The most important thing about U8 soccer drills? They should be fun while developing essential soccer skills — like dribbling, passing, shooting, shielding, attacking and defending. This video features the following soccer drills, perfect for 8 and under players. (Hey, even your 9- or 10-year-olds may like them, too!)

Capture the Balls
It’s Capture the Flag – soccer-style. Build teamwork, strategic thinking and multiple ball skills with this throwback.

Team Ball Tag
New favorite, right here! This activity focuses on dribbling, passing and team building strategy (and players love it!).

Shield Steal
Behold, the almighty shield. This activity develops players’ shielding and ball control skills.

Team Handball
This “hands-on” activity helps players learn to find support positions and change the point of attack.

Gates Passing
Send it on through! This activity helps players develop passing and receiving skills and improve their teamwork and communication.

2 vs. 1 To Goal
Teamwork makes the dream work. This activity teaches players to work with a teammate to get around a defender.

2 vs. 2 to Small Goals: Attacking
Ready. Set. Attack! Set up small goals and help them develop good offensive attack strategies.

2 vs. 2 to Endlines: Defending
Get ready for a showdown. This activity helps players develop individual attacking and defending skills.

1 vs. 1 to Endlines 
Get ready for a showdown. This activity helps players develop individual attacking and defending skills.

1 vs. 1 to Small Goals
Gooooal! This game helps players develop individual attacking and defending skills.

 

For more great soccer drills for kids, check out:

The 10 Best Soccer Passing Drills for U8, U10 and U12

The 10 Best Soccer Dribbling Drills for U6, U8 and U10

The 10 Best Soccer Drills