AYSO U8 Philosophy:
AYSO uses a 4v4 format for U8 (and U6), because it's considered the most developmentally appropriate environment for young players:
Increased Ball Touches and Engagement
Smaller teams mean each child has significantly more opportunities to interact with the ball, dribbling, passing, and shooting. This maximizes their chances to develop fundamental skills.
Enhanced Decision-Making
With fewer players, the game moves faster, requiring quicker decision-making under pressure. Players learn to find space, pass effectively, and react to their opponents' moves.
Better Skill Development
More touches and decision-making opportunities lead to more effective honing of technical skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control in tight spaces.
Tactical Awareness
Small-sided games naturally encourage players to understand positioning and movement off the ball, which are crucial tactical elements.
Improved Physical Fitness
The constant movement on a smaller field ensures players are always active, promoting better fitness, stamina, and agility.
Focus on Fun and Enjoyment
AYSO emphasizes creating a fun learning environment where the game is easier to understand and players feel more involved, which boosts confidence and builds a love for the game.
Replicates "Street Soccer"
AYSO's small-sided games emulate the environment where many of the world's greatest soccer players developed their skills – unstructured "street soccer" games with varied skill levels.
The 4v4 format in AYSO's U8 program is designed to optimize player development by providing more touches on the ball, promoting faster decision-making, enhancing technical skills, and fostering a love for the game in a fun and engaging environment.
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AYSO U8 Rules:
Practices are once per week for one hourSize 3 ball
Small fields (15-25 yards wide, 25-35 yards long)Small goals Small team size: 4 vs. 4Game duration: 40 minutes, divided into four 10-minute quarters, with a short halftime break
No goalkeepers or penalty area.- This also means that there are no penalty kicks at this level.
- Fouls awarded closer than five yards to the goal should be moved out five yards from the goal.
No offside.
Coaches ref
No heading the ball.
- If a player intentionally hits the ball with their head, it is a foul.
- If a player unintentionally hits the ball with their head, or they get hit in the head, it is not a foul. However, you may want to stop the game to check on them, especially checking for signs of potential concussion.
Not every touch of the ball to the hand/arm is a handball offense.- Especially at this age, don't penalize protective actions.
- Look for instances where the player is intentionally playing the ball with their hand/arm (not including the shoulder above the armpit), rather than simply being hit in the hand/arm with the ball.
When the ball goes out over the touchline (the sideline), a throw-in is issued. Re-do's are allowed for improper throw-ins. Let's establish good throw-ins early!
All free kicks are indirect free kicks (no scoring directly from the kick).- Players on the opposing team should be at least 5 yards from a player on a restart, rather than the standard 10 yards.
- Maintaining an exact distance might be difficult for players and is less important than simply ensuring that they give the kicking player enough room to safely kick the ball