Did you ever find the time to reflect upon the count of benefits that soccer practice games have to offer to the players? It’s not just the chance to make contact with the ball many more times but also the open space that they get to experiment with their playing skills.
The system of a 4v4 small-sided game in soccer training is usually small and it is useful for the coach and the players as well. The coach can observe each and every player since there are only 4 players a side. The players get ample time to play with the ball. Besides, it lets the players practice the method of distribution, collecting the ball, looking up and taking decisions fast.
It’s the coach who is required to be present at the playing ground and promote the kids to make use of the process. At first it may be a little difficult for the kids to get used to it. For example, they might try to apply the usual technique of kick and run. This is natural. However, you will need to teach them the various ways they can employ the process of distribution.
If required, make use of diagram to teach the process to the players to begin with. After that you must demonstrate it also. With the passage of time, the players will start liking it and adapt to it. This way the kids will be in a position to use the space in a best possible manner when they are having the ball with the use of this process.
This gives a kind of formation to the team’s play. This also causes the players to work on their skills as well as manipulate the speed of the game. You must bear in mind that the process of distribution is only for the players who are slightly advanced in their training.
The beginners should not be introduced to this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should be such that they play for enjoyment than to follow rules. Their only attention should be on playing and not working on the technique.
When teaching the players the process of distribution, it is crucial to teach them the importance of maintaining balance with the ball. The player who has the ball must retain the possession but at the same time keep looking up and decide where to play the ball next.
The coach must teach the players to create space around the player with the ball so that he has ample room to move the ball around. A 4v4 game is ideal to teach such tactics.
Another thing that the coach must undertake to teach the kids is about positions such as forward, defender, right flank, left flank. The players should know and understand these positions and the coach must call these positions by name during the training.
You must exercise patience with the kids when they are learning these exercises. The kids may be slow in learning these things.
So use these soccer practice games to help your kids learn the fine points of soccer. To gain more information on a 4v4 game, enroll for our youth soccer coaching community that has several useful resources on youth soccer.
Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Training Tips.
Tags: soccer drills, soccer exercises, Soccer practice games, soccer training