U5/6 game modifications
The U6 game has evolved quite a bit from 20 years ago when we played them 11 v 11 with goalkeepers and positions because it was "like the real game." Today, we play a game that the players can understand, develop skills and enjoy playing the game because it is more appropriately scaled to their understanding of the world. In addition to the national federation rules regarding U6 games, we have added some modifications to improve the player experience and increase our likelihood of achieving our player development goals.
Use a size 3 ball.
Sometimes, kids come to practices and games with larger ball sizes (4 or 5). Check that out and see that you have a size 3.
We play 4 v 4
Having fewer players on the field decreases the complexity of the game. There are no GK's at this age group either, so as a coach, all you have to do is manage how long each player plays before taking a break.
Plan the game matchups with the other coach before the game.
We want to challenge each child as appropriately as possible in each game. That means have the best players play against the best players for at least 1 quarter of each game. Try to mix the less-experienced players with the more-experienced in other quarters. If you have enough girls, try to play part of the time with girls vs. girls. Work with the other coach to make the game as competitive as possible for as many players as possible.
The game is 40 minutes long, 10 minute quarters and a 5 minute half.
We do not supply referees for U6, so the coaches have to split the duty. ONLY ONE of you needs to be on the field at one time to handle the referee duties. Your job as referee is to keep the game flowing and give clear instructions as to what is going to happen next. You don't need to give any tactical information except as it aids the flow of the game. For example, many players don't know what to do on a corner kick. Please help them with this, but be as unobtrusive as possible. Normally, each coach referees for one half.
The game time is fluid, if it is a hot day, or one team doesn't have many players, you can shorten the half or take a break at the quarter instead of the half. If you do take extra breaks, keep them short. Young children don't need long breaks, they recover very quickly.
Remember that there are games after your game, so please make every effort to start on time and finish in an hour (or slightly less).
There are no positions in U6
4 players play. Get them on the right side of the field and then let them play. The emphasis is on them reacting to the ball and trying to do something with it. They will not hold a position and they won't understand why they must stay in one place while all the other kids get to run around and play.
There are no throw-ins in U6.
When the ball goes out of play on the sidelines or end lines (goal kick or corner kick), set the ball in the right spot, bring one player over and ask the child if s/he wants to dribble it in or kick it in. Once the player has decided, encourage him/her to get it in play right away.
You should NOT tell the player to pass it to a teammate. Give that player the freedom to choose. Because our focus is on dribbling in this age group, as often as possible encourage that choice.
Keep the game flowing
The ball will be out of play OFTEN. Your goal is to keep the game flowing by restarting quickly from either an out of bounds or a goal. Get the kids in the right place, set the ball and instruct the player to decide quickly what to do next. You should be able to restart within 15 seconds or less if you are doing it right.
Players play AT LEAST 50% of the time.
Never keep a kid who wants to play out for any reason. Even if you have 8 players show up, make sure each kid gets 50% playing time.
If the other team is short players, loan them 1 or 2 as appropriate. The kids don't care which team they are on and would rather play than sit.
Your team parent handles the snack schedule, not you.
Please have them bring a reasonable, healthy snack and don't over do it. Possibly oranges at halftime, but water is fine. A single snack and a drink after the game is perfect.
The home team wears red, visitors blue.
Even if you are sure, please have your parents bring BOTH jerseys, just in case. If the child or team is wearing the wrong color shirt, just put one team in vests and the other team without vests. Again, the kids don't care.
There are no standings or scores kept during U6 games.
You don't have to report the scores of the game to anyone and the only time I need to hear from you is when there is a game that is non-competitive and the other coach didn't do anything to make it more competitive.
You are not the show.
Don't draw attention to yourself. Let the players play. Trying to help them by telling them what to do goes against our player development philosophy. There are two things you can tell a player: "find the ball" and "go to the ball." You don't have to tell the players anything else. Try to avoid the following instructions: "Turn around", "Shoot", "Pass the ball."
Give the players a weekly goal and see how they are progressing during the game. To use a school analogy, the game is the test and you are the teacher. Analyze the game to see how well the players are learning what you did in practice. If they aren't learning, how are you going to change your practices to be more effective?
Finally, Do you want help?
Use a size 3 ball.
Sometimes, kids come to practices and games with larger ball sizes (4 or 5). Check that out and see that you have a size 3.
We play 4 v 4
Having fewer players on the field decreases the complexity of the game. There are no GK's at this age group either, so as a coach, all you have to do is manage how long each player plays before taking a break.
Plan the game matchups with the other coach before the game.
We want to challenge each child as appropriately as possible in each game. That means have the best players play against the best players for at least 1 quarter of each game. Try to mix the less-experienced players with the more-experienced in other quarters. If you have enough girls, try to play part of the time with girls vs. girls. Work with the other coach to make the game as competitive as possible for as many players as possible.
The game is 40 minutes long, 10 minute quarters and a 5 minute half.
We do not supply referees for U6, so the coaches have to split the duty. ONLY ONE of you needs to be on the field at one time to handle the referee duties. Your job as referee is to keep the game flowing and give clear instructions as to what is going to happen next. You don't need to give any tactical information except as it aids the flow of the game. For example, many players don't know what to do on a corner kick. Please help them with this, but be as unobtrusive as possible. Normally, each coach referees for one half.
The game time is fluid, if it is a hot day, or one team doesn't have many players, you can shorten the half or take a break at the quarter instead of the half. If you do take extra breaks, keep them short. Young children don't need long breaks, they recover very quickly.
Remember that there are games after your game, so please make every effort to start on time and finish in an hour (or slightly less).
There are no positions in U6
4 players play. Get them on the right side of the field and then let them play. The emphasis is on them reacting to the ball and trying to do something with it. They will not hold a position and they won't understand why they must stay in one place while all the other kids get to run around and play.
There are no throw-ins in U6.
When the ball goes out of play on the sidelines or end lines (goal kick or corner kick), set the ball in the right spot, bring one player over and ask the child if s/he wants to dribble it in or kick it in. Once the player has decided, encourage him/her to get it in play right away.
You should NOT tell the player to pass it to a teammate. Give that player the freedom to choose. Because our focus is on dribbling in this age group, as often as possible encourage that choice.
Keep the game flowing
The ball will be out of play OFTEN. Your goal is to keep the game flowing by restarting quickly from either an out of bounds or a goal. Get the kids in the right place, set the ball and instruct the player to decide quickly what to do next. You should be able to restart within 15 seconds or less if you are doing it right.
Players play AT LEAST 50% of the time.
Never keep a kid who wants to play out for any reason. Even if you have 8 players show up, make sure each kid gets 50% playing time.
If the other team is short players, loan them 1 or 2 as appropriate. The kids don't care which team they are on and would rather play than sit.
Your team parent handles the snack schedule, not you.
Please have them bring a reasonable, healthy snack and don't over do it. Possibly oranges at halftime, but water is fine. A single snack and a drink after the game is perfect.
The home team wears red, visitors blue.
Even if you are sure, please have your parents bring BOTH jerseys, just in case. If the child or team is wearing the wrong color shirt, just put one team in vests and the other team without vests. Again, the kids don't care.
There are no standings or scores kept during U6 games.
You don't have to report the scores of the game to anyone and the only time I need to hear from you is when there is a game that is non-competitive and the other coach didn't do anything to make it more competitive.
You are not the show.
Don't draw attention to yourself. Let the players play. Trying to help them by telling them what to do goes against our player development philosophy. There are two things you can tell a player: "find the ball" and "go to the ball." You don't have to tell the players anything else. Try to avoid the following instructions: "Turn around", "Shoot", "Pass the ball."
Give the players a weekly goal and see how they are progressing during the game. To use a school analogy, the game is the test and you are the teacher. Analyze the game to see how well the players are learning what you did in practice. If they aren't learning, how are you going to change your practices to be more effective?
Finally, Do you want help?
- Come out to my Monday 5:30 practice on field 7. You can bring your team or just your child. I will be running practice for any U6 team or player who shows up. You will get some good ideas on what to do and what skills to focus on.
- email me jmurnan@csaimpact.com I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Remember that you pay my salary. Use me as a resource.
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