When it comes to Soccer practice games, players aged above 11 should be ready by this age to play in a relatively larger play ground? 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 sports ground should have a length of about 100 yards and width of about 60 yards. The goal post should also be about 8 feet high and 24 feet wide. 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. This means lengthened role of the goalkeeper, the use of additional players in set plays, and a range of systems of play.
Stress more on the technical skills in soccer exercises when you are developing kid’s individual skills. Incorporate individual moves of players, heading skills, and long passing skills here. Making long passes will now become simpler for players because of their height and their good built.
It consequently adds scores of diversity to their attacks. For that reason, it’s necessary to cheer the players to keep the ball with them and simultaneously make as long passes as possible. It has the following benefits.
1. The skill of the players to execute longer passes also helps them change fields. 2. Long passes also put the players in a position to cross the ball from wing positions therefore making it a bad tool.
Another skill that needs to be emphasized more at this level of soccer practice games is heading. Players of this age group have generally conquered most of their fear related to the skill of heading. You should make them understand that this ability to accurately head the ball will enable them to retain possession of the ball and offer additional opportunities to score.
The scope of individual movements for creating spaces with the ball must be elaborate at this level. When performing the soccer drills, the players should focus on finding new ways to manipulate speed, direction, level of the ball and along with other techniques.
As the time passes by, the players develop a knack to practice offensive tactics and play as offensive players as and when required. The situation is exactly opposite when they act as defensive players.
However, it’s necessary at this level that players realize that they have responsibilities of both offensive and defensive players. By designating them as defenders or offenders, you’re just identifying the player for the purpose of balance and spacing on field.
So, now that you are aware of these tips, inspire your players to play these soccer practice games in practice sessions. These will make them so skilled that they will be able to take on any team anytime. To know more about youth soccer, be a part of our youth soccer coaching community 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 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.
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