Super 8's

Objectives

To produce a fast-changing soccer game with most of the critical decision-making ingredients of 11-a-side play, including offside; to produce realistic game development opportunities for goalkeepers.

Organization

• Set up a line and regulation-sized goal 18 yards beyond center line. If a portable goal is not available use corner flags.
• Mark in two 25-yard lines with coaching disks - if available use corner flags to emphasize 25-yard lines.
• If available use two people (assistant coaches, parents, etc.) to act as linesmen, stationed on opposite sides of field to coach at the 25-yard lines.
• Normal rules of soccer, except that each team can only be offside beyond attacking 25-yard lines.
• Consider narrowing field by 5 to 10 yards on each side if regulation width (i.e., 74 yards).

Coaching Points

• Encourage goalkeepers to organize rear players to "utilize" offside, keeping opponents away from goal.
• Encourage "total soccer" with players moving up and down field with no set positions - playing "both ways."
• Good communication from the keepers is important. Encourage keepers to be on their toes as situations rapidly change and develop.
• Encourage awareness, attacking support, width and defensive cover.
• Encourage goalkeepers to help organize the team.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
This is a practice which puts it all together, covering most facets of goalkeeping.	All.

Additional Information

Most teams have a roster of 14 to 18 players. While 11 vs 11 play can be advantageous in developing team understanding, most teams cannot organize "in-house" 11 vs 11 play... but can play 7 vs 7 or 8 vs 8.

8 vs 8, the "Super" game, produces most of the questions and answers required in 11-a-side play - particularly in match play when the game plan is not working, and players are forced to think for themselves.

"Super 7's" and "Super 9's" are quite acceptable if there are too few or too many players.

The demanding nature of the Super 8's game will help develop the two-way player that is so desirable in modern-day soccer.

From the goalkeeper's perspective, because of the fast-changing end-to-end nature of the game, and with the offside rule in effect, most of the tough situations that face goalkeepers in the 11 vs. 11 game will occur here. These include through balls, cross balls, long shots and short range shots. The difference here is that 10 times more action will happen in this exercise than in the normal full-sided game.

As well, the distribution of the ball by the keeper - by hand or foot - will be extremely trying due to the smaller field. For instance, a long kick will often end up in the other goalkeeper's hands. So the alternative of a throw, in an attempt to help create an attack, will be preferable. But bad decisions and irresponsible throws will be punished.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	YES	Not recommended for practice situations, but a good match play format for 10 or 11-year-olds .
12-15	YES	Good practice method. Should be used regularly.
16+	YES	Excellent practice method. Recommended for a significant percentage of practice time.