What is Micro Soccer?
One of the stated missions of the Mako Soccer Club is to properly teach the “Beautiful Game” (as the soccer legend Pele` refers to it) to the youngest and most impressionable of players: Our U-6 and U-8 athletes. Through the use of small-sided games, our Micro Soccer program delivers on our promise to facilitate an environment where all of our kids can have fun as they play and learn the game of soccer.
The following are the general Mako guidelines provided to the coaches of the U-6 and U-8 teams.
Our U-6 Micro Soccer program accepts players as young as four (4) years old and is played in a 3v3 format. Our U-8 Micro Soccer program is played in a 4v4 format. At this age every player should be involved wherever the action is. “Goal-Guarding” during the course of a game is frowned upon and the coach may be asked to immediately correct the situation.
Warm-up/practice should not last longer than 15 minutes. At this age, the kids want to play, play, play.
Game time instruction is kept to a minimum. At this age the only instruction that should be given during the course of play is “Spread out” and “no, no, no…Go THAT way”. Teach them how to dribble, pass and shoot; however, let them figure out when to do which. The best teacher of the game is the game itself.
Coaches and Parents are asked not to yell or scream at the players. It takes the enjoyment out of the experience and makes kids less likely to want to continue playing.
We incorporate throw-ins, corner kicks and goal kicks. Throw-ins do not have to be textbook perfect. Any reasonable attempt is sufficient.
Substitutions are made during any stoppage of play.
There is no need for a “Halftime”. The kids keep playing and the coaches can substitute freely at any “Dead Ball”.
Your children, as well as yourself should enjoy the experience. The Mako Soccer Club would like to thank you for being a part of the finest soccer club on the Treasure Coast .
View PDF of : US Youth Soccer Recommendations for U6 Soccer and U8 Soccer (Acrobat Reader Required)