Has it ever occurred to you as to how many different kinds of benefits Soccer practice games offer? 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. 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. 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 might try to apply the usual technique of kick and run. This is natural. However, you will need to teach them the various ways they can employ the process of distribution.

If necessary, in the beginning, a diagram can be used to teach the kids the process. Subsequently demonstrate it too for the kids. Just persevere a little and it’ll pay off in the form of kids adopting it. And when they do start using the process, they will use the space more judiciously when in possession of the ball.

Soccer practice games

This brings a sort of structure into the team's play. 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 bear in mind that the process of distribution is only for the players who are slightly advanced in their training.

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. The focus should not be the development of the technique but free play and enjoyment.

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 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 job that a coach has is to teach the various positions such as forward, defender, right flank, left flank to the players. The players should know and understand these positions and the coach must call these positions by name during the training.

You must exercise patience with the kids when they are learning these 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 of such tips on a 4v4 game, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community that has numerous resources on soccer coaching.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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 training fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Drills