Ever wondered the number of advantages that soccer practice games can offer to 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 has the opportunity to watch over all the players on one side because there are only 4 players. 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 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. Next a demonstration of the same is also required. Just persevere a little and it’ll pay off in the form of kids adopting 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.

Soccer Training

As a result of it, the team’s game gets a sort of constitution. 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 beginners should not be introduced to this in soccer practice games. Their soccer drills should only make them focus on playing with freedom than stuck with 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 look up while retaining the possession of the ball and decide on where to pass it.

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 best suited to teach 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 work on understanding these positions and the best method is that the coach calls these positions by name during practice.

You must be tolerant while the kids learn these soccer exercises. They may take some time in learning these things.
So move on and make your kids learn these skills through soccer practice games. 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.

We must acknowledge it that majority of the coaches are uninformed of the significance of soccer practice games in their training sessions. More and more research on the subject of soccer coaching reveals that games raise the interest of the kids in the soccer training sessions. The soccer skills are developed in kids as a result of these games which play a key role here.

Accordingly, there are some aspects that I’ll bring to your notice which make it essential to include a variety of soccer games in your sessions.

Games are much more fun: Games allow the kids to have fun and enjoy their practice sessions. The players take part in the sessions with ever increasing enthusiasm and in the spirit of the game. Nevertheless, be sure that these games are designed to hone the kid’s soccer talent otherwise their purpose is defeated.

Games that are fun but do not teach kids the soccer essentials bear no place in your training sessions.

Soccer Training

Variety: Practically, there are numerous games to select from that can be included in sessions. Besides, you have the option to decide the suitable timings as well as adjust players in groups depending on their individual strengths. Therefore, you can use games as an efficient basis for developing exciting training sessions.

More productivity: With games as compared to soccer drills, you gain a lot of good results in less time. The kids will get a good workout without feeling fatigued. At the same time, games make the players value each others participation and team spirit. This was kids recognize the ideals and moral principles that each player must learn and follow.

Make the players learn from themselves: Soccer practice games are great for self learning. Players learn a great deal on their own. As an example, kids learn to play under extreme situations or find ways to manage tough opponents.

They also get a good feel of the real match-like conditions in games that have been designed like that. Especially the younger players should be encouraged to develop these qualities.

Effortless setup: It needs no elaborate arrangements to make a conducive atmosphere for these soccer exercises. Only the basics such as medical aid, water, and refreshments need be arranged. Though, it is necessary to use cones to maintain boundaries.

Also, large fields are not a prerequisite for playing these games. When the weather is not right, you have an option to make the kids play indoors.

Make you an innovative coach: When you design new games for the kids every week, the kids get to know your talent. They trust your methods which will help them in learning soccer better and faster. You also benefit in terms of developing ingenuity as there is a lot of thinking involved in creating new games.

So, go ahead and introduce a lot of soccer practice games in your sessions. The results it brings out will surprise you. For more such knowledge on kid’s soccer as well as soccer games, become a part of our youth soccer coaching community which has articles, videos, newsletters etc for youth coaches.

Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players' skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: Soccer practice games.