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 has the opportunity to watch over all the players on one side because there are only 4 players. There is a lot of time available to the players for the purpose of playing with the game. Besides, it lets the players practice the method of distribution, collecting the ball, looking up and taking decisions fast.
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 example, they may still adopt the kick and run style. This is natural. 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.
You can initially use a diagram for making the kids understand the process. After that you must demonstrate it also. 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.
As a result of it, the team’s game gets a sort of constitution. This also ultimately leads to the players being able to work on their skills as well as control the rate at which the game progresses. You must keep in mind that this process of distribution is for people who have already made some progress in their learning.
The kids who have just started playing soccer should not get involved in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills must still concentrate on playing freely without a lot of guidance and rules. The focus should not be the development of the technique but free play and enjoyment.
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 keep looking up and also take a decision on where to pass the ball.
Instruct the players on how to create space around the player with the ball so that he has protection and space to move the ball. 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 players should know and understand these positions and the coach must call these positions by name during the training.
You must be tolerant while the kids learn these soccer exercises. The kids may be slow in learning these things.
So move on and make your kids learn these skills through soccer practice games. 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