Recommended U-7 Coaching Objectives

Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director

When coaching players 6,7, and 8 years of age, your main role should be one of a facilitator. Emphasis needs to be placed on playing at this age. Your practices should include fun activities where each player has a ball as well as plenty of opportunity to play 3 v 3 games.

The optimal teaching system approved by WSYSA recommends that players of 6 years of age play 3 v 3. I suggest you devote the end of each practice to playing 3 v 3. It's important to focus on 3 v 3 play for 6 year olds, even though your club or association may not be playing 3 v 3 for your league games.

Objectives

• Developing a general understanding of the basic rules of the game.
• Goal Kick
• Corner Kick
• Kick Off
• Throw In
• Ball In and Out of Play
• Teach the correct method of the throw-in, encourage players to kick the ball with both right/left foot, how to dribble the ball; how to stop the ball. Show players that passing is another option to dribbling.
• Encourage the players to cooperate-examples through passing; helping in defense by running back towards the goal.

Do not expect the keeper/sweeper (supportive player) to grasp the concept of moving out on attack and defense right away.

Do not encourage the keeper/sweeper (supportive player) to come off the goal line when play is at the other end of the field to support the attack. The back player can also serve to reduce the amount of space between the goal and an opponent attempting to shoot. This provides a smaller view of the goal for the shooter. The sweeper/keeper player also serves as support on defense, which provides coverage for the team mates in front of the goal.

Do emphasize and encourage the idea of a team triangle when attacking and defending; however, if 2 v 2 plus the keeper develops in the first year of playing 3 v 3 don't worry - it's okay.

Overriding Consideration - "Let the children play and have fun!"