"How do I teach them to "get it in the net"?

[cinlee3]

Okay, I finally got my roster of five 4 year-olds. I think their name is the Little Jags or Lady Jags (they are all zoned to the same elementary school which is the Jaguars). Their colors are Teal and Black.

Now what? I went to a coach's clinic last night to get my "G" license and got some ideas.

Do any of you soccer coach's have any practice ideas for 4 year olds? My DD is so excited, she kept telling me I am such a special mommy because I am her coach - She is so proud of me. I am a nervous wreck.

P.S. My other idea for a name was Swarm - you know how they all swarm around the ball at that age like flies on you know what.:rolleyes:

[Indyman]

Congratulations on being a coach. 4 year olds are so much fun, you'll have a blast. Don't even try to teach them to get it in the net. The only instruction you should give them during games is which direction to go. Make practices as fun and active as possible. Play lots of different kinds of games. Check out some good ideas here. (http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~dgraham/manual/) Click on the section marked 'Very Young Children' on the menu on the left.

[debster812]

Cinlee,

My boss likes to call the little ones Squall-ballers, or Like Seagulls on a French Fry!

My 5YO just finished up an instructional clinic and they did lots of 'games' that taught streching, dribbling, and NO HANDS!!!! I will see what he remembers and get you a list.

Also, I am 'not' coaching this season, but I have spent about 4 hours so far with our town co-ordinator helping her set up teams.

Good Luck!!

Debbie

[cinlee3]

Indyman - Thank you so much for the link. This is exactly what I spent all morning on the internet looking for. What a great resource.

Debster812 - Thanks for the reply and if you can get your son to remember his favorite games, that would be great. I like the term "Squall-ballers" never heard that one before;)