These are the tactical knowledge coaches hoped U9 players will remember by the end of the season.

Position expectations

What are the positions we defined on the field this season?

(check all positions the player can think of)

1. Goalie
2. Center back
3. Winger
4. Striker

Striker

Which zone does a striker play in?

(expected answer: central forward)

What does a striker do without the ball?

(expected answer: stay at the top offside/buildout line)

What does a striker do when he has the ball?

(expected answer: turn and shoot)

Center back

Which zone does a center back play in?

(expected answer: central back)

What does a center back do without the ball?

(expected answer: stay with the top forward opponent player)

What does a center back do when he has the ball?

(expected answer: kick the ball to a teammate on the left or right side of the field)

Wingers

Which zone does a winger play in?

(expected answer: left or right side of the field)

What does a winger do without the ball?

(expected answer: run back to the defensive line)

What does a winger do when he has the ball?

(expected answer: driving the ball, or passing the ball forward)

Throw-ins

What should I do if I am the one throwing the ball?

(check all rules the player can think of)

1. feet remain on the ground
2. throw ball with both hands over your head
3. throw the ball down the line
4. make the ball do 2 bounces before reaching your teammate

What should I do if I am the one calling for the ball?

(check all rules the player can think of)

1. Stay no further than 5 steps from the teammate throwing the ball
2. Run the sideline

Goal kicks

If I am the center back, what should I do on a goal kick? (check all rules the player can think of)

1. Run to be 5 steps on the side of the goal keeper
2. When I receive the ball, drive the ball forward to the side
3. When there is an opponent getting close, pass the ball down the sideline
4. Run back to my zone at the top of the penalty box

Bonus

What do I do if I am defending an opponent that has the ball, and his back is turned to my goal?

(expected answer: don't let him turn!)