Soccer Practice Games: Secrets Revealed
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 set up of a 4v4 small-sided game in soccer training is small and it works to the advantage of both the coach and the players. The coach can observe each and every player since there are only 4 players a side. There is a lot of time available to the players for the purpose of playing with the game. Also, it allows the players to practice the process of distribution – collecting the ball, looking up, and taking quick decisions.
It’s the coach who is required to be present at the playing ground and promote the kids to make use of the process. To begin with, the kids may find it difficult to adjust to it. For instance, the players my feel tempted to adopt 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.
If need be, use a diagram to teach them the process first. 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.
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 keep in mind that this process of distribution is for people who have already made some progress in their learning.
The beginners should not undertake this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills must still concentrate on playing freely without a lot of guidance and rules. They need not worry about techniques but simply have fun.
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.
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 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 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 on and make your kids learn these skills through soccer practice games. 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.
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