The paper contains a description of a yearly training program designed for 8-year olds. Quality training of the youngest footballers has a reputation for being demanding. It can be only carried out by skilled football coaches who are also well-acquainted with children’s developmental specifics. Knowing of their biological, psychological and social development as well as that of motor skills and the nervous system combined with a deepened understanding of football techniques, tactics, and physical condition helps to determine appropriate content to be presented to the young sportsmen. Optimal methodology and employment of the principles of gradation and versatility allow for the content to be successfully intertwined with the training. Only by taking all of the above into account can children’s full motor development be achieved.
The second key factor in children's upbringing and progression is the coach's personality and his preferred leadership methods. A coach needs to be aware that it is not only about football knowledge transmission, but also about positive values and attitudes that a child acquires during training. If the coach’s actions are to set a positive example, he is expected to provide all the necessary support to children in their sport and personality development.
Any quality training process requires careful planning and straightforward objectives. Planning may be yearly, monthly, weekly, or for individual training sessions. Regular analysis and monitoring the players’ progress help the coach make the necessary appropriations to the set plan. A healthy pedagogical stance and appropriate leadership ensure successful plan realization.
In the research paper, we attempt to present fields of expertise any qualified coach should be well-versed in, listed are descriptions of some children’s developmental specifics, their motor and functional skills, football techniques and tactics, motor versatility. A model of a modern-day football player is provided together with the methodology of attaining technical and tactical elements, leadership styles and an elaborate list of the coach’s tasks and responsibilities.
There is also an elaborate description of the yearly training process designed for 8-year olds, which encompasses a list of topics targeted at the U-8 age group and a corresponding curriculum. There are annual, monthly and weekly work plans as well as a detailed account of all training sessions in one season together with charts, exercise descriptions and the organisational outline.
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