Teri,

DISCLAIMER: These are just my opinions. If anyone disagrees w/ me,
PLEASE say so. It will only serve to make me a better coach.

My suggestion on your formation would be something like a 2-3-2. If
you didnt have strong defenders you might try a 3-2-2. At that age, I
don't think that an exact formation is that important, you could also
use a zone type alignment (ie. Billy plays the right, Johnny plays the
middle, etc.) I am assuming that the field will appear pretty big to
these kids so teaching them to stay in a general position may be
difficult. However, if you can do that and work on switching the play
from side to side, it might help.

As for your non-passer. I would first look at the parents (unless it
it your child). I have noticed (even at the older ages) that many
parents fall into the "they gotta score or have the ball to be useful"
mentality. This rubs off on the child. If you can teach the parents
that passing is just as vital as scoring and/or dribbling it will be
alot easier to convince the child. As for the child, you might try a
drill that limits his touches (say to 3-touch). In addition to making
him learn "how" to pass, it will teach him to trust his teammates
(which he might not now). Just my thoughts.

Tony G.