Soccer Practice Games: Uncover The Winning Tactics

What if I told you that players aged above 11 years should be ready to play soccer practice games on a large field? Hearing this, you might be assuming that I’m insane but believe me, the dynamics of soccer as a game are changing radically. This is what I am referring to. The field should have a length and width of something like 100 yards and 60 yards respectively. The goal post should have an approximate height of 8 feet and 24 feet of width. Every single rule of the soccer game otherwise applies at this level.

A third dimension created by way of three more players, a defender, midfielder, and a forward requires you to make alterations in the roles of players. It suggests that the extra players will be employed in set plays, there’ll be a collection of system plays, and that the goalie’s role will be expanded.

In developing individual skills of the players, introduce soccer exercises that emphasize more on technical skills. These include long passing, heading, and individual movement with the ball. Now the players will be in a position to make long passes because of their height and toughness, not possible earlier.

This ability of players brings in loads of diversity to their attacks. So you should make it a point that your players are encouraged to make long passes along with retaining the ball with them. Following are some of the benefits it presents.

1. The capability of the players to carry out long passes helps them change fields instantly. 2. Long passes also help the players cross the ball from wing positions thereby making the cross a shaky tool.

Heading, is one skill that requires a special mention at this level of soccer practice games. Players in this age group are not scared of heading. Help them understand that if they are able to head the ball well, they shall be able to retain the ball longer and also have more opportunities to score.

The scope of individual movements for creating spaces with the ball must be elaborate at this level. At the time of soccer drills, players should be looking to find new ways change speed, direction, and level with the ball, along with developing their own tactics.

By the time the players grow up to this level, they develop the tendency to practice offensive tactics only when they are selected to play as offensive players. The situation is exactly opposite when they act as defensive players.

But the players should not forget that at this level, they must perform both the roles with equal ease. By selecting them in different roles, you are just balancing out things on the field.

Since you are now aware of these things, encourage your players to start playing soccer practice games in sessions. These will make them so skilled that they will be able to take on any team anytime. If you would like more information on youth soccer, become a part of our youth soccer coaching program that has a lot of articles, newsletters, videos, and other resources on youth soccer.

Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Soccer practice games. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Training guide at: Soccer practice games.