Ages 4-5

 The main object of coaching the youngest league is to teach the very basics-kicking the ball with their feet and not picking the ball up with their hands. One of the hardest parts of coaching the kids is trying to keep them from bunching up to get the ball or trying to keep one child from taking the ball while a pack follows far behind. Simply put, it may not happen!

Coaches will be allowed to walk along the inside of the sidelines on the field and within the field with the players during the games to guide them, if needed. Please don't hesitate to be encourage the kids verbally-reminding them to use their feet to kick the ball and showing them which way to run toward the goal.

Kids who kick or hit another player will be given a "time out" for three minutes. Please take a moment to gently explain the violation.

Please remember above all to have fun with the kids and don't be afraid to jump right in with them to have that fun!

The basic goals you are attempting to achieve with this age group are:

• Learning to kick the ball without using hands
• Learning to run toward the correct goal post with verbal guidance
• Learning to listen to the coach and/or referee
• Learning to work with opponents and teammates without pushing or kicking. (Good sportsmanship!)
• Learning to stay with teammates and coach when waiting on the bench to play instead of staying with family -Kids must stay with the coach!
• Learning to pass to a teammate with verbal guidance

Week

Goal

Teaching Tool

Game/Drill

1

Learn how to Warm up

Learn to Kick the ball

1) Talk about the importance of  warming up.

2) Show the kids how to kick the ball with their feet. Have them hold their hands crossed over their chest if needed to remind them not to use their hands.

Perform basic stretches

Have the kids race from one goal post to the other.

Play kick the cone. Place cones in front of the goal box. Have the kids take 4-5 steps back and take turns kicking the ball toward the goal posts to see if they can knock over a cone.

Place the kids in two lines facing each other. Give them one ball to kick back and forth to the children in the line in front of them.

2

Go over warm-ups

Learn to kick toward/into the goal

Learn where to line up during the game. (basic positioning)

1) Show the kids where the goals are. Tell them that the idea to the game is to get the ball through the goal posts.

The kids will not understand positions. Instead show them where they stand in 2-3 lines behind the line. Show them which direction they will run on the field and tell them you will be there to point them toward the correct goal and in the right direction during the games.

Perform basic stretches

Have the kids race from one goal post to the other.

Place a ball in front of the goal, have the kids practice kicking the ball between the posts.

Place several balls four steps in front of the goal posts. Take the kids to the opposite end of the field and let them race down to kick the balls between the posts.

Place several balls four steps in front of the goal posts. Take the kids to the middle of the field and let them race down to kick the balls between the posts.

3

Go over warm-ups

Learn Dribbling

Practice Kicking

1) Show the kids how to properly tap the ball with the inside of their feet, moving it forward.

Perform basic stretches

Have the kids race from one goal post to the other.

Give each kid a ball and have them gently tap the ball with the inside of their feet for five or six steps. Also do this from one goal post to the other.

Place the players in random formations and have them dribble without touching other players.  When you call out a body part (inside of foot, outside of foot, heel, toes.) the players must stop the ball with that body part.

4

Go over warm-ups.

Learn basic sportsmanship and the importance of being in a team.

Introduction to passing

1) Make sure the kids understand they cannot hit, shove or kick another player even if they are mad at them.

2) Show the kids how to properly gently kick the ball with their foot to another player

Perform basic stretches

Have the kids race from one goal post to the other.

Divide the children into two groups. Have each group hold hands so they are forming a wall. Toss a ball down the middle and have the kids try to keep the ball moving without letting go of hands.  They must all work together to keep the ball moving.

Place the kids in two lines facing each other. Give them one ball to kick back and forth to the children in the line in front of them.

The lessons are divided into four weeks. Each week, children will be introduced to a new goal. It is not imperative that they accomplish the goals to move on, only that they follow the principles and have a basic understanding of them through the games and exercises. There is no need to spend more than 2-3 minutes talking about the goals to the kids. They will learn them over time and by playing the games. In other words, we want the kids to learn by having fun!

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