4 to 6 Year Olds

From US Lacrosse: Lacrosse Athlete Development Model

Coaching 4-6 Year Old Athletes

KEY OBJECTIVES FOR SUCCESS

• Focus - Where we spend most of our time: Fundamental Movement Skills
• Goals - What we are trying to achieve: To develop basic movement skills--body management, locomotor and object control skills that build ability, confidence and desire to play lacrosse. Getting as many touches with the ball as possible.
• Player Centered Environment - What it should look like: Fun, constant active engagement, relaxed, inclusive, positive with frequent changes of activity. Predictable routines. Games that build basic movement skills in the context of lacrosse. Lots of praise and reinforcement from coaches and parents.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

• Athletic Development: Running, jumping, hopping, twisting, turning, stopping, starting, static balance, catching a ball with two hands
• Technical (Skills) Development: Introducing running with the ball, scooping, throwing. Exposure to all skills. Experimentation and terminology
• Tactical (Strategy) Development: Experimentation with body, stick and ball in a defined space containing "special" areas (ie goal). Stopping, starting, and changing pace. Running to open space.
• Psychological Development - working to support athletes in these areas: Trying new challenges. Effort. Following simple instructions
• Social-Behavioral Development--know that at this age they are: Learning to share. Learning to say Thank You. Enjoying friends. The center of their worlds. Parents are central for praise and approval; need balance and variety of new and familiar activities in short doses.

PRACTICE

• Practice to Competition & Competition Specific Training Ratio: In-house instructional (embedded in activity sessions)
• Primary Objective of Practice: To develop physical literacy and basic movement skills in the context of lacrosse. Achieved through stations, games and activities; 1:1 ball to player ratio. Include self-directed play.
• Max Recommended Ratio (player : coach): 8:1
• Length of Sessions: 30-45 minutes
• Frequency: 1x a week, 8-10 weeks
• Multi-Sport Participation-Sport and physical activity diversification-Other sports and activities: Physical activity every day. Lacrosse can be one of those activities; Gymnastics and movement education highly recommended.