games/exercises, (2) keep up the pace such that there are no intervals when kids are idle (except for a water break), and (3) get a friend to assist me.[/quote]

Yes - this should work well.  I would add make sure you have enough activities planned so each one doesn't take too long.  I used to actually write out a practice plan on a piece of paper before pratice to help ensure I had enough ideas and there was no standing around.[/quote]

I agree with everything here. I have a few things to add, but will caveat it with the admission that I've coached more basketball than soccer, but here goes:

Lay your your expectations for the kids. I always told them that "if you ask to play X position or be on a team with Y, I will say no. I'm rotating people through different postions and groupings. You will get there eventually." I had one kid who was OBSESSED with getting to wear a pinnie (vs being on the shirts team without a pinnie. Same thing went for pinnies, tho that was back when kids could share pinnies during a practice.

Also, let the kids pick a game to play at the end if they've listened well and worked hard throughout practice. [/quote]

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