Have you ever imagined the kind of advantages soccer practice games give 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 has the opportunity to watch over all the players on one side because there are only 4 players. The players get to play with the ball for a maximum time. Also, it allows the players to practice the process of distribution – collecting the ball, looking up, and taking quick decisions.
It is the duty of the coach to be present on the field and encourage the kids to use this process. Initially the kids may not get adapted to it quickly. For instance, the players my feel tempted to adopt the kick and run style. It’s just fine. Still it’s your duty to make the kids learn the different methods that can be made use of to carry out the distribution process.
If necessary, in the beginning, a diagram can be used to teach the kids the process. Next a demonstration of the same is also required. Just persevere a little and it’ll pay off in the form of kids adopting 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 has the effect of organizing the team’s game in a better way. This will also eventually lead to players developing a lot of skills on their own and be able to control the pace of the game. You must know that this process of distribution is applicable only to players who have made some advancement in their training.
The kids who have just started playing soccer should not get involved in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should enable them solely to play soccer and not bother about rules and regulations. They should not be bothered about techniques but just enjoy the game.
When you teach players the process of distribution, it also makes sense to teach them to maintain balance with the ball. The player who has the ball must keep looking up and also take a decision on where to pass the ball.
The coach must teach the players to develop space around the player with the ball so that he gets adequate room and shield to pass the ball. A 4v4 game is best suited to teach such things.
Another duty of the coach is to teach the players different 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 exercise patience with the kids when they are learning these exercises. The kids may take a little time in getting used to these things.
So move forward and use these soccer practice games to help the kids inculcate new skills. 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