What to expect: Tekkers Tots
Tekkers Soccer has just concluded its first seasonal program for Tekkers Tots, and to say it was a success would be an understatement. As a coaching staff, we enjoyed every moment of the program and felt that the energy brought to each session matched our excitement. Each week of the six-week program had a different focus for kids to learn and try for themselves.
For the first two weeks, we heavily focused on dribbling. Recognizing that keeping each child engaged is of paramount importance throughout the session, we taught them to dribble like different animals, such as penguins dribbling with the instep of their feet and elephants using the sole. The main goal was to teach everyone the importance of utilizing different parts of their feet when they have the ball. As a staff, we emphasized not making it a habit to dribble with their toes.
The following two weeks were centered on ball striking, which undoubtedly became everyone's favorite weeks. Who doesn't love shooting the ball?! To foster good habits, we began by having everyone try to kick the ball out of the coach's hands without touching their hands. This helped them learn to strike a stationary ball with force, the first step in gaining confidence not to use their toes every time they shoot. As groups felt they grasped the concept, we transitioned to a moving ball to instill similar habits.
The next week focused on passing. To start, we asked if anyone thought they were faster than a ball. Not surprisingly, everyone believed they could outrun a pass from one of our coaches. We put it to the test through a series of races, and they conceded that they couldn't outrun a ball. Once we made that clear, it was easier to show how moving the ball could make their team "faster." This week was filled with relays and passing into small goals to get the competitive spirits going and to learn a thing or two!
The final week aimed to have everyone compete and leave with a smile on their face. At the end of each week, we scrimmaged in teams that we felt were fitting. As the program went on, we felt everyone grew more confident and excited to compete against their new friends.
Tekkers Tots' goal is not only to foster a love for the game but to teach good habits in a way that doesn't seem like work. We can't wait for our Tekkers Tots winter program to begin. The structure of what we'll offer will be similar to the fall program, with new games, new animals, and new ways to teach fundamental concepts to keep everyone engaged and excited to be on the soccer field!
TEKKERS TOTS WINTER PROGRAM STARTS IN JANUARY
The Tekkers Tots winter program starts in the first week of January, and the start time and day of the week may vary depending on your location (Sportsplex West - Waukee, IA, or SportsIowa - Ames, IA).
Tekkers Tots is a program designed for young individuals aged 4-7 years old who want to discover more about the game of soccer and be in an environment around high-energy coaches who are excited to teach the game and basic skills! In our first session, we'll explore the roots of the game. But here's the exciting part: we've created a super cool atmosphere where learning feels more like playtime!
You'll discover the ins and outs of soccer while having a blast with new friends. Each session will have a different emphasis of focus. The Director of the Tekkers Tots program will send out a plan leading up to each session so parents can follow along and have an idea of the point of emphasis before the session takes place. We'll dive into dribbling, passing, and shooting with fun drills that will help each individual improve and leave with a smile that can't be wiped off!
For more information about our program, please visit our Tekkers Tots page or click on the button below to learn more and get registered for our Winter Tots!