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.
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 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. At the same time, it’s possible for the players to practice the distribution process, collecting the ball, making fast and correct decision, and looking up.
The onus lies on the coach to be available on the playing field and cheer the kids to make use of this method. 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.
You can initially use a diagram for making the kids understand the process. Next a demonstration of the same is also required. With the passage of time, the players will start liking it and adapt to it. And when they do start using the process, they will use the space more judiciously when in possession of the ball.
As a result of it, the team’s game gets a sort of constitution. This also causes the players to work on their skills as well as manipulate the speed 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 beginners should not undertake this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should only make them focus on playing with freedom than stuck with 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 keep looking up and also take a decision on where to pass the ball.
You must teach the players to create adequate space around the player with the ball so that there is sufficient room to pass the ball. A 4v4 game is the best method to learn such things.
Another thing that the coach must undertake to teach the kids is about 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 be patient while the kids try to get used to these soccer exercises. It may take them some time in absorbing these things.
So, go ahead and help your kids develop 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