U6 Curriculum

U6 CURRICULUM

Coaching Emphasis-Individual Play and Fun: Coaches of U5 and U6 children should ensure that their players enjoy their soccer experience and are eager to come back. In addition, they should help the children to be ball oriented (i.e. active in moving towards the ball at all times, etc.) and assist them to become competent playing 1v1. NO LINES, NO LAPS and NO LECTURES.

Game Format: 3v3 (3 field players). NO GOALKEEPERS.

Roster Size: Maximum of 6 (or the NASC will specify according to player availability).

Soccer Knowledge: Not using hands (during the game), in & out of play, direction of attack.

Team positions: *NONE* Shape can be addressed, i.e., "Magic triangle". The kids can be set up in a triangle to start the game and at other natural breaks in the game (Kick-offs, goal-kicks, etc.). During the game, children must be allowed to run around freely. ***UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, SHOULD CHILDREN BE MADE TO STAND IN POSITION, STAND ON A LINE, TO STAND BACK OR STAY IN A CERTAIN AREA, ETC. ***

Technical Emphasis: The following techniques should be covered indirectly through the use of developmentally appropriate GAMES and FOOT SKILLS:

1. Running with the ball.

2. Charging direction while running with the ball.

3. Kicking the ball (with multiple surfaces).

Tactical Emphasis: Players should be aware of the direction they are attacking. In addition, coaches should develop players to be ball-oriented (i.e. always moving towards the ball, always wanting to be involved in the action, etc.).

Practice/Game Schedule: Two days per week 45-min. to 1-hr. First day practice. Second day 10/15 minutes review, 1/2 hour game (NASC will Specify day & time).

Recommended Activities: One player-one ball activities (Tag games with/without the ball, target kicking games, maze races [no dribbling around cones set-up in a straight line!!!], etc). 1v1 games and small-sided scrimmages.

Player Equipment: Size 3 ball, athletic shoes, appropriate clothing, shin guards and high socks over the shin guards.