Under-8 (U8) · Football

U8 Football Drills

Looking for U8 football drills? Every drill below is built for ages 5–8, covering first-touch, first-season fundamentals for the youngest players on the roster. Keep instructions short, demonstrate everything, and expect to repeat the setup a few times — that's normal at this age, not a sign the drill is wrong for the group.

Bag / Ladder Footwork Drill

This circuit builds quick, high-knee footwork and body control that transfers to nearly every position on the field, from offensive line pass sets to…

FootworkConditioning
8–10 minutes
Ages 8+

Mirror Drill

Mirror Drill sharpens lateral quickness and balance for defensive backs and linemen alike by having one player react to another's movement in…

FootworkAgility
5–8 minutes
Ages 8+

Ready to build a full practice? See ready-made Football practice plans for this age group, with timing worked out for you.

See Football practice plans

Common Questions

What are the best U8 football drills?

The drills on this page are selected specifically for ages 5–8 football players, covering first-touch, first-season fundamentals for the youngest players on the roster. Each one lists the age range, group size, and equipment needed so you can drop it straight into a practice plan.

How long should a football practice be for this age group?

Most U8 practices run 45–60 minutes total, with individual drills kept to 5–8 minutes to match shorter attention spans.