Has it ever occurred to you as to how many different kinds of benefits soccer practice games offer? Along with the benefit of getting in touch with the ball more often, it lets the players work out several other exercises.
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. Moreover, the players get a chance to practice the procedure of distribution, looking up, collecting the ball, and making quick decisions.
The onus lies on the coach to be available on the playing field and cheer the kids to make use of this method. Initially the kids may not get adapted to it quickly. For example, they may still adopt the kick and run style. It’s absolutely ok. 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. Next a demonstration of the same is also required. 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.
This brings a sort of structure into the team’s play. 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 bear in mind that the process of distribution is only for the players who are slightly advanced 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. The focus should not be the development of the technique but free play and enjoyment.
When you teach the players the process of distribution, it is vital that they know how 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.
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 the best way 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 work on understanding these positions and the best method is that the coach calls these positions by name during practice.
You must remain patient with the kids while they are trying to absorb all 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. For more tips and tricks on a 4v4 game, be a part of our youth soccer coaching community that has several 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