In-House U4 Lil Kicker Training Guide
At this young age, our main goal is to create a joyful, safe, and engaging environment where children can begin to explore movement and the soccer ball with the loving support of their parents. This guide is designed to help you run fun, simple, and interactive sessions that focus on building comfort with the ball, developing basic motor skills, and fostering positive parent-child connections.
Remember, every child learns at their own pace, and the emphasis is always on encouragement, play, and smiles — not competition or perfection. Your positive energy and patience will make all the difference in sparking a lifelong love of the game. Use this guide as a flexible roadmap, adapting to the needs and moods of your little players and their families.
Week 1 & 2
Week 1 — Theme: “Welcome to Ballville!”
Meet your Ballville Buddy — the soccer ball!
Warm-Up: Ballville Freeze Dance
Parents and kids dance around with their balls. When music stops (or coach claps), everyone freezes and gently stops their ball.
Coaching Points:
- Move safely with your ball.
- Freeze and control the ball quickly.
Activity 1: Ballville Roll & Tap
Parents and kids sit or kneel facing each other. Parent rolls the ball gently to the child. Child taps or rolls it back using hands or feet. Repeat and have fun saying “Hello, Ballville Buddy!”
- Parents and kids sit or kneel facing each other. Parent rolls the ball gently to the child. Child taps or rolls it back using hands or feet. Repeat and have fun saying “Hello, Ballville Buddy!”
Activity 2: Follow the Ballville Leader
Dribble slowly around cones holding hands.
Coaching Points:
- Tap ball softly.
- Keep ball close.
- Smile and look up.
Week 2 — Theme: “Stop and Go Safari!”
Warm-Up: Animal Walks
Parents and kids walk like different animals (hop like a frog, stomp like an elephant) around the field.
Coaching Points:
- Use big movements safely.
- Have fun exploring.
Activity 1: Red Light, Green Light with Ball
Dribble on “Green,” freeze on “Red.”
Coaching Points:
- Soft ball control.
- Enjoy stopping and going.
Activity 2: Balloon Kick Safari
Kick or tap balloons softly back and forth.
Coaching Points:
- Gentle kicks.
- Watch the balloon.
Week 3 & 4
Week 3 — Theme: “Kick and Catch Circus!”
Warm-Up: Clown March
March around the field with knees high and arms swinging, holding the ball.
Coaching Points:
- Big steps and smiles.
- Move carefully.
Activity 1: Kick to Parent
Kick ball softly to parent; parent rolls back.
Coaching Points:
- Use inside foot.
- Keep balance.
Activity 2: Freeze Tag with Ball
Kick ball to move; freeze on “Freeze!”
Coaching Points:
- Control ball while moving.
- Take turns and share.
Week 4 — Theme: “Weave Through the Forest!”
Warm-Up: Tree Stretch
Reach up tall like a tree, then bend down low like a bush, gently stretching.
Coaching Points:
- Stretch safely.
- Follow parents’ lead.
Activity 1: Cone Weaving
Dribble gently through cones holding parent’s hand.
Coaching Points:
- Soft inside foot taps.
- Go slow and steady.
Activity 2: Ball Roll Races
Roll ball side by side to cone and back.
Coaching Points:
- Roll, don’t kick.
- Cheer each other.
Week 5 & 6
Week 5 — Theme: “Stop the Ball on the Ice!”
Warm-Up: Ice Skater Slides
Slide feet side to side like ice skaters, pretending to balance on ice.
Coaching Points:
- Stay balanced.
- Move gently.
Activity 1: Stop the Ball
Kick or roll ball forward, then stop it with foot sole.
Coaching Points:
- Trap ball softly.
- Praise all tries.
Activity 2: Chase the Ball
Roll ball gently; child chases and stops it.
Coaching Points:
- Run and have fun.
- Celebrate success.
Week 6 — Theme: “Roll and Return Rocket Ships!”
Warm-Up: Rocket Countdown
Parents and kids count down from 5 and “blast off,” running slowly in place holding ball.
Coaching Points:
- Listen and follow.
- Have fun counting.
Activity 1: Roll and Catch
Roll ball back and forth with partner.
Coaching Points:
- Use inside foot.
- Be patient and smile.
Activity 2: Kick and Return
Kick gently back and forth with partner.
Coaching Points:
- Soft kicks and balance.
- Make eye contact.
Week 7 & 8
Week 7 — Theme: “Obstacle Adventure Trail!”
Warm-Up: Adventure March
March high knees over “logs” (lines or cones), wiggle under “branches” (arms).
Coaching Points:
- Watch your steps.
- Follow the trail safely.
Activity 1: Dribble and Go Around
Dribble ball through obstacles with parent’s help.
Coaching Points:
- Slow and steady.
- Celebrate each obstacle.
Activity 2: Ball Toss and Catch
Toss ball gently; child catches or stops it.
Coaching Points:
- Track the ball.
- Try without fear.
Week 8 — Theme: “Big Game Celebration Day!”
Warm-Up: Victory Dance
Dance around with balls, showing your best moves and big smiles!
Coaching Points:
- Enjoy moving safely.
- Celebrate together.
Activity 1: Parent & Me Dribble Around
Dribble balls slowly around field, holding hands if desired.
Coaching Points:
- Keep ball close.
- Have fun together.
Activity 2: Mini Game: Kick to Goal
Take turns kicking or rolling balls into small goals. Cheer and help.
Coaching Points:
- Celebrate all efforts.
- Focus on fun and teamwork.
Post Season
Player Success Criteria
Players should be able to master the following skills by the end of their U6 year. NOTE: There are two seasons (Fall/Spring) to each Age Group Year.
Enjoyment and Engagement
Does the child show interest and happiness during practices? Are they eager to participate with their parent and peers?
Comfort with the Ball
Can the child comfortably touch, roll, or tap the ball with feet or hands? Are they curious and willing to explore the ball?
Basic Movement Skills
Can the child walk, run, and change direction safely while moving with or without the ball? Do they respond to simple instructions?
Following Directions
Does the child listen and follow simple coach or parent instructions during activities and games?
Parent-Child Interaction
Does the child engage cooperatively with their parent during drills and play? Do they respond well to encouragement?
Social Skills and Sharing
Is the child comfortable playing near other children? Do they share equipment or take turns during group activities?