Have you ever imagined the kind of advantages soccer practice games give the players? 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 are allowed to play with the ball for as long as they wish to. 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. 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. This is natural. 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. Then demonstrate it as well. Be a little persistent and the kids will find it easy to accept and follow it. After they begin utilizing the process, they’ll try to make the best use of the available space when they have 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 be careful with it because this process of distribution is only for the advanced players.
The beginners should not be introduced to this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should enable them solely to play soccer and not bother about rules and regulations. 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 with the ball must keep the possession of the ball and also keep looking up to pass the ball correctly.
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 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. They may take some time in learning these things.
So, go ahead and help your kids develop these skills through soccer practice games. To know more about a 4v4 game, register for our youth soccer coaching community that has several similar resources.
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