The Truth About Soccer Practice Games
Did you ever find the time to reflect upon the count of benefits that soccer practice games have to offer to the players? The games offer not only the flexibility to develop their own style of playing but also get to touch the ball relatively more.
In soccer training, a 4v4 small-sided game is set up in a small area and is beneficial not only to the coach but also to the players. The coach is in a position to observe all players on one side since they are only 4 in count. The players get to play with the ball for a maximum time. 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. The kids may not get familiarized to it easily especially in the beginning. For instance, they may prefer to use the kick and run style. It’s just fine. But you’ll have to teach them the variety of ways available to execute the process of distribution.
If need be, use a diagram to teach them the process first. Then demonstrate it as well. With a little patience, you will see that kids begin to take notice. After they begin utilizing the process, they’ll try to make the best use of the available space when they have the ball.
This has the effect of organizing the team’s game in a better way. This also causes the players to work on their skills as well as manipulate the speed of the game. You must be careful with it because this process of distribution is only for the advanced players.
The beginners should not be introduced to this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should enable them solely to play soccer and not bother about rules and regulations. 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 best suited to teach such things.
Also, the coach must teach his players about various positions such as forward, defender, right flank, left flank. The kids should know what these positions mean and the coach must endeavor to call these positions by name during the practice.
You must remain patient with the kids while they are trying to absorb all these soccer exercises. They may take some time in learning these things.
So, go ahead and help your kids develop these skills through soccer practice games. For more of such tips on a 4v4 game, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community that has numerous resources on soccer coaching.
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.
Post a comment