1st-2nd Grade

Starting to look like Soccer

For many kids this may be their first experience on a larger field with larger goals, and a goalie on the field. At this age players will still "beehive" around the ball, but it will start looking like soccer. As with younger ages you can spend a lot of time just working on dribbling and getting kids to be comfortable with a ball at their feet. Continuing to teach foot technique and passing is essential at this age. Keep all drills and activities simple and FUN. Go into each practice with a plan, know what drills you plan to do and in what order. This age group will have a little more of an attention span than the Pre-K to K age group, but you still do not want kids waiting around as the coach figures out what to do next.

Tips

Avoid practice drills with kids standing in line. They lose focus and lose time with their foot on the ball.
Ask all the kids to face you when giving instructions.
Try to play every player at a different position.
Coaches are allowed on the field at this age (rec), but try to avoid it if possible. An adult on the field can be intimidating to a 6-year-old.
Refs- We have refs at this age. They are still KIDS learning to ref. You can help by teaching your players to respect the ref!

Rules

No hands
Throw-ins, must have both feet on the ground.
Typically 7v7 (6 field players + a goalkeeper)
Offsides- is inconsistent at this age group, try your best to help players learn this concept. See the video tutorial for an explanation of the Offsides rule.

The Field of Play (The Basics)

The field at this age group resembles a standard Soccer Field (or "Pitch" as it is often called) but is smaller in dimension.

The Six Yard Box- Is the small box enclosing the goal. This is the line where goal kicks are taken.

The Penalty Area (or Box)- is the large box enclosing the Goal and is often referred to as the 18yd box. This area indicates the limits of where the Goalkeeper can use their hands. It also indicates the area wherein if the defense commits a foul a penalty kick is awarded from the penalty spot.

The Half-way, Mid, or Center Line & Center Circle- This line marks the halfway point of the field. All restarts after goals or to begin the game or quarters/halves are taken on the center line within the center circle. The Circle marks the line the defense must remain outside of until the offensive team kicks the ball to begin play.

Positions

At this age group 7v7 is the typical format of play.

The most common formation at this age is known as the 1-3-2-1. This indicates the number of players at each layer of field positions, starting at the Goalie and moving up the field.

1- Indicates the Goalkeeper

3- Indicates 3 Defensive players (or backs), Left Back, Center Back, and Right Back.

2- Indicates the Midfield players- Left Mid & Right Mid.

1- Indicates the Striker or Forward.

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