Have you ever imagined the kind of advantages soccer practice games give the players? It’s not just the chance to make contact with the ball many more times but also the open space that they get to experiment with their playing skills.
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. It’s easy for the coach to keep an eye on all the players as they are just 4 in number. The players get ample time to play with the ball. At the same time, it’s possible for the players to practice the distribution process, collecting the ball, making fast and correct decision, and looking up.
It’s the coach who is required to be present at the playing ground and promote the kids to make use of the process. 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. 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. 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. 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 brings a sort of structure into the team’s play. This will also make the players sharpen their skills and control the speed 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 be introduced to 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.
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 keep looking up and also take a decision on where to pass the ball.
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 tolerant while the kids learn these soccer exercises. The kids may be slow in learning these things.
So use these soccer practice games to help your kids learn the fine points of soccer. 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.
