Kicking Is Not Soccer (KINS), the Under 6 Recreational Program

“Having Fun and Experiencing Personal Success”

KINS stands for "Kicking Is Not Soccer." It is a program for players U-6. In Georgia soccer, these are the youngest, introductory ages of the Recreational Program.

The Recreational Program is essentially the players’ first experience with the game of soccer. It is this experience that can either hook the players for life, or turn them away. Players will continue playing soccer if they are having fun and are experiencing personal success. Hence, the Recreational Program’s main philosophy is to create a fun-filled, active environment in which the players can improve and succeed.

The KINS Program’s main objective is to promote and emphasize the skill of dribbling at the U6 age group and discourage the aimless booting of the ball that is all too prevalent at these young ages. When young players are conditioned to just kick the ball forward as far as possible, their skill development is stunted, making it harder for them to reach their true potential. Dribbling is the foundation and preparation for all the other fundamental skills of soccer, such as controlling, passing, and shooting. Laying the proper dribbling foundation at the youngest years will enhance the players’ ability to improve all soccer skills. No matter what level the players will end up playing, recreational or select, they will derive increased pleasure from the game if they can control the ball better and become more adept at manipulating it. The spectators will also enjoy the game more if they can watch players who exhibit skill and creativity.

The program’s second objective is to promote decision making by the players on the field and reduce their dependence on the adults for problem solving.

Benefits of the KINS Program

1. Improves the skill and enjoyment of the players, regardless of ability level.
2. Provides a built-in, on-going coaching assistance program.
3. Easier to enlist parents to volunteer as coaches.
4. Develops a club identity and club loyalty.
5. Raises the skill level of the Recreational Program.
6. Raises the level of the Select Program.

U6 Games

Games will be conducted using the "new ball" method, which gives the players many more opportunities to “touch the ball” and practice the skills introduced during practices. Games will be played without referees, goal kicks, throw-ins, or kick-offs. When a ball rolls out of bounds, the coach/facilitator calls out "new ball" and rolls a ball onto the field. After a goal is scored, a new ball is immediately played so that goals and winning are de-emphasized. Instead, skill development and fun is emphasized. Parents and coaches/facilitators are encouraged to say things like "look up," "good job dribbling," "nice job using the inside (outside) of the foot," etc. Parents and coaches/facilitators are asked NOT to yell, "kick the ball" or "boot it," or provide specific direction.

On game day: We all want the players to be successful. To that end, we must realize as parents and coaches that we can sometimes present a distracting presence to young players. To have a successful program and an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, we encourage parents and spectators to remember to step back and "let the kids play" on game day. Encouragement and praise are always welcome; however, shouting specific directions is discouraged.

Enjoy the development process and have fun!

Some insight to five and six-year-old soccer players

Having an understanding of what five and six-year-old soccer players are capable of will help manage expectations regarding training and performance during games. Please keep the following in mind as your child begins his/her soccer experience.

Five and six year olds often have great difficulty with even basic soccer skills because they are still learning the motor patterns necessary for coordinated body movement, such as abrupt changes in direction.

Adding the challenge of manipulating a rolling or bouncing ball, without help from their hands and while under pressure, is often a very difficult problem!

Beginning-level players will quickly learn not to use their hands and which goal to attack and defend. They will awkwardly dribble the ball forward, and they will kick the ball with their toes or laces. They will turn the ball in wide arcs, and they will stop the ball and try to retain control if not swamped by opponents.

Five and six year olds will instinctively try to recover possession when the ball is turned over to an opponent, but they are very fragile emotionally and do not listen to complicated instruction. THEY ENJOY FUN and participation but do not value competition in the adult sense. Providing and re-enforcing new experiences in a fun way, rather than trying to refine limited or nonexistent techniques, is a critically important distinction for coaches/facilitators of these very young children.