CHARACTERISTICS OF U - 6 PLAYERS

• Short attention span.
• Can attend to only one problem at a time.
• May understand simple rules that are explained briefly and demonstrated.
• May or may not understand or remember: what lines mean on the field/ gym; what team they are on; what goal they are going for. We need to be patient and laugh with them as they get 'lost' on the field.
• Need generous praise and to play without pressure.
• Constantly in motion, but, with no sense of pace. They will chase something until they drop. They are easily fatigued but recover rapidly.
• Development for boys and girls are quite similar.
• Physical coordination limited. Eye - hand and eye - foot coordination is not developed. Need to explore qualities of a rolling ball.
• Love to run, jump, roll, hop, etc..
• Catching or throwing skills not developed.
• Can balance on one foot.

INVOLVING THE PARENTS

It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. Not only are they a major resource for your team, but the U-6 player still views their parents as the most significant people in their lives. A meeting should be held with the parents at the first practice so that objectives and team policies can be addressed.

Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

• A means of contacting everyone without one person doing all of the calling. (Phone chains/ emails)
• Choosing a team parent-someone to handle details; including snacks.
• Discuss the laws of the game.
• Practice and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time.
• What each player should bring to practice: ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards (Cleats are not mandatory for outdoor.)
• Most importantly, your philosophy about coaching U-6 players. Let them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer.
• What your expectations for them is during game time. How do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines?
• Above all, try to enjoy yourself. If you do they probably will too.

THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

As coaches of these younger players there are things that we know that we can expect during practice and games. If we know what to expect, we will be more effective in dealing with the hundreds of situations that come up. This will help us relax, and, in turn, allow us to enjoy the unpredictable nature of working with these children even more. Here are some of the things that we can expect.

• Most players cry immediately when something is hurt. Some cry even when something is not hurt.
• No matter how loud we shout, or how much we "practice" it, they cannot or will not pass the ball.
• Somebody will come off the field in need of a toilet. Somebody will stay on the field in need of a toilet.
• Twenty seconds after the start of a game, every player will be within 5 yards of the ball.
• Several players will slap at the ball with their hands, or pick it up. Several parents will yell at them not to do that.
• During a season, you will end up tying at least 40 - 50 shoe laces.
• They will do something that is absolutely hysterical. Make sure that you laugh!
• Each practice session should be geared around touching the ball as many times as possible. Involve the ball in as many activities as possible. Basic movements such as running, skipping, hopping, etc. need to be emphasized. If these can be done while kicking, catching, rolling, or dribbling a ball... all the better!
• Practice should not last for more than one hour. This is primarily due to physical fatigue and attention span considerations. Train once a week. Any more than this may lead to their and your burnout.
• Have as many different kinds of activities ready as you can get into one hour. Emphasis needs to be placed on what is FUN!.
• Team play and passing is an alien concept to these players. They know that if they pass the ball, they may never get it back. In fact, they often will steal it from their own teammates. Do not get uptight if they do not pass, let them dribble to their heart's content.