Ever wondered the number of advantages that soccer practice games can offer to the players? In addition to hundreds of opportunities to touch the ball, the players have adequate room to try out other maneuvers.
The arrangement of a 4v4 small-sided game in soccer training is not very big but works best for both the players as well as the coach. The coach can observe each and every player since there are only 4 players a side. The players are allowed to play with the ball for as long as they wish to. 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. At first it may be a little difficult for the kids to get used to it. For instance, they may prefer to use the kick and run style. It’s absolutely ok. 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. Be a little persistent and the kids will find it easy to accept and follow 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 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. They need not worry about techniques but simply have fun.
Along with teaching the players the process of distribution, you should also teach them the need to balance 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 kids should identify with these positions and the best way to practice it is that the coach refers to them by name during the sessions.
You must be patient while the kids try to get used to these soccer 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