U4-U6 (Micro Stage)

Soccer at these ages should be discouraged in any form other than as a fun activity for kids that happens to include a soccer ball. Attendance should be optional.  Creating a joyful environment is mandatory.

Games:
3 v. 3
No GK
Field 30x20

Restarts: When ball goes out of bounds, the game is restarted with a kick-in or dribble-in.  No throw-ins.

Ball Size: 3

GENERAL THOUGHTS

            The training goals for our U4-U6 players are pretty simple.  First, we want to give them a positive experience with the game of soccer.  They need to have fun at every practice and every game, and we hope that this enjoyment will start to build a lifelong passion for our wonderful game.  Secondly, we want our young players at this age to be exposed to the ball as much as possible.  They need to see the ball almost as a toy, one that they love to play with whenever possible.  We will give them exposure to basic ball control, and some introductions to dribbling.  That’s really it.  No team tactics, no set plays, not even specific attention to passing and shooting—that will all come in due time. 

The best way to address these needs of our U4-U6 players is through the games approach.  All of the material in this coaching manual is based on the US Soccer Federation National Youth License.  These methods have been proven to be the best introduction to our sport for young players.  There are no drills, no running laps, and no activities where players are standing in lines for large periods of time.  The key concept in this games approach to coaching is that the game itself is the best teacher.  The role of the coach is to be a facilitator, and the most important thing to keep in mind is not to over-coach the players!!  Players come to practice to play soccer, not to stand in line, run laps, or hear an adult talk.

As you will see, fun and ball contact are central to all activities presented in this manual.  We are confident that if you use it to plan your season, the players will get a lot out of the season.    

Qualities of a Great Coach

            Coaches need to have enthusiasm, patience, good humor, and a willingness to see the world through a child’s eyes.  It will also be beneficial for a coach to speak their language, and accept that the children’s play will not look at all like soccer. 

Organization of a Session

When planning a practice session for U4-U6 players, there is a definite progression that should be adhered to for each practice.  Practices should last no longer than 45 minutes, once a week.  Here are the items that should be included in a training session for U4-U6 players:

 1)      Warm-Up/Body Movement Education Exercises (6-10 Minutes)

Children at this age do not yet fully understand all that their bodies are capable of.  It is important that we aid in this development by giving our players the chance to realize the movements that they are able to perform.  The best way to do this is through various tag type games.  In addition, these games are fun, and get the sessions going on the right track.

2)      Individual and Small Group Activities (25-30 Minutes)

This is the time where our players begin to increase their level of comfort on the ball.  We need to give them lots of opportunity to contact the ball, and begin to get a feel for it.  The goal is that they can begin to master the ball instead the ball mastering them.  Basic ball control and attention to the aspects of dribbling are important at this age.  Avoid having the players wait in long lines.  Play games of inclusion, instead of games where the “loser sits out”.

3)      “The Game” (20-30 Minutes)

The biggest portion of a session needs to be unrestricted 3v3 games, or basic variations of 3v3.  The approximate size of a 3v3 grid is 30 yards by 20 yards.  The key is to encourage our players to solve the problems of the game for themselves.  Let the players play, and try to keep specific coaching to a minimum.  To be honest, their developing soccer brains are probably not yet capable of comprehending anything but the most basic coaching suggestions.

Game Day Responsibilities

            First and foremost, it must be understood that winning is not the most important goal of our teams at this age.  Remember, our club is about total player development.  The things that allow younger teams to win a lot of games (booting the ball long from the back to a big fast kid up front) do not best serve our young players’ development.  For that reason, we need to encourage our players to work on the things that you address in practice (good control on the ball, creative dribbling).  That must become our measure of success, not simply winning.

Soccer, unlike many sports, is truly a game that belongs to the players.  Again, players must be encouraged to make their own decisions on the field.  As coaches, we cannot allow ourselves to constantly yell instructions to our players.  That will only turn them into soccer robots, incapable of reading the game. 

In addition, we must take our responsibility as adult role models seriously.  We need to refrain from yelling at the referees and constantly questioning their calls (U7&up).  We cannot allow ourselves to get into confrontations with other coaches, and we need to encourage our parents to keep their composure.  Remember, all of our actions ultimately reflect on our club and our community.  Our kids are watching.  Let’s strive to create a positive, fun environment where the kids thrive and enjoy the experience.