Question Number: 29027

Law 18 - Common Sense 12/3/2014

RE: rec Under 6

Emilie Frei of Colorado Springs, CO United States asks...

Is it wrong to teach defenders that they can use their opponent's eyes as a tell about where they are going to pass the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Emile,
Hmmm if it isn't it probably should be at age 5 !
Holy eye exam Batman, its just the flight of the bumblebees at u-6, leave the tactical explanations for later!
Hips are the best indicators of direction but a furtive glance might indicate something just give it some time before introducing these concepts into the FUN GAME of 5 year olds chasing down the ball.
Cheers

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Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Emile
Pro team struggle to do this so no chance at underage.
The underage game is about fun and play. The best advice is to spend time on the basic skills of control, dribbling, passing, heading. The rest will come later

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Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

Emilie,

Let the kids play! At the age of 5 and 6 all they want to do is kick the ball as far as they can in any direction. There are no real tactics. Your time would be better spent teaching them simple mechanics.

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