Southdale Mini Indoor Soccer Coach Information - Guidelines

Objective: To get children moving and keep them active.

Session:

First 15 minutes: general exercise/warm up/games/practice, followed by quick water break

Last 30 minutes: scrimmage (45 minute program)

Practice:

Technical requirements are not about teaching the techniques of soccer – and instead about fun and imaginative games that include: running with the ball, stopping and changing direction with the ball, dribbling, kicking and shooting.

It must be fun!

There should be an emphasis on fundamental movement skills (running, hopping, jumping, skipping, tumbling.)

Use basic ball familiarization games (rolling, bouncing, kicking, catching.)

Be creative and play games that engage the children (ex. What time is it Mr. Wolf, Monkey in the Middle, Room Cleaners).

Change sessions frequently. Use frequent praise and enthusiasm.

Scrimmage:

4 on 4 format, no goalie or you can play with Goalie (Team Choice)

A coach from each team will run with the play to guide players. Another coach or helper will keep time and call for substitutions.

Players will be substituted every 2-4 minutes, depending on age and ability of players

Parents should be encouraged to remain on the sidelines and not on the field/floor unless circumstances come up where they are needed.

Rules at this age group are to be applied VERY loosely. Kids are encouraged to learn to run and kick the ball. If rule infractions occur, play is to continue and players can be educated to the rule (ie. hand ball.)

Kick-ins will occur if the ball goes out of bounds (use leniency.)

Kick offs will occur at centre field only at the start of the game. After line changes, play will resume where the ball was when the whistle was blown – drop ball for the team that had possession. When a goal is scored, the scoring team must back up to centre field and allow the other team to carry it back out.

It is recommended to attempt to line up equally skilled lines together and against each other for maximum participation.

NO score will be kept.

Equipment:

Balls will be size 3. Balls, practice cones, nets and team jerseys will be provided.

Shin guards are mandatory – indoor running shoes

Players should not wear any jewellery.