Soccer Practice Games: Secrets Revealed

Ever wondered the number of advantages that soccer practice games can offer to the players? Along with the benefit of getting in touch with the ball more often, it lets the players work out several other exercises.

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. 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.

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, they may prefer to use 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. After that you must demonstrate it also. 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 has the effect of organizing the team's game in a better way. 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 be careful with it because this process of distribution is only for the advanced players.

The kids who have just started playing soccer should not get involved in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should enable them solely to play soccer and not bother about rules and regulations. 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.

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 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 patient while the kids try to get used to these soccer exercises. The kids may be slow 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 Soccer coaching drills. Learn how to explode your players' skills and make training fun in less than 29 days! Download your free Soccer Drills guide at: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com - Youth Soccer Practice Drills.