Little Soccer Stars
Tips of coaching 3-5 yr olds
To be a coach for this age group does not require soccer skills. Bring with you a positive attitude, a
willingness to be silly (even at the expense of embarrassing yourself), and of course, patience. Our
goal is to introduce the participants to the basic concepts of soccer; dribbling, passing, kicking,
running, and scoring goals. We also want to improve their social skills and most importantly, HAVE
FUN!
At your first team meeting/practice, let the parents know a little about yourself and what they can
do to help. Parents will usually help out if asked. Remember at this age group, most of the parents
are new at this too. Here are few things to remind your parents to bring:
 We will provide enough balls for each player on the team but they can bring their own
o The little soccer stars program uses a size 3 ball
 Soccer cleats or tennis shoes
 Shin guards (please check for these at the beginning of each practice)
 Water bottle
Practices:
This is probably where you say “I don’t know anything about soccer. How can I coach these kids?”
If you know how to run, kick a ball, and have fun, you are on your way.
Practices for this age group are about improving social skills, coordination, learning the concepts of
soccer, and having fun. We will accomplish these things through games that are played that
inadvertently teach them the skills they need to play soccer.
On the first day of practice it is a good idea to do some type of name game. For example: you can
sit in a circle and have everyone tell you their name. Do it again at the second practice and then at
the end of practice “try to remember” their names by miss-naming them (don’t look serious when
you do this) and see if the other kids correct you. The kids usually enjoy this and they soon learn
each others names as well.
Rules:
On the first day of practice, set some boundaries of when they can get a drink or go see mom.
Also, make some sort of signal where they need to stop and run to you for further instructions
(whistle, clapping three times, etc). Also, ask them some questions:
 Has anyone ever played soccer before?
 Does anyone know how to play soccer?
 Do you use your hands?
 How do you score points?
 Do you throw the ball into the goal?
This will get them thinking and involved in what you are talking about. Let them know that you only
use your feet, that you kick the ball, that you dribble the ball with your feet to get it from one end of
the field to the other, and that the object of the game is to score goals. SHOW THEM HOW TO DO
THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Warm-ups:
Running sprints does not really apply to this age group. Do a little jog around the field or play tag.
Get the players to warm-up with their ball:
 Toe-tops
o Place the bottom of their foot on top of the ball and alternate feet, doing this faster
and faster
 Tick-Tock
o Place the ball between their feet and have them knock the ball back and forth
between their feet
 Run in place
 Jump up and down and act silly
 Touch their toes and reach for the sky
The idea is to get them going and get them use to “getting ready” to practice. Remember, this age
group has a short attention span. Have a back up plan in case the game/drill you have chosen is
not working.
We have placed some drills and activities on our www.teamsideline.com website. Once on the site,
scroll down along the left hand side and find coaches resources. Then select Youth Soccer.