How to Coach U6 Soccer
U6 Soccer (youth soccer for kids ages 6 and 7) most often is not a competitive exercise. Many U6 soccer leagues are little more than pee wee leagues that allow young kids to go outside, get some fresh air and play with their friends. Because of this, coaching U6 soccer is not particularly taxing so long as you like children.
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Instructions
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Coaching U6 Soccer
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Arrive at the practice field early, and set up the cones (and nets if necessary) before the players arrive. This way you can begin practice right away.
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Teach the rules. Before you ever take your team to the playing field, make sure that they know the rules of the game. Children don't have to know every single detail of every single rule, but a general overview is key to ensure that the kids know how the game is played, especially if they are first-timers.
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Emphasize the basics of the game. Have your team take part in basic drills, such as passing and receiving the ball. Use these basic drills to iron out any confusion regarding the rulebook and to break bad habits (such as the instinct to block a ball with the hands).
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Keep practice fun. Kids can get distracted very quickly if they are not constantly engaged or otherwise having fun. You can do this by turning practice drills into games, like turning receiving and passing drills into a game of "Keep Your Yard Clean" or, later on, "Tug-of-War".
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Make sure everybody plays during games. At the end of the day, this is U6 soccer and these kids want nothing more than to have fun with their friends. There is no reason to spoil that in a non-competitive environment.
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Be loose. If you have had a long day or you aren't feeling well, use your time with the kids to unwind, relax and have fun. Kids are perceptive and will notice if you are in a foul mood, and this can carry over to them as well.
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Tips & Warnings
If you aren't somebody who isn't known to improvise, write a schedule for what you intend to do each practice. Once you've met those goals, you can use the free time for simple, mindless fun with the kids.
Soccer is still a contact sport, and injuries can happen. Keep a first aid kit and emergency numbers with you at each practice and game.
