Coaching u6 Soccer

Coaching U6 soccer is quite simple but the method of delivery is the art. Be creative and confident. 4-5 y/o vary in maturity, exposure, and interest. They don't need know why they do as long as they are doing it. Repetition in physical movement is king but the creative aspect of play needs to change to keep their focus and attention.

Coaching u6 soccer milestones

Dribbling - Children this age should be able to comprehend the overall game and be able to comfortably dribble with inside feet. They should be touching the ball at least 60 times within 15-25 minutes when practicing. They should be able to answer these two key questions.

What controls the ball in soccer? Answer-THE BODY

First step in soccer to everything is? Answer - CONTROL

You can introduce the simple turn of cut-in. What does the work? Body!

Second turn to introduce is walk over turn. This turn forces them to maneuver their body over the ball. This sets a great foundation for whats to come in technical development.

Defending- At this age they should be able to grasp that taking the ball away from the other team is part of the rules. they should be able to understand to take the ball away they need to get in front of them (first step of defending) also called getting goal side. In coaching U6 soccer you will fin that you are repeating a lot of what you do and that is a good thing. Kids at this age want to know what going to happen and they love to be able to do it! So give the, the opportunity to do so by repetition of activities or movements at every training.

Match Play- they can tell you how many teams,goals, and balls soccer is played with. Understand they don't chase or take a ball away from their team. Although, Bunch ball is typical in  u6 soccer they are able to play real soccer and enjoy it. Make sure your field dimensions allow for an environment of success and development. To big of a field allows little development of turns and touches. Too little of a field does not allow an environment of success to achieve a goal.

EXTRA- passing is introduced and understood but only few really grasp and use passing as a tool during real soccer. Small sided games gets them ready and already teaches them to create space. In coaching U6 soccer small sided games are imperative.

Learning how to play soccer needs to be imaginative, FUN, and still technical... a good practice is a perfect balance between the three.