U-Littles Introduction | Applicable Activities | Circuit Approach

Chipping With U-Littles

Chipping means passing the ball through the air. The technique is a bit like chipping a golf ball. Dig underneath the ball with your instep and the ball will lift off the ground. Also, approach the ball from the side rather than poking it with your toe. If you challenge your players to kick over a barrier or "river" as below, they'll eventually get the hang of it.

Alligator River

For this game, players attempt to kick balls over an imaginary river. The river can be created by laying down cones. Another option is for players to kick balls over a bench or other low barrier. The width of the river should depend on the ability of the kids. Start out with a river that's only five paces wide or so. The player is on one side with a ball. A teammate or parent is on the other side, retrieving the kicks. Many players can be chipping at the same time.

To make the game fun, tell the kids an alligator in the river will eat any balls that don't make it over!

The official rules are included below. With U-5's, though, don't worry too much about those rules or keeping score. Just challenge the kids to kick their balls over the river, and make a big fuss each time they do!

At first, allow the players to kick stationary balls with the stronger foot. After a few practices, though, expect the ball to be moving when it's chipped. And require the left foot to be used as well as the right foot.

Official Rules for Alligator River

Playing Area. Two parallel lines of cones, at least fifteen paces apart, represent a river. The river should be wide enough that players can’t chip over it too easily. If the players are of vastly different skill levels, the river may be wider at one end than the other.
Teams and Starting Positions. Players pair off into teams, and each team has a ball. One teammate begins on each side of the river, about three paces from the river bank.
Object of the Game. Teams try to score as many goals as possible by chipping over the river. The ball must be moving when it’s chipped, reach the other side in the air, and be touched twice on the other side before it stops rolling.
How the Game Proceeds. All the teams begin chipping at the same time. Players must alternate between right-footed and left-footed chips. After scoring a point, a team must announce its total score. The coach keeps time, and proclaims when the game is over. The team with the most points wins.