September 15th Practice

The team had a great first practice today.  I was very surprised how well the kids did.  It is my first time coaching 4 year olds, and they were ready to listen and learn how to play.  One of the first games we played was "Coach says".  This game is a simple version of "Simon Says".  We do this game to practice attention spans, learning as a group, and as a great way to get a group of kids to do some simple excersises.

We also were able to do some running drills.  It was great to see the kids line up and wait for instructions before they ran the drills.  We did a slalom drill, this is great because they never did this kind of drill before, and they had to learn, and then do the drill.  We also did a race backwards, great for balance and footwork.  And finally we did a long lap race around the far goal, a great way to build endurance, and the kids love to be able to just run around and be kids.  They wore me slam out, and I was not the one doing the running!

Next came the kicking drills.  The kids were just dying to kick the balls by now.  For the first drill we did was stand in line (and yes, they did great and all waited for their turns, while paying attention to what the coaches were saying)  and we practiced on hitting the ball with the inside of the foot versus the toe kick.  The kids had a little trouble with this technique, not with kicking the ball in the goal, but with the power of the shot.  All of them did well though.  After this we all got into a large circle and kicked one ball across the circle, and then added another ball when they got the hang of it.  We do this drill to teach the kids to be aggresive towards the ball, and not be afraid of a group of kids.   After this, the kids were dying to show me how they did a "Mega-Kick", so we went back to the goal and let them get a running start at the ball before they kicked it.  They really thought this was fun, so thats why we did it.

I was really amazed at how well the kids were able to focus and learn.  I was prepared for a lot of repeating myself, and whistle blowing to get their attention.  We practiced "Taking a knee", this is where the kids gather around the coaches, and listen.  They did this very well.  As you notice in this picture, the kids all listened closely, and then did all the drills we asked them to do in one or two trys.  Great kids, and I expect them to learn alot this year.

Ok, I am a coach, but I am a dad too.  This picture is here just so Liam can be in a picture.  He was just standing in the goal box looking cool, so mom got a picture of him.  We had a great practice, and the kids did well.  They were really happy when they got their shirts, and could not wait for snacks at the end.  Looking foward to this Saturday, and hoping that we do not get rained out for the hurricane.  See you guys this weekend, Coach Mike.