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Youth SoccerOverview
Little children the world over enjoy learning to play soccer. Teaching the sport to six year olds can be a fun and rewarding effort. Instructing young ones on the basics of play, the rules, how to work as a team and good sportsmanship are all vital. Don't forget, however, that the primary focus should be on having fun.
Step 1
Begin your lesson play teaching "dribbling" which is moving the ball across the field with your feet. Emphasize that dribbling is not kicking the ball. If possible, give each child a ball on his own so everyone can participate at the same time. This helps alleviate boredom that can occur from having to always wait on a turn. Demonstrate proper technique yourself and keep modeling it as you work with the kids.
Step 2
Focus on ball control as the children begin to get comfortable maneuvering the ball. Practice is the key to developing this all important skill. Use drills such as having the children line up in groups of three as they "race" each other down the field while keeping the ball under control the entire way. Try to group by skill level so that nobody gets discouraged.
Step 3
Teach youth to score. Once your charges have become adept at dribbling and have some measure of control, it is time to focus on goals. Line them up several feet from the goal and let them each take a shot. Let them repeat the process while varying the angle and the distance away from the goal.
Step 4
Rotate players in the position of goalie. Work on protecting the goal once the six year olds are comfortable taking shots. Start with yourself as goalie blocking shots and then let each child have a turn.
Step 5
Teach the rules of the game while engaging in "practice" games. This will allow the children to learn as they play rather than trying to get them to remember a list of rules.
Step 6
Praise all efforts and make specific comments to children on how to improve. For example, you may compliment a child's speed while adding that she slow down just before she reaches the ball in order to gain better control.
Step 7
Keep your practices short, lively and fun. Twenty minutes is generally sufficient for this age group. Keep things moving by having a practice plan laid out before you take the field. Use games and reward incentives to maintain motivation.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Encourage children to watch soccer on television and suggest to parents that they take their children to high school games to keep the interest level up.
Hand out water and small snacks after practice. You can consult with parents on developing a rotating list for providing refreshments so this chore does not always fall with you.
Develop a team cheer and teach this to the kids. This will help develop teamwork and add to the feeling of a community effort. Make sure your group has a name and a motto such as "The Flyers" and "Fast to the Last."
- WARNING : Always keep a first aid kit on hand during practices and games as minor injuries are bound to happen.
