Use a soccer field diagram that acts as a timetable in teaching the kids various positions and soccer formations thus resulting in a effective planning and performance. It’s better to make the young kids between 4 to 6 years in age play in small sided soccer like a 3 v 3 or a 4 v 4 without any goalies.
Then move to a 5 v 5 including a goalkeeper as the kids mature. There are several benefits. They enjoy the game much more; get maximum contacts with the ball, and are able to learn the models of the game in a better way.
At this young age, the kids are getting to learn just the control and passing of the ball. You can also start teaching them formations and positions. It is a good time to designate players as forwards and defenders. You should also ensure that they get to their positions as much as possible.
At some point in time, the number of players will increase along with the size of the field. Creating formations then would become a tad complicated. However, you must still allot the players different positions and make sure that they are honestly working on playing from those positions.
Once you’ve selected the formations, talk about these with your players. Make it clear to the players the idea behind designating a particular player for a given position from among many of them. This is where the soccer field diagram helps the most. The kids get to learn fast by looking at visual demonstrations. There would also be some players who learn by reading the printed content or by watching you perform drills on the field.
There are a few rules and soccer tactics that are a part of every soccer position, like defenders, midfielders, and forwards. These directives make a 2-2-2 formation in a 7 v 7 game possible. These guidelines are general in nature and you must modify them a little to suit your style, plan, and approach.
As an example, you may decide on 3 midfielders instead of 2. You may require your center midfielder to react aggressively on offence or you may prefer that he marks the other teams best midfielder on defense. You may wish your wing defenders to take all throw-ins. There can be a lot of differences.
Other than the diagram, you should attempt to write down your thoughts. This gives the players something to read time and again which ultimately helps them in understanding things better. The parents can also go through these and appreciate your objectives and plans for the team and players.
In order to teach soccer positions, make it a point to make an extensive use of field diagrams in whatever you do. This can help you save on a lot of time and energy required to explain formations and is therefore a great mechanism.
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