What children aged 4-6 need in training
Bambinis are in an egocentric phase: “Me and my ball.” Playing back is often not cognitively tangible. Not a character flaw – a natural developmental step.
Movement
Natural urge to move. Standing still is the maximum punishment. All always active.
Fun
Without joy, there is no return. Arouse love for the game.
Ball contacts
Every child needs a ball. A game with only 2 ball touches is worthless.
Golden Rules for Bambini Exercises
📖 Playing instead of practicing
Pack tasks into stories. Not “running around cones,” but “steering racing cars.” Don't shoot at the goal, but "feed the goal monster".
🚫 No queues
Waiting every minute = lost development time. All active at the same time.
🏆 Many experiences of success
Every child scores goals and celebrates small victories. Strengthens self-confidence.
4 exercises for immediate implementation
1. Getting used to the ball: “The glue foot”
Goal: Ball control, change of pace, reaction
Organization: Each child a ball. Field approx. 15×15m.
Walking with commands
Children dribble freely. Coach calls: “Glue!” → Foot on the ball, freeze. “Racing car!” → Dribble quickly. “Cuddle!” → Sit on the ball.
Monster Catcher
Trainer as "catcher" or "monster". Touched children: throw the ball up 3 times and catch it (magic task), then released again.
2. Dribbling & shooting on goal: "The treasure hunters"
Goal: Dribbling under time pressure, shooting on goal, orientation
Organization: Lots of balls in the middle (treasure island). 4 mini goals outside.
Shoot treasures into the cave
Everyone starts from the outside, runs to the middle, gets a “treasure” (ball), dribbles to the next goal and shoots. Get the next ball immediately. Who has the most at the end?
No goalkeepers!
At this age, nobody wants to get balls in their ears. Experiences of success are in the foreground.
3. Coordination: "The zoo visit"
Goal: Coordination, balance, polysports
Organization: Open field, tires/hurdles if necessary. Balls on the edge.
Zoo director calls animals
Elephant = stomp. Kangaroo = hop. Snake = crawl. Cheetah = run fast. Cancer = running backwards.
How does an elephant dribble?
Slow, heavy contact. Like a cheetah? Fast, ball close to the foot. Versatile ball guidance through wildlife.
4. Form of play: 3v3 on 4 goals (FUNino)
Goal: Game intelligence, many goals, everyone involved
Organization: Field approx. 20×15m. 2 mini goals on each baseline.
Implicit learning
No goalkeeper → more field players. If one goal is closed, I play on the other → game shifts without a word. Incredibly many ball contacts for every child.
Complete training session (45-60 min.)
Bambini unit with storytelling
Free play
Balls are ready. Whoever comes kicks immediately. Welcome circle afterwards.
"The zoo visit"
Versatile movement, animal world, coordination.
“The treasure hunters” + catching games
Dribbling with a shot on goal. Short drinking break.
FUNino rotation
3v3 to 4 goals. 12 children = 2 fields. Everyone plays at the same time. Battle cry at the end.
Coaching 4-6 year olds
Learn & Participate
Children learn through imitation. Squat down. Sometimes being the “monster” that steals balls.
Praise the attempt
Don't criticize the technology. "It's great that you dared to shoot!" Positive reinforcement as a motor.
Few words
Say the game name, get started. Correct in the flow of the game. No long-winded explanations.
Common errors
Queues
Children start fighting or building sandcastles. Use stations, give everyone a ball.
Technique drills
Isolated passing (child A to B, both standing) is boring and cognitively too difficult. Learn technique through play.
Performance thinking
Tables, results, “A-Teams” – has no place here. Rotation is mandatory.
FAQ: Exercises for 4-6 year olds
Conclusion: Exercises as a playful world of experience
Good training for 4-6 year olds is loud, busy and full of energy. Exercises combine movement, imagination and lots of ball contact - this gives children self-confidence and joy in movement.
Let the children play, let them make mistakes - and have fun yourself!