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re: First time soccer coach, please help (4-6 year olds)
Posted on 1/26/17 at 5:24 pm to WaveForLSU
Posted on 1/26/17 at 5:24 pm to WaveForLSU
Make sure to only accept players who's mom is single and hot. That way you can focus on them and not their annoying kids.
0
Posted on 1/26/17 at 5:57 pm to terd ferguson
quote:
I have experience here so lemme tell ya how it's gonna work...
If you have 15 kids on your team then 14 of them aren't going to give a shite about soccer. You're going to have to force them to even play in a game. They all want to play before the game starts... then none of them want to stay in.
And you'll have 1 kid who is the ringer. He will have the ball 99% of the time and score all of the goals. You'll think to yourself "man, I wish I had 4 more of him on this team".
And that is how you coach little kid soccer.
There is hilarity in this, but don't overlook it. He summarized the next several weeks perfectly.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 6:00 pm to WaveForLSU
Herding cats...have fun my friend!
Posted on 1/26/17 at 6:00 pm to dgnx6
quote:
At that age the kids will be just starting out so it will be a herd running after the ball. I have no coaching experience, but I started playing at that age.
I would read some books or watch videos if you are serious about it. Like others have pointed out, do drills that can be deemed as fun.
Also learn the rules for that age group at whatever club so you can teach that on the way. Like idk if they call offsides at age 4 but maybe at 6 they do.
I coached when it was still Lafreniere, at u-6 we played 3 on 3, on two fields, so two games of 3 on 3 on Saturday morning. At practice, twice-a-week, I always had a ball at my feet and I did the drills with them. That seemed to work, for my kids.
At u-8 we went up to 4 on 4 games, and at the end of the year, added goalkeepers for the final tournament.
Offside was never called, and I don't know what level they taught it. After u-8, they phased out rec. ball, and you had to join either player development or select, and the prices went way up.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 6:11 pm to Displaced
quote:
Put the fat kid in the goal. Tell the other kids to try and hit him. They should enjoy that
U6 doesn't have keepers.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 6:27 pm to WaveForLSU
I am coaching U5 team.
I watched a bunch of YouTube videos to get ideas. I have had two practices so far and have surprisingly been able to keep their attention. if you want to email me I can help you out. Wildturkeyisgood@gmail.com
I watched a bunch of YouTube videos to get ideas. I have had two practices so far and have surprisingly been able to keep their attention. if you want to email me I can help you out. Wildturkeyisgood@gmail.com
Posted on 1/26/17 at 6:35 pm to WaveForLSU
Here's a thread from the soccer board about drills for this age group. The main thing is keep it fun for the kids. Also, figure out the rules for the league you are in. Some leagues do throw ins, some only do kick ins at that age.
Also, kids that age can and do learn positions. What I mean is it doesn't have to be a big mass of kids going after the ball. The kids can understand that defensive players stay back, and that offensive forwards go forward. The league I coach in uses 6 players on the field (that includes the goalie), and I used 3 forwards and 2 defenders. At that age, it's really about the kids having fun and learning the game. I would make sure every kid plays every position throughout the season. Here's that link:
Drills for 5-6 year olds
ETA - Here's a sample practice I posted in that thread for my U-6 team.
1. Free Play - 5 minutes
This just lets the kids run around, dribble, shoot, or just have fun for the first 5 minutes while you wait for the entire team to arrive. I do this because it seems a kid or 2 is always running a few minutes behind.
2. Rules/Stretching - 5 to 10 minutes
I go over basic rules with the kids getting to answer the questions as to what is allowed/not allowed. They love yelling out potential rules (no punching, biting, etc.; you will laugh at what they come up with).
Then I do basic stretching just to warm them up. Something like:
- toe touches/reach for the sky (sometimes fast, sometimes slow)
- jumping jacks (5-10 quick ones, I ask them how many they want to do)
- dance crazy
- toe taps
- make circles with one foot on the ball; then switch to other foot (I call this petting the dog, they get to name their ball anything they want)
- dribble around soccer island then come back to the middle (I'll explain soccer island next)
3. Skills/Drills - 20 minutes
- Soccer island with fun house - set up a big area in a circular or odd shape with cones. The kids have to dribble around anywhere inside the island. The fun house is a square area made out of cones, and when I blow the whistle, each kid has to shoot the ball into the goal and then run there. They can act crazy in the fun house and wait for further instruction. I like to add different things such as only dribbling with left foot, or only dribbling with right foot. Advanced skills could be using the bottoms of their feet to roll the ball forward or backwards. If I say, "I'm open" to a kid, he/she has to pass the ball to me and then tell me they're open before I pass back to them. You can change up the skills each practice.
- Jake and the Pirates - this is a play on sharks and minnows. The pirates are in the middle and are the sharks. Jake and his friends are the minnows and have to dribble to the other side of the field where there are cones set up. The players have to pass/shoot their ball at the cone and knock it over. I put disks under each cone, and this is their treasure. Keep playing until only one pirate is left.
- Hit the coach with the ball - all inside soccer island, the kids try to hit me with the ball. If they hit me, they get to tell me what kind of animal I have to impersonate. I act like that animal for about 15 seconds then they try again.
4. Game play - 10 minutes
This is a quick 4 v 4 scrimmage to simulate a game.
5. Team circle - 5 minutes
Closing remarks and team chant.
Also, kids that age can and do learn positions. What I mean is it doesn't have to be a big mass of kids going after the ball. The kids can understand that defensive players stay back, and that offensive forwards go forward. The league I coach in uses 6 players on the field (that includes the goalie), and I used 3 forwards and 2 defenders. At that age, it's really about the kids having fun and learning the game. I would make sure every kid plays every position throughout the season. Here's that link:
Drills for 5-6 year olds
ETA - Here's a sample practice I posted in that thread for my U-6 team.
1. Free Play - 5 minutes
This just lets the kids run around, dribble, shoot, or just have fun for the first 5 minutes while you wait for the entire team to arrive. I do this because it seems a kid or 2 is always running a few minutes behind.
2. Rules/Stretching - 5 to 10 minutes
I go over basic rules with the kids getting to answer the questions as to what is allowed/not allowed. They love yelling out potential rules (no punching, biting, etc.; you will laugh at what they come up with).
Then I do basic stretching just to warm them up. Something like:
- toe touches/reach for the sky (sometimes fast, sometimes slow)
- jumping jacks (5-10 quick ones, I ask them how many they want to do)
- dance crazy
- toe taps
- make circles with one foot on the ball; then switch to other foot (I call this petting the dog, they get to name their ball anything they want)
- dribble around soccer island then come back to the middle (I'll explain soccer island next)
3. Skills/Drills - 20 minutes
- Soccer island with fun house - set up a big area in a circular or odd shape with cones. The kids have to dribble around anywhere inside the island. The fun house is a square area made out of cones, and when I blow the whistle, each kid has to shoot the ball into the goal and then run there. They can act crazy in the fun house and wait for further instruction. I like to add different things such as only dribbling with left foot, or only dribbling with right foot. Advanced skills could be using the bottoms of their feet to roll the ball forward or backwards. If I say, "I'm open" to a kid, he/she has to pass the ball to me and then tell me they're open before I pass back to them. You can change up the skills each practice.
- Jake and the Pirates - this is a play on sharks and minnows. The pirates are in the middle and are the sharks. Jake and his friends are the minnows and have to dribble to the other side of the field where there are cones set up. The players have to pass/shoot their ball at the cone and knock it over. I put disks under each cone, and this is their treasure. Keep playing until only one pirate is left.
- Hit the coach with the ball - all inside soccer island, the kids try to hit me with the ball. If they hit me, they get to tell me what kind of animal I have to impersonate. I act like that animal for about 15 seconds then they try again.
4. Game play - 10 minutes
This is a quick 4 v 4 scrimmage to simulate a game.
5. Team circle - 5 minutes
Closing remarks and team chant.
This post was edited on 1/26/17 at 6:46 pm
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:25 pm to AFtigerFan
This is all good stuff! Really appreciate it. Hoping to have a really fun team - that also kicks arse. Hoping to have more 6 year olds than 4 year olds- that is my first strategy. Going to teach my twins some secret moves and use their telepathy to make them passing and scoring machines. But everyone will have fair time and I will make my primary goal to make it fun for everyone. But NO juice boxes unless we get a win. Lol.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:27 pm to AFtigerFan
Another good tip I'd like to add:
Switch up the treats you give the kids. I like to give my kids a mini protein shake with creatine once a week. Just some milk, scoop of ice cream for the kiddos, 1/2 scoop whey protein and 1/4 tsp creatine for each kid.
Kids love it and builds them into machines!
Switch up the treats you give the kids. I like to give my kids a mini protein shake with creatine once a week. Just some milk, scoop of ice cream for the kiddos, 1/2 scoop whey protein and 1/4 tsp creatine for each kid.
Kids love it and builds them into machines!
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:46 pm to WaveForLSU
I coached my son at this age, which was 10 years ago now.
As for what you should teach them, there's not a lot they can really do other than learn to not use their hands and kick the ball with the side of their foot instead of straight on with their toe. Besides that I'd focus on things like teamwork, good sportsmanship, and doing their best. I'd keep practices fun, short, and keep them busy.
AS for games, not sure how it is now but both team's coaches would be out on the field with the kids. Basically you and the other coach are there to make sure if and when a kid falls down, the other kids stop before they kid on the ground takes a kick to the head. That's basically it. At this age they lack the coordination to pass the ball or really even kick it more than a few feet.
I'd also recommend having a set snack schedule for each game and before each game I'd make sure whomever's turn it was for that game, they had things covered. The last thing you want after a game is a bunch of 4-6 yr olds without a snack.
Also, at the first practice I'd have a talk with your parents to make sure everyone knows this sport is for the kids to (1) have fun (2) learn fundamentals of the game and (3) learn about teamwork and sportsmanship. Make sure they understand you did not list winning there because they're years away from when winning matters.
Good luck!
As for what you should teach them, there's not a lot they can really do other than learn to not use their hands and kick the ball with the side of their foot instead of straight on with their toe. Besides that I'd focus on things like teamwork, good sportsmanship, and doing their best. I'd keep practices fun, short, and keep them busy.
AS for games, not sure how it is now but both team's coaches would be out on the field with the kids. Basically you and the other coach are there to make sure if and when a kid falls down, the other kids stop before they kid on the ground takes a kick to the head. That's basically it. At this age they lack the coordination to pass the ball or really even kick it more than a few feet.
I'd also recommend having a set snack schedule for each game and before each game I'd make sure whomever's turn it was for that game, they had things covered. The last thing you want after a game is a bunch of 4-6 yr olds without a snack.
Also, at the first practice I'd have a talk with your parents to make sure everyone knows this sport is for the kids to (1) have fun (2) learn fundamentals of the game and (3) learn about teamwork and sportsmanship. Make sure they understand you did not list winning there because they're years away from when winning matters.
Good luck!
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:52 pm to WaveForLSU
Whatever you do, don't have them shoot on goal. Just have them keep balls at their feet to get as many touches on the ball as possible. Towards the end of practice, do fun drills like the animal game.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 7:53 pm to WaveForLSU
quote:
(4-6 year olds)
quote:
soccer
Schedule a 45 min practice, give them each a ball, show them where the net is and let them dribble from mid field into the net....
at that age they dont use goalies and there isnt much defense....
Show them how to score and build confidence....keep them busy and occupied the entire time
quote:
I have absolutely zero soccer experience or knowledge whatsoever (they must have been really desperate).
neither do the kids and neither do the parents.
Bring an ice chest with a 6pack to drink on the way home
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:05 pm to tgrbaitn08
quote:
Schedule a 45 min practice, give them each a ball, show them where the net is and let them dribble from mid field into the net....
at that age they dont use goalies and there isnt much defense....
Yeah, please don't do what this poster said. The kids can and do learn skills. Also, look up the rules for your league. They may use goalies and they may not. A last piece of advice is try to avoid any drills/games that have your kids standing around or standing in line.
The important thing at this age is to play different games that teach them the skills. There's a lot of information available online, and the AYSO website is a good reference. They have U-6 drills listed on their site, and each one says which skills they are trying to teach. I'd look through these and see which ones you want to use.
You'll quickly learn which games work best for your players, and which games they love/hate. Be flexible, but have a game plan for your practices. If you'd like a copy of my practice schedules, let me know and I can email them to you.
Here's the link to the AYSO U6 Training Games:
AYSO U6 Training Games
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:05 pm to AFtigerFan
'Cruit you some Mexican baws
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:09 pm to WaveForLSU
Teach passing for the love of God. Their future coaches will appreciate it and they'll be better players.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:10 pm to AFtigerFan
You dumb frick, they're 4 and 5 years old. All they wanna do it wear a uniform and kick the ball in the goal.
My kid is 13, he's been playing since he was 4. Keep it simple while they are young. Let them have fun.
My kid is 13, he's been playing since he was 4. Keep it simple while they are young. Let them have fun.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:13 pm to tgrbaitn08
quote:
You dumb frick, they're 4 and 5 years old. All they wanna do it wear a uniform and kick the ball in the goal.
Ok internet tough guy. Your kid is 13. I've been coaching U-6 soccer for 10 years now. If you truly believe what you are typing, you are out of touch with what these kids are capable of doing, and what they want to do.
Those U-6 drills I linked are simple, but they each teach the kids skills that are appropriate for their age.
Oh, and go frick yourself.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:18 pm to AFtigerFan
quote:
I've been coaching U-6 soccer for 10 years now.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:21 pm to tgrbaitn08
What can I say, I love coaching. I've coached everywhere that I've been stationed, and now I coach at my daughter's school. I have a blast doing it, and I think it's a good way to volunteer some time.
Posted on 1/26/17 at 8:29 pm to WaveForLSU
US Soccer F License and the NSCAA youth modules are the way to go.
Go to NSCAA.com then click on Education
Go to NSCAA.com then click on Education
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