It is always convenient for soccer coaches when children hit the U6 – U7 age bracket. That is when they start to understand soccer a little bit more and when their bodies can handle quite some serious drills. This is incredibly helpful to coaches who manage small children.
Firstly, it is essential to remember that each player is an individual who will develop in different ways from the next. Being different than other peers means that they will mostly try to adapt. However, children can’t differentiate good from bad, which is why most of them think that “if I show my worth, they will accept me”. The only outcome of such “logic” is selfishness.
Expect the dribbler to keep the ball to himself
Right! Every coach should expect more than 80% of his players to be selfish, delivering fewer passes than anticipated. This can come as an advantage and even helpful because you may find some masters of the art of soccer, incredible dribblers with great technique. But you may also find the ONE; who won’t pass the football, who will compromise victory or even the whole atmosphere in the club.
There are different characteristics of players in u-7 selections. They are often hyperactive, thrilled and with lots of energy. Coaches can motivate them without a hitch, and the authority at hand will keep them under control. The indicated is something a coach should use to his advantage by playing fun, soccer related games.
Yet, players of this age are often quite sensitive and need constant encouragement that will boost their morale. Soccer coaches must remember to ask lots of simple questions to see if drill instructions are understood and clear to kids. And if somebody answers the question correct, the coach should praise him/her.
The majority of soccer drills for U6 – U7 players are based on dribbling
The reason is simple:
Many coaches make the same mistake; teaching children too early how to pass the ball. Though it is an important component in soccer, with children it is just like playing with a double-edged sword: the coach might get them to learn how to pass well and to do it often, but they will soon feel very bored by such kind of drills (which might disrupt team harmony).
A soccer coach must take into account drills that will have players with a ball ‘each’ for long periods of time. This way, the complete layout of training sessions will avoid a boring and dull intensity. Additionally, children will develop through having more touches on the ball with dribbling-oriented drills.
No coach should overdo it with teamwork. Children are hardly up to tasks of such importance, which will make them feel frustrated if they don’t succeed in doing it the right way. Let them enjoy their playing time and give them all the freedom you think they need.
Every successful team is based on confident, talented players. This can be achieved by coaching drills that mostly focus on dribbling and simple skill work.