6 Games That Add Energy To Your Practice?

Small Games, Faster Learning

“With youngsters, it is not the technique but rather the spirit of the game, the development of the game, the maturity of the game, of competition and the joy of playing that have to be the focus of the coach.” Rinus Michels, former Dutch Player and Manager

During training sessions that are organized around small-sided games, the motivation of the players is higher and the mentality demanded for competition becomes greater. Training by playing is the best, but it requires demonstration of soccer ability and game understanding by the coach.

Drills Kill

I will never forget my first travel soccer team where I was the head coach and trainer. I believed in a possession style game that passed the ball. So my practices centered around repetitive drills passing the ball back and forth (diagram above). I wanted their technique to be sharp.

I grew up playing soccer for school and club teams. So by that standard, I believed I was ‘top-class’. Especially since I was a fan and always watching the professional game. I had no idea my drills were actually killing their imagination and creativity.

Same Practices = Same Results

“To do always the same and expect different results is stupid.” Jose Arjol of Betis CF stated at a US Soccer workshop in Madrid, Spain. If you are training your players through repetitive drills that are static, where you control the start and stop, your players will always be making the same errors.

Youth players enjoy small-sided games, which demand all the technical, tactical, and physical aspects necessary for learning soccer. These games make practices more appealing, more fun, more dynamic, and more intense.

The Best Teacher

For your next training session, follow these simple steps so your players can experience the best teacher. A Game.

Organize field with 2 small goals and boundary lines.
Divide players into 2 teams.
Indicate direction where each team scores.
Let them play.

To understand how to design your training session using games that add energy get your FREE practice plan.

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References

FIFA, Youth Football Training Manual.

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