The Coaches' Room
5v5U9Coach Development

Should U8s ever watch clips of their own matches?

Asked by OliviaP
728 views 4 replies
Our games are recorded sometimes and the coach mentioned showing the children one or two clips at training. I can see how it might help, but I also worry eight-year-olds will just focus on who made the mistake. Has anyone used video well at this age?

VERIFIED COACH ANSWER

VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

UEFA C Coach

Introduction to Talent Identification

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Yes, but I would be very selective. At U8 I would never sit the group through a long match analysis. One or two clips can be useful if they show something the players can recognise easily: great support, a brave recovery, a moment where three players found space. I would start with positive or neutral learning clips rather than “here is the mistake that caused the goal”. Ask the children what they notice before giving them the answer. You may be surprised by what they see. I’d also keep clips short and avoid repeatedly showing one child in a negative moment. At this age video should create curiosity, not make players feel they are being reviewed. The best use is helping them connect a picture from the match with something you are about to practise. If the clip does not make the next football experience clearer, I probably would not show it.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the conversation with other coaches. 4 replies

L

LiamC

Community Member

If the coach has to explain the clip for five minutes, it is probably too complicated for the purpose.
M

MattT

Community Member

Twenty seconds can be enough. Show the picture, ask what they notice, then get on the grass and recreate it.
T

TeaAndToast

Community Member

One clip, one question, one practice. Anything more and it starts feeling like Monday Night Football.
B

BecksM84

Community Member

I would be fine with one or two positive clips. I would not want eight-year-olds sitting through a mistake reel.