How do I manage the retreat line, pass-ins and Power Play in mini-soccer?

Question

Accepted Answer

These apply from Under 7 to Under 11 (The FA's Mini-Soccer Handbook 2026/27).

Retreat line

At a goal kick, the team without the ball must retreat into its own half until the ball is in play (kicked and clearly moves). Then it can press.
A goal kick can be taken from anywhere in the penalty area, by any player on the team with the ball.

Pass-in or dribble-in (instead of a throw-in)

Ball stationary on the touchline where it went out; only the kicker may be off the pitch.
Opponents at least 5 yards away (3 m in 3v3).
In play when kicked and clearly moving. The taker may touch it again before anyone else.
No goal directly from a pass-in.

Power Play (only if the league has adopted it; 5v5 and 7v7 only)

A team 4 goals behind may add one player; at 6 behind, one more.
When the gap drops back under the trigger, the team removes a player (not necessarily the one who came on).

Other mini-soccer points: no offside; all free kicks direct except for deliberate headers; opponents 5 yards from free kicks and corners; no goal direct from a kick-off or dropped ball; the goalkeeper can't handle a deliberate kick from a team-mate (free kick on the nearest penalty-area line). Explain your decisions so the players learn.