Has it ever occurred to you as to how many different kinds of benefits soccer practice games offer? In addition to hundreds of opportunities to touch the ball, the players have adequate room to try out other maneuvers.
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 can observe each and every player since there are only 4 players a side. The players get ample time to play with the ball. Moreover, the players get a chance to practice the procedure of distribution, looking up, collecting the ball, and making 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. At first it may be a little difficult for the kids to get used to it. For instance, the players my feel tempted to 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.
If need be, use a diagram to teach them the process first. Subsequently demonstrate it too for the kids. 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.
This gives a kind of formation to 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 keep in mind that this process of distribution is for people who have already made some progress in their learning.
The kids new to soccer should not attempt this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should be such that they play for enjoyment than to follow rules. Their only attention should be on playing and not working on the technique.
When you teach players the process of distribution, it also makes sense to teach them to maintain balance with 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 develop space around the player with the ball so that he gets adequate room and shield to pass the ball. A 4v4 game is the best method to learn 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 be tolerant while the kids learn these soccer exercises. It may take them some time in absorbing 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