What is New Ball Soccer?
Under 5 & 6 Soccer (aka New Ball) is a wonderful program designed to introduce young children to the game of soccer. First and foremost, New Ball soccer is about kids having FUN! At this level, kids play small-sided soccer in a 3v3 format emphasizing fun and basic soccer skills. Teams are limited to a maximum of six players per team so each child plays at least half of every game. New Ball soccer differs from soccer in older age groups in that (1) no score is kept, (2) coaches are on the field with the players during the game encouraging the players and teaching them basic soccer, (3) the playing field is small (usually 20 yards wide by 30 yards long), and (4) there is no goalkeeper.
Who can participate?
Boys and Girls whose birthdates fall within the specified time periods are eligible to play New Ball soccer. For the upcoming Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 seasons, Macon Soccer Club will offer both divisions. All players born on 2016 will be eligible to play U6, and all players born on 2017 will be eligible to play U5.
What are the rules of New Ball?
After the kickoff, play continues with the coach declaring to the players “New Ball” whenever it goes out of bounds. This process continues for the remainder of the game when the ball goes out of bounds or restarting after a penalty, or injury stoppage.
A good rule of thumb, try to declare a “New Ball” as close as possible to the place where the ball goes out of bounds or the penalty took place.
If a goal is scored for either team, the ball is returned to the center of the field for a kick off for the team that gave up the goal.
What are the benefits of New Ball?
More touches on the ball - This method doubled or tripled the number of touches by each player in a study conducted in 2001/2002 by the Richmond Hill SA in Georgia. More touches means faster skill development and increased enjoyment of the game.
More playing time - Indiana Youth Soccer studied the effect of the New Ball soccer and found that in 7 minute quarter, the ball was in play for 4 minutes using traditional rules, and about 6 minutes and 30 seconds using the New Ball Method.
This method will speed up the game, and produce more goals and more excitement, while at the same time de-emphasizing the importance of scoring and emphasizing play and fun.
This method can be used to get non-assertive players involved by rolling the new ball to those players; and can be used to even the playing field in a lopsided game. At this age, score is not kept, there is no win/loss record, and the emphasis is on playing, having fun and sportsmanship, not winning. New Ball has proven to be a great success with clubs around the country that have adopted it.
When do the kids play and at what time?
New Ball season is a six (6) week season. The fall season starts mid-September and continues through the end of October. The spring season begins the mid-March and ends at the end of April. The teams will practice during the week and play games Saturday mornings.
Where do the kids play?
Players in the New Ball age group practice and play their games at Macon Soccer Complex’s Micro Fields.
What equipment is needed to play?
Players will need soccer shoes, shinguards and a size 3 soccer ball.
How much does it cost to participate?
Registration fee is $75 and includes team jersey.
How do I sign up to play?
Log in to your Macon Soccer Club account, or create one if you don’t have one yet. Click on the Available Program, and follow the easy steps to registration.
How can I help with New Ball Soccer?
Adult volunteers are always needed and welcome for this Age Group! If you are interested in being a head coach or an assistant coach, please so indicate on your registration form or contact the Recreational Division Coordinator. No previous soccer coaching experience or soccer knowledge is expected or required. The Club’s Recreational Director conducts soccer coaching courses before every season for all Rec soccer coaches. We will teach you everything you need to know to be a great soccer coach and provide you with coaching handouts and materials for the season.