U6 Player Development
Typically, a U6 player that starts at age 4 will have 4 seasons of play before he/she moves up to U8’s. Our goal is to develop their basic skills, so they are prepared to move up to the next level.
Key Objectives for the U6 Program ·
1. Have fun (players, coaches, and parents) ·
2. Get players as many touches on the ball as possible ·
3. Introduce basic skills ·
4. Individual and pairs activities
Dribbling -The most important skill for beginners is dribbling. The ability to dribble the soccer ball is absolutely critical for youth players in the U6 age groups as it is the foundation for all the other basic skills of soccer such as receiving, passing and shooting. When a player is comfortable with the ball at his or her feet, the game becomes easier and more fun.
It takes many years to be a confident dribbler and the process takes a lot of trial and error on the part of the young player. In the beginning, there will be a lot more failed attempts at dribbling than successes in both practices and games but be assured that with each attempt to dribble the ball, the player is figuring out what works and what doesn’t work. As coaches and parents, we need to be patient with the young players as they learn how to dribble. There will be many times, especially during games, when we will have the urge to yell “kick it” or “boot it” to the player, but we should refrain from this as it will likely send the wrong message and discourage him or her from learning this very important skill and using it in a game-like environment.
Technical focus at U6 level should be an introduction to all the fundamentals of soccer skills with a specific focus on dribbling.
1. Field Play - Technical Skills: ·
2. Dribble with all sides of both feet (inside, outside, sole) ·
3. Dribble out of trouble ·
4. Dribble past someone ·
5. Changes of direction and turns ·
6. Introduction to shielding – Players should develop proper technique to shield the balls from
opponents ·
7. Introduction to shooting with both feet (with inside of foot and laces) ·
8. Introduction to passing with inside and outside of both feet
We also need to encourage players in this age group to take risks and be creative in their dribbling. Ronaldinho and Mia Hamm weren’t able to pull off their great moves when they were six or eight years old – but they might have been thinking of those moves at that age!!
Fun - The most important aspect of psychological development for young players in the U6 age group is for them to have fun. As a coach, you should strive to create an environment where the players, parents and you, the coach, are all having fun. Young players are constantly seeking adult approval. As such, positive coaching is critical for this age group. In addition, positive coaching can help build the young player’s confidence, which is a very important in their psychological development.
EXTRA - For some experienced U6 players, they could start recognizing the fact that they are part of a team, and they begin to associate themselves with their team. This is a great opportunity to start teaching young players about the value of teamwork and what it means to be part of a team (i.e. trusting your teammates, not criticizing them, etc.).
Taken from: KIDS-PLAY-SOCCER.com