"The game is always the best teacher," Len Oliver, DC Stoddert’s Director of Coaching, advised nearly two dozen U6 to U10 coaches gathered at Jelleff clubhouse Friday evening, March 5, for the first of his two spring USSF  ’F’ Coaching Courses. But children learn different skills at different ages. Five-year-olds typically stampede for the goal and shoot. Seven-year-olds can control the ball enough to pass or dribble around opponents. All play to have fun. What’s a coach to do? Can practices be made enjoyable and effective?

 Photo (below): Len Oliver, right, explaining purpose of game to F Course coaches.

The answer came the next afternoon, as a plucky group of youngsters ranging in age from two to eight spent two hours running and playing games on Maret field under Coach Oliver’s careful instruction.

Photo: Players develop sense of ball by dropping one

Lining up five-year-olds on opposite "goal lines" and having them dash for each other’s side reinforces the notion of charging for a goal, while having them propel the ball with their elbows or heads introduces the concept of dribbling. Freeze tag can reinforce foot skills; the littlest players migh stop and sit on their ball upon coach’s command, while older players might learn to turn their bodies by tagging opponents’ belly buttons. Sharks and minnows, Red Rover and other classic children’s games can all be modified to teach skills and tactics. The hands-down favorite game: "Junkyard Dog," where one dribbler is pursued by the whole pack of players.

The games were so engaging that few players complained of tiredness, though they had torn around the field for a solid hour. Hmmm. Perhaps there’s a lesson here for parents hoping to motivate their little players to pitch in around the house or other real-life game!

The next ’F’ Coaching Course for U6 to U8 coaches and new U5 coaches is April 13 & 14. Sign up today!  

--photos and article by participant Mary Lord

posted March 8, 2010