Remember your players are 4-6 years old – this may sound silly, but you would be surprised as to how many coaches come into this thinking they have to teach everything in their first season. The best way to coach these age groups is to create practices that include a lot of fun activities/ games. By doing this they will learn without even realizing it, find more enjoyment in the game, and your job as a coach will become much easier! Also keep in mind that when coaching this age group their thought processes do not normally allow for passing, sharing, and team play, so try to work mainly on individual ball skills rather than team based activities.

Here are some basic principles to remember:

• The game is the best teacher
• Focus on individual ball skills
• Keep all the players moving as much as possible
• Try not to include activities with lines
• Encourage players to demonstrate to one another
• Create a positive learning environment
  • Demonstrate what you are looking for
  • Use quick and simple explanations for activities
  • Support players with positive corrections and feedback
  • Continuously encourage everyone to do their best

   

  Rules & Lesson Plans:

  Pre-K and Kindergarten Rules

  US Youth Soccer Website Lesson Plans

  PreK/K Lesson Plans

  Soccer Coach Weekly Practice Plans: Pre-K and Kindergarten

  Soccer Drive Practice Plans

  Additional K-3 Lesson Plan Ideas

  Useful Links:

  I volunteered to Coach, now what do I do?

  US Youth Soccer Director of Coaching Sam Snow’s Help Manual for Volunteer Coaches

  US Soccer - Laws of the Game Made Easy

  Soccer Coaching for Dummies

  Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool