4v4 Play Format Lesson Plans

4v4_play_format

A new series of training sessions has been uploaded to assist the novice coach with this age group. Feel free to click on the week and download them. These training sessions follow the Play-Practice-Play format.

2020 Fall, (thanks to our friends at Massachusetts YSA)

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 11

2018 Fall

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 11

In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important for us to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching.

Characteristics of the Under 6 Player
Focused on themselves – reality to them is based on what they see and feel Unable to see the world from another’s perspective Everything is in the here and now Cooling systems are less efficient - need frequent water breaks Enjoy playing, not watching. Every player should have a ball in practice Limited attention span - keep directions concise and to the point Effort is performance – if they try hard, they are doing well Active imaginations – utilize their imagination in activities, and they will love practice! Look for adult approval – be encouraging when they say “Coach, look what I can do!” Unable to think abstractly – spatial relationships are a mystery Typically have 2 speeds -- extremely fast and stopped Usually unaware of game scores – keep it that way

Characteristics of the Under 8 Player
Enjoy playing in pairs Are now able to take another’s perspective. Still unable to think abstractly – be patient. Cooling system still less efficient than adults – still make sure to give frequent water breaks. Still prefer playing to watching – keep everyone active during practice. Limited attention span Have an understanding of time and sequence – “if I do this, then that happens”. Some now have a third or fourth speed in addition to stopped and as fast as possible. Very aware of adult reactions – be very aware of your reactions. Seek out adult approval and need reassurance – be supportive. Begin to become aware of peer perception – a social order is beginning to develop. Wide range of abilities between children at this age Beginning to develop motor memories Some become more competitive Less active imaginations than U6 players

Education

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