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This article focuses on making you realize the importance of Soccer practice games especially in the 4 v 4 small-sided soccer games. It is more helpful to players that are between 5 to 6 years of age. It’s best to play this game in a field that has the dimensions of length and width of 50 yards long and 30 yards respectively. This soccer training also requires you to design a goal post apt to it.

The rules are knowingly kept very straightforward for this game. The idea being that kids focus more on the game and the fun in it than following the rules. This has the effect of improving their skills and movements.

Use a kickoff to start the game. Next the kick off should be utilized only in the event of any one team scoring a goal. Every time the ball is kicked outside the touchline by either team, the opposite team gets a throw-in. This game changes the traditional rules for corner kicks and goal kicks. And there are no goalkeepers.

The kids get the opportunity to score lots of goals thus adding to their confidence level. It also helps them in building skills such as shooting, dribbling, and passing. Besides, they get to hit the goalpost quite accurately. Another positive outcome is that there are fewer injuries due to fewer collisions.

Another important rule in the game is that no one is allowed inside the safety zone unless the ball is present there. Safety zone falls right in front of the goal. If the ball is there, then any player can take control of it.

This rule facilitates the defenders to defend the ball and attackers to mount an offensive. But the defenders cannot stand in front of the goal. And there is no place for off-side rules or penalty kicks. Only free kicks as and when someone commits a foul.

The best methodology in such soccer practice games is to make 8 players stand in the field and other 8 along the sidelines. The players in the field start the game by playing between themselves and then switch themselves with the players on the sidelines after 10 minutes.

Especially since the players are young, it is vital that they do not play soccer drills at a stretch for more than 10 minutes. Else, they may face the risk of getting injured due to fatigue.

The best part about the 4 v 4 games is that it allows for continuous motion with several opportunities for dribbling, passing, collection, and distribution. Kids are able to score a lot of goals that does a lot of good to their confidence.

Finally, the game should last for close to 30 minutes. The kids can workout a lot and using these soccer exercises and at the same time build skills.

Understand that these soccer practice games are a great way to build a great soccer team. Enroll for our youth soccer coaching community for more soccer resources, news, articles, and tips covering soccer coaching.

Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make practice sessions fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Soccer Practice.