Rec Coaches Corner
Below is the basic breakdown for each grade. If you scroll lower on this page, you will find some practice ideas for your teams along with rules for each grade.
A few general notes to our parent coaches:
- Practice
- 30 minutes - team development.
-
30 minutes - scrimmaging against the other team sharing the same field.
- Saturdays :
- Are only games. Usually, most teams will do some warmups for a few minutes and then get started.
- It is important to not go past your hour block.
- Coaches are in charge of the time clock, breaks, etc. for 2nd grade and under.
- 3rd grade teams and older will have a referee that will run the games.
- Are only games. Usually, most teams will do some warmups for a few minutes and then get started.
Grades K-2 - uses a size 3 ball. The MSC has ball bags with a ball for every player on your team. If you are short or one won’t stay inflated, let one of the rec committee members know at rec@mandansoccer.com.
Grades 3-6th - uses a size 4 ball. The MSC will only provide a few soccer balls for each team, so it is expected that the players bring their own to practice.
Are you new to soccer and need a quick reference guide? The following document has a great overview of soccer terms, team positions, objective of the game, kickoff, and referee information.
Rec Rules (by Grade)
ADDITIONAL COACH IDEAS: SOCCER PLANS, ACTIVITIES, ETC.
Free Intro to Grassroots Coaching
Coaches who complete the module will be provided with four Play-Practice-Play training sessions. The module will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
| Grade | Game Size | Ball Size | Game Length | Sideline restart | Endline restart | Development Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 3v3 | 3 | 4 x 10 minutes (2 min breaks) | Kick-in | Corner or Goal Kick | Dribbling, Team Camaraderie |
| 1st Grade | 4v4 | 3 | 4 x 12 minutes (2 min breaks) | Throw-in | Corner or Goal Kick | Dribbling, moving to space |
| 2nd Grade | 4v4 | 3 | 4 x 12 minutes (2 min breaks) | Throw-in | Corner or Goal Kick | Moving to space, working together |
| 3rd Grade | 7v7 | 4 | 2 x 25 minute halves (5 min break) | Throw-in | Corner or Goal Kick | Building an attack, Changing point of attack |
| 4th Grade | 9v9 | 4 | 2 x 25 minute halves (5 min break) | Throw-in | Corner or Goal Kick | Positional awareness, retaining possession |
| 5th/6th Grade | 9v9 | 4 | 2 x 25 minute halves (5 min break) | Throw-in | Corner or Goal Kick | Sustaining an attack, finishing |