Format

• 1 session per week (Practice + Game on same day)
• Practice: ~20 minutes
• Game: 3v3, four 6-minute quarters, no goalkeepers
• Ball always in play, coaches referee, kick-ins used

Coaching U4: What Matters

This age group is all about joy, movement, and positive experiences. According to U.S. Soccer Grassroots guidance, 3–4-year-olds are learning how to follow simple instructions, use their bodies with more control, and engage socially through play. At this age, confidence is a skill. Every activity should build a sense of success and fun.

Working with Parents (Off the Field)

• Introduce yourself with a smile each week
• Remind parents not to coach from the sideline — let kids play freely
• Thank them for showing up and tell them what their child did well
• Keep communication friendly and supportive — but always from the sideline. No parents should be on the field during activities.

Curriculum Overview (with Why)

Week 1: Welcome to Soccer

• Play (4 mins): Free play with a ball (no teams or structure)
  Why: Helps coaches observe confidence levels while letting kids experience the game freely.
• Activity 1 (6 mins): Red Light, Green Light
  Why: Teaches control and stopping. Builds listening skills through fun, playful movement.
• Activity 2 (6 mins): Animal Dribble
  Why: Builds body awareness, pace control, and imagination.
• Scrimmage: 3v3, 4x6-minute quarters
  Why: Ends session on a high note. Game-like play supports learning and enjoyment.

Week 2: Let’s Dribble

• Play (4 mins): Dribble freely in a box
  Why: Freedom to experiment helps develop comfort with the ball.
• Activity 1 (6 mins): Alligator Alley
  Why: Introduces changing direction and avoiding pressure in a fun, silly way.
• Activity 2 (6 mins): Cone Hunt
  Why: Develops stopping, aiming, and targeting with the ball.
• Scrimmage: 3v3, 4x6-minute quarters
  Why: Reinforces what they practiced and builds game familiarity.

Week 3: Change of Direction

• Play (4 mins): Tight dribbling space
  Why: Encourages natural turning and spacing decisions.
• Activity 1 (6 mins): Traffic Jam
  Why: Builds awareness of others while promoting problem-solving.
• Activity 2 (6 mins): Turn & Burn
  Why: Teaches turning under light pressure. Builds agility and balance.
• Scrimmage: 3v3, 4x6-minute quarters
  Why: Kids begin to experiment with direction changes in context.

Week 4: Stop and Go

• Play (4 mins): Game play warm-up
  Why: Starts session with joy and lets you assess engagement.
• Activity 1 (6 mins): Freeze Dribble
  Why: Encourages reaction time, control, and stopping ability.
• Activity 2 (6 mins): Start Your Engines
  Why: Builds anticipation and control while creating excitement.
• Scrimmage: 3v3, 4x6-minute quarters
  Why: Reinforces control in a fun way during game play.

Week 5: Kick It!

• Play (4 mins): Take turns shooting on goal
  Why: Builds confidence in ball-striking and targeting.
• Activity 1 (6 mins): Monster Stomp
  Why: Encourages kicking with power and playfulness.
• Activity 2 (6 mins): Kick the Coach
  Why: Builds confidence in striking with purpose, accuracy, and laughter.
• Activity 3 (4 mins): Goal Parade
  Why: Repetition builds consistency and joy in scoring.
• Scrimmage: 3v3, 4x6-minute quarters
  Why: Lets them apply kicking in a real game setting.

Week 6: Celebration Day

• Play (4 mins): Let them choose teams
  Why: Empowers players and encourages ownership of play.
• Activity 1 (6 mins): Favorites Replay
  Why: Builds ownership, confidence, and joy. Ends the season in a way that centers their voice.
• Activity 2 (6 mins): Coach Tag
  Why: Builds connection between child, coach, and parent.
• Scrimmage: 3v3, 4x6-minute quarters
  Why: Ends the season with smiles and a sense of pride.

Final U4 Coach Reminders

• If they’re smiling, they’re learning
• Let go of perfect drills — just keep them moving
• Be the fun energy they’ll remember
• Laugh with them — not at them
• You’re building love for the game, not just skills