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TIGER CUBS

Tiger Cubs is an instructional program to introduce young children to simple ball skills and the concept of the game of soccer via a very simple 3v3 game without scores or team standings.  The goal is a fun, positive environment that encourages all children to participate.

CUBS PROGRAM SUMMARY

Everything You Need to Know

AGES

5 to 6 years old

GOAL

Have fun with a soccer ball; introduce basic soccer skills through fun games and drills and small sided games. (at this age, kids do not think team, they think ‘me’ and they have little spatial awareness on the field)

TEAM

FORMATION

Teams generally composed of 8 to 10 players. Teams are formed by birthyear (separate teams for the two birthyears in Cubs.  Each team is composed of both boys and girls.  Teams have a Head Coach and Assistant Coach.

PRACTICES

One 45 to 60 minute practice a week. Focus is on fun games and activities that promote ball skill development

EQUIPMENT

Players need:

  • Size 3 soccer ball with name on it

  • Water bottle with name on it

  • Shin guards

  • Gym shoes or soccer cleats

GAME

INFORMATION

  • Games are played with 3 players on the field, no goalie

  • Four 8-minute quarters

  • Scores are not kept

  • Two games are played simultaneously on adjacent fields (SEE BELOW). Teams are split to match stronger players against stronger players on one field and weaker players against weaker players on the other

  • Teams change sides at halftime

  • No referees

  • Coaches keep track of time

GAME RULES

Game begins with a kick off from the center; ball may travel in any direction.  Opposing players need to stand outside of the circle.

Cubs Uses Simplified Game Rules

  • No throw-ins; when the ball goes out of bounds it is kicked onto the field to resume play near where it went out of bounds​

  • When the defending team kicks the ball across its own endline, the other team kicks the ball in from the corner

  • When the attacking team kicks the ball across the end line of the defending team, a goal kick is taken from the line running across the field in front of the goal.  Opposing team has to move to their side of midfield until the ball is kicked.

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One coach from each team is allowed onto the field.  Allow the kids to play the game with minimal interuptions.  The coach's role is to keep the game safe and fun.  Point kids in the right direction when needed, give lots of positive feedback, encourage more reserved players, retrieve the ball when it goes out of bounds and help the kids put the ball back into play.  

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Don't worry if the kids from both teams follow the ball in a pack; that's normal.

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If a team is scoring a lot of goals; work with the other coach to be creative to give both teams opportunities to score.  If needed, it's ok to add a 4th player, but don't take a player off of the field to play with only 2 players.

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There are no referees; games are managed by the coaches.  

FIELD DIAGRAM

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