re: Signed up to coach my kids U8 soccer. Any advice is appreciated.

Soccer is gay

That's all you need to know

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Any advice is appreciated.

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Sunglasses. Your kid will never know you are checking out Lucien’s mommy’s arse instead of watching 15 kids run behind the play for an hour while 80 people yell “kick the ball.”

There are a few concepts you can teach them.

Go where the ball is going to be, not where it is now.

Taking a goal away from the other team is as good as scoring one.

Don't cluster.

Know where your teammates are and pass if they have a good shot.

Every kid should have a ball at all times, if they are waiting for a "turn," they should be toe tapping, etc. Split your drills if you need to.

I've coached youth soccer for years, but I refuse to coach U10 and above because of the parents. Most kids can't figure out passing/spacing until U9, so feel them out and don't force it if they aren't grasping.

Don't forget to practice throw-ins, many coaches omit but, due to typical field size U6-U8, games are filled with throw ins and the better executing team can win on throws alone.

4 on 4? No defender?

Find the kid with the hottest mom and spend more time with him.

At that age it’s easier to keep the attention of 4-6 kids that 10-12. split drills that work on eye foot coordination and passing. I always high fived a kid with an assist before the one with the goal to emphasize it in basketball and soccer.

US soccer has practice plans for every age group. I assume this isn’t some development program so just make the fast paced and concentrate on technical development. Also have a plan before practice because it will be a disaster if you just wing it

Ignore people that are giving you an eleven man formation.

When selecting your team, there are 3 things to think about:

1. Early birthdays
2. Older siblings who play soccer
3. Hot moms

Make sure each kid checks at least one of these boxes.

My son had a great coach in U8, really made him enjoy playing the sport.

I coached that age. Lots of shooting drills. Forget about ball control and passing.

You want defenders clearing it as hard as they can and you want ever kid knowing how to shoot.

Make sure they learn how to actually kick without looking goofy and unproductive.

Every practice do this drill:

Line cones, they run around them then you roll a ball or have kid pass it to them. They dribble once or twice then shoot.