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Passers

Passers is a developmental program that focuses on ball skill training.  It provides the first exposure to the game of soccer via small sided games with a keeper.  To encourage coaches and parents to focus on player development and having fun, scores are not kept and there are no league standings. 

Passers Team play against teams of the same birthyear and gender; all games are local.  Passers introduces players to the concept of attack and defend and the role of goalie. There are special rules that govern play to encourage the players to practice ball skills in the game.

PASSERS PROGRAM SUMMARY

Everything You Need to Know

AGES

7 to 8 year olds

GOAL

To provide a player-centered program that encourages each player to develop to the best of their ability, at their own pace, in a fun and safe learning environment. This will be done with a focus on individual development and small-sided games.

TEAM

FORMATION

Teams generally composed of 7 or 8 players. Teams are formed by birthyear (separate teams for the two birthyears in Passers.  Teams are composed of boys and girls.  Teams have a Head Coach and Assistant Coach.

PRACTICES

One 60-minute practice a week. Focus is on fun games, activities that promote ball skill development and small sided scrimmages.

EQUIPMENT

Players need:

  • Size 3 soccer ball with name on it

  • Water bottle with name on it

  • Shin guards

  • Soccer cleats (football cleats are not allowed)

GAME

INFORMATION

  • Passers play with 5 players, 4 field players and a goalies.  

  • Four 10-minute quarters

  • Players are required to have equal playing time

  • Scores are not kept

  • Teams change sides at halftime

  • There is one referee; often a teenager who has passed their referee course

GAME RULES

Passers uses a small field that is 40 yds long and 30 yds wide.  The goals are either 5' x 10' or 6' x 12'. LYSA developed modified rules for the Passers program to encourage participation by all players on the field.

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The game begins with a kick off at midfield.  The opposing players must stay outside of the center circle.  The ball may be kicked in any direction to begin the game.  

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The game has four 10-minute quarters.  Halftime is 5 minutes long.  The referee is the official timekeeper for the game.  

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There are unlimited substitutions during the game.  A player substitution can occur during any stoppage of play (goal kick, throw-in, corner kick, free kick).  Coaches need to signal to the referee they have a substitution and wait for the referee to wave the player onto the field.  The referee will restart the game when the substitution is completed.  

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A few rules were specifically designed by LYSA for Passers:

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Offsides - there are NO OFFSIDES.  

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Free Kicks - all kicks to restart a penalty are an INDIRECT KICK.  An indirect kick requires a second player to touch the ball before a goal can be scored. Opponents must stand at least 5 yards from the ball.  The ball is in play when kicked and clearly moves forward. If a foul (handball, dangerous play, etc.) occurs inside the penalty box, an indirect free kick is taken outside the penalty box. There are no penalty kicks.

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Throw-in - When an incorrect throw-in is taken (player jumps, etc), the referee will stop play, explain the correct procedure and allow the throw-in to be retaken.  This may be repeated several times.  A goal cannot be scored from a throw-in.

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Rules Involving Goal Kicks and Keepers Putting the Ball into Play

  • Opponents must move to their side of the midfield line on all goal kicks and when the keeper has the ball in their hands.  

  • Goal Kicks are taken when the attacking team kicks the ball across the end line.  The ball is put back in play by placing it anywhere in the goalie box.  The opposing team's players need to move to their side of the midfield line until the ball is put into play.  The players of the team that has the ball are allowed to be inside the goalie box when the ball is played by the keeper. 

  • Keeper are NOT ALLOWED TO PUNT the ball.  They may roll the ball to a player or put the ball on the ground and kick it.​

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In games in which there is a large discrepancy in skill between the two teams, coaches are encouraged to take creative steps to ensure both teams have a good game experience.  That might include asking players on the dominant to try to pass the ball or help a player who doesn't score goals have that opportunity or having the stronger field players play goalie.  The less strong team may, with the agreement of the coaches and referee, add a 6th player to the field.  Dominant teams should not not play with fewer players.

FIELD DIAGRAM

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