SoccerRob

I can't think of any of ideas either. I would have done the same thing you have done BamaDev0. All I can think to do is keep trying the same drills over and over with. Hopefully repitition will eventually break through.

We have our next practice tonight. I plan on doing a couple of the same dribbling drills from last week and adding one or two new passing drills. I figure if I can teach them the basic skills of soccer this season and they have fun learning them then I didn't do so bad.

Talk to everyone later.

SoccerRob.

We had our first practice last night. 15 of the 18 4-5 year olds showed up. I used BamaDev0's advice and made the drills games. I also tried to learn their names a best as I could so they felt more comfortable. Our practices are 45 minutes and I was able to play three games with breaks in between each. We played freeway which is having them pretend the ball is a car and they "drive" it around the field making car noises. We then played "Body Ball" which has the kids dribble the ball around until I blow the whistle and yell out a body part (head, ear, leg, arm, hand, etc) and they are supposed to put that body part on the ball. I did this will several body parts. They liked both of these games a lot. The one game that was a failure was "Monster Ball". I had the dribble around and I was a monster who tried to catch them. If I caught them they would become a monster also. The main problem was when I would get near one of them they would run off leaving the ball. I was hoping this game would help with evasive dribbling but it didn't work out as planned. The other small problem was a couple kids got scared when I came close. Needless to say I ended that game pretty quick. Overall practice was fun. I had fun and feel a little more comfortable. I think as long as they have fun it will be a success.

I hope things go as well for you TYCLAYHOPE. jice36 and BamaDev0 have some great wisdom. I plan on coming back here quite a bit during the season looking for more advise.

Thanks!

Rob.

Hello TYCLAYHOPE,

I wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I am coaching 18 4-5 year olds for the exact same reason. My daughter wouldn't have a team if I didn't volunteer. My first practice is tonight. I can't believe how nervous a bunch of 4-5 year olds have made me

I plan on taking BamaDev0 advise. Sounds great! Thanks!

Will post tomorrow to let everyone know how it goes.

Rob.