I am getting ready to start coaching my third year with this group of kids. The level is 3rd and 4th grade. Is it too soon to start teaching an offense, either set or motion?

Chris -

I would stay away from sets and stick with a very simple open post offense, pass and cut motion.

You know these kids better than we do but in my opinion this would be simple for them. What have you done in the past with them?

Your major goal should be for them to have FUN and learn some fundamentals about the game. JMO

Fun age group, sounds like you have a team that will stick with you for several more seasons. That's what I did and currently coach several of those same players at the 8th grade level.

I would start with 5 out and emphasize good wide spacing (not too wide that they can't make a comfortable pass though). At that age, it seems like the ball is a giant magnet and the kids have on metal shirts. If you can start to work on a motion offense (pass and cut), you'd be way ahead of the game. I'm guessing at the younger levels, you won't have a lot of motion rotations since the cutters probably won't be denied most of the time. This would result in the first cutter getting a pass.

Good luck! Hope you can keep this group together for several more years.