Mission:

This KPSC U5 age group (Cubs Division) will change its instructional format to a ‘Master Coach’ configuration.  This configuration change is designed to provide the best possible introduction to soccer for our youngest players.  The new program will incorporate a ‘Master Coach’ who will introduce games/activities that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration.  The new program would run for the same season schedule that we are currently using.   The goals of the program are to allow the players to enjoy the activities and to let the game be the teacher.

The skills/tasks for a particular week will first be explained to the individual team supervisors before the weekly activity with the team players.  The team supervisors will then work with the team players to accomplish the weekly activities.  The Master Coach is in charge at the field.  He/she will introduce and demonstrate each game/activity, then during the practice phase he/she will circulate to help the adult supervisors as they help the kids, providing all with a positive learning experience.

Session Structure:

The Cub Division will revise their scheduling format. In place of the original 12:00, 1:15, and 2:30 sessions, there will be one general session each Sunday. It will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the "adult supervisors" and any of the "assistant adult supervisors" being instructed by the "master coach".   Each weekly session would consist of 3 parts.  The first portion would consist of the instruction from the Master Coach to the adult supervisors and field logistics.  This activity would be accomplished before the arrival of the players.  This should take from 15 - 30 minutes each week. The players will arrive at 11:30PM.  The second portion would include the players and the adult supervisors working together on the weekly activities.  The Master Coach and his/her assistant(s) would circulate between the teams helping out when and where necessary.  This session should take 30 minutes with a water break at 15 minutes.  The third portion will start at 12:00PM and is the game time.  The game will be broken up into 2 - 12.5 minutes halves with a 5 minutes water break at half time.  The team supervisors should only be required to keep the game going.  All other parents should be encouraged to cheer positively and refrain from ‘coaching’ (giving directions) from the sideline.  This should take 30 minutes.

Session Content:

Athletes will be involved in activities developed to allow maximum ball touches.  The development of gross motor skill will be enhanced through activities including running, jumping, kicking, and throwing.  Skills emphasized will include dribbling using/ identifying various parts of the feet.  Basic passing skills will be taught and utilized in training sessions.  Ultimately, athletes will develop the confidence and skills necessary to successfully and confidently navigate with a soccer ball at their feet.

The sessions will be held on Sundays and coincide with the scheduled playing dates of the other in-house divisions of the KPSC.

Team Size and Configuration:

Ideally there will be between 5 & 8 players per team.  Mixed boys and girls.  Every player will wear the standard KPSC intramural reversible uniform. All players are required to wear shinguards covered by socks to participate in both the training and game portions.  Soccer shoes, tennis shoes or similar type of athletic shoes are recommended.  Games are played with 3 players from each team on the field (3 v 3) and no goalkeepers.  Substitutions are made so that all players receive an equal amount of playing time.

Field:

The recommended field size is 40 x 60 feet marked with lines cones or corner pins.  It is estimated that we will need 3 club volunteers to help with field logistics on Sunday mornings.  The home team coach as listed on the schedule will be responsible for inspecting the field layout.

Goals:

Goals will be supplied by the KPSC.

Ball:

A size 3 ball is used in practice and the game.

The Start Of Play:

To start the first and second halves, and following each goal, play is restarted with a kick-off in the center of the field.  A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half.  Following a goal, the team scored upon kicks off.

The Kick Off:

The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least 5 yards from the ball.  Do not insist the opponent be a minimum of precisely 5 yards from the ball as this is just a guide to give the kicker room to kick the ball without it immediately hitting an opponent.  The intent is to let the players play and not interfere for technicalities.

Ball In And Out Of Play:

The ball is out of play when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line) either on the ground or in the air.  The adult supervisors or the referee will determine when the ball is out of play and should guide the restart with as little interference as possible.

Method of Scoring:

A goal is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal.  Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone.  Goals are not recorded to determine who wins as everyone is a winner.

Fouls and Other Stoppages:  

Deliberate fouling is rare in the Cubs age group.  Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur.  There should be few, if any additional reasons to stop play.  If a

player is “not playing well with others”, or if play must be stopped for any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing plane or bird), refocus the players and begin again with a free kick or as may be appropriate a dropped ball.  Award the free kick to whichever team deserves it.

Free Kick:

Play may have to be stopped occasionally to “sort things out”.  When this is necessary, correct the situation then restart with a free kick for the deserving team.  The opposing team should be at least 5 yards away from the ball...  All free kicks are direct free kicks. 

Throw-in:

Throw-in will be introduced in week 5 instruction.  When the ball goes out of play across the touch line or the goal line without a goal being scored, a throw-in is awarded at the point it crossed the line.  The throw-in is awarded to the team that didn’t touch the ball last.  If the throw-in is not taken properly, let it go, teach proper technique later.  Let the players play with a minimum of interruption.  Keep the game moving and fun.