4v4 can be misused as a
tool. It is not just a matter of putting eight children on a small field
and making some random comments. Even with a properly constructed game
learning can be left to chance. The following are some ideas, which help
to insure that proper learning takes place. In the end though it is the
coaches knowledge of the game, the children, the learning process and
his role in it that will make the most out of any practice.
Have a
clear topic. A correct analysis of the soccer
problem must be in mind. This brings into focus certain players at a
specific moment in a clear-cut situation.
The starting point
leads into the learning point. In small sided games
there are numerous restarts. Most of them should lead back into the
learning moment. For example, the soccer problem is the sweepers poor
distribution out of the back. The rules of the game are that all
throw-ins, kick-offs and corners for his team will restart with a goal
kick. The sweeper may dribble or pass out the goal kick. This way the
coaching moment will be repeated often giving him many chances to
succeed or fail and to learn.
Stay on the topic.
When things go wrong outside of the topic ignore it if possible. Fix
what you came to fix, don't get distracted.
Freeze the moment.
When the problem occurs have the players freeze. Address it with
questions. Was that a good pass? Why did you
run there? What could you do better? Ask for solutions. Demonstrate.
Begin again. You capture the moment and present them a snapshot. After
all a picture is worth a thousand words.
Don't over coach.
Experience teaches the coach when to step in. Over coaching kills the
game and ruins the fun. Avoid language that the children don't
understand or don't need. Slogans and mottos work well. Over coaching
hinders the development of concentration. Constant stoppages relieves
the pressure that is necessary for developing the proper mentality.
Coach those that
need coaching. Mass explanations generally waste time and fall
on deaf ears. Addressing comments to the parties involved is much more
effective and efficient. After all it's their problem.
Don't argue against
success. If a team has just scored a goal don't try to tell them
how to do it better. In objective based training it's the result that
counts. Wait for the opportunity when the problem presents itself, then
it is real.
Ask questions avoid
statements. If I say it they tend to doubt it, if they say it,
it's true. Get them to tell you what is wrong and how to fix it. They
can't argue against themselves. Also, by asking them questions they have
to think for the answer as opposed to waiting for it to be given to
them. They are an active part of the problem solving.
Coach what is real.
If the topic doesn't present itself adjust the game. If it still doesn't
then drop the topic. Don't coach a coach's problem, it must be the
players problem. Coach the children that are playing the game, not what
is convenient at the moment. Coaching must be relevant to the picture
and the problems.
Stand where you can
see. If you're interested in the sweeper, stand
behind the goal. Try to see the picture from their perspective.
Bring the game to
life. The colour of the coach. Enthusiasm, humour, emotion and
timing all play a part in making the practice enjoyable.
Think of three
stages. First, get the game going. Give just enough direction
and instruction to start play. Boundaries, goals, any rules specific to
the game. They can learn the game by playing the game. This introduction
might take a whole practice. Next, what are the big mistakes? Do they
understand the soccer problem? If they don't, provide clues to the answers. Finally, by fine tuning you can introduce
new demands that require new solutions.
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