The Mystery of the Missing Match

Have you ever watched your child’s soccer practice and wondered, “Why aren’t they just playing a real game?” You see them running drills, passing in patterns, and playing small-sided games, but the full-field, soccer scrimmage seems to be missing. It’s a common question among parents. After all, isn’t the best way to learn soccer by playing soccer? Well, buckle up, because the answer is more nuanced than a perfectly placed through ball.

As a parent, coach, or player, you might feel like a soccer scrimmage is the ultimate test, the place where all the training comes together. But what if I told you that sometimes, skipping the scrimmage is the smartest thing a coach can do? Let’s dive deep into the world of practice and explore why your child’s coach might be choosing drills and small games over a full-blown match.

Why Do We Love Scrimmages?

First, let’s acknowledge the appeal of the scrimmage. It’s the closest thing to a real game, and for many kids (and parents), it’s the most exciting part of practice.

• Game-Like Experience: A soccer scrimmage provides a realistic environment to practice decision-making, positioning, and teamwork under pressure. It’s where players can apply the skills they’ve been working on in drills.
• Competitive Spirit: The scrimmage fuels the competitive fire. Players get to test their abilities against their teammates, which can be highly motivating.
• Fun Factor: Let’s face it, playing a game is fun! It’s a chance to let loose and enjoy the sport.
• Evaluation Tool: Coaches can use a scrimmage to assess player performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make tactical adjustments.

The Case Against the Scrimmage: Why Less Might Be More

However, there are compelling reasons why coaches might choose to minimize or even eliminate the scrimmage from practice, especially in youth development.

1. The Problem of Repetition and Targeted Development

• A full-field soccer scrimmage can be chaotic. Players may spend a lot of time chasing the ball without getting many touches. This can lead to wasted time and limited skill development.
• In a scrimmage, players often revert to their comfort zones, repeating familiar patterns instead of trying new things. This can hinder their growth.
• Coaches may find it difficult to address specific tactical or technical issues during a scrimmage. The flow of the game makes it hard to stop and provide detailed instruction.

Example: Imagine a team struggling with passing accuracy. During a scrimmage, players might simply kick the ball away to avoid making a mistake. In contrast, a targeted passing drill would allow them to focus on technique and receive immediate feedback.

2. The Importance of Focused Training Activities

Instead of scrimmaging, coaches can use a variety of activities to develop specific skills and tactical awareness:

• Rondos: These small-group possession games, like a 4v1 or 5v2, emphasize passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and quick decision-making. Rondos create a high volume of touches in a short period, which is great for skill development.
• Small-Sided Games (SSGs): SSGs, such as 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5, provide a game-like environment with fewer players and a smaller field. This allows for more touches on the ball, increased involvement, and better decision-making in tight spaces.
• Technical Drills: These drills focus on specific skills, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending. Coaches can break down each skill into its component parts and provide detailed instruction.
• Tactical Exercises: These exercises focus on team tactics, such as positioning, movement, and communication. Coaches can use cones, mannequins, and other visual aids to create realistic game scenarios.
• Functional Training: Functional training places players in specific game like situations to practice repetitive movements that will occur in a real game. Forwards may work on finishing, defenders may work on defending crosses, etc.

Example: Instead of a full scrimmage, a coach might set up a 4v4 game in a restricted area to focus on quick transitions and combination play. This allows players to practice specific tactical concepts in a game-like setting.

3. Maximizing Player Touches and Engagement

• In a soccer scrimmage, some players may spend long periods without touching the ball, especially in larger teams.
• Small-sided games and drills provide more opportunities for players to get involved, leading to increased engagement and enjoyment.
• When players are actively involved, they are more likely to learn and improve.

Example: In a 3v3 game, every player is constantly involved in the action, whether attacking, defending, or transitioning. This high level of involvement maximizes player touches and learning opportunities.

4. Addressing Individual Player Needs

• Scrimmaging can make it difficult to address individual player needs. Some players may need extra help with specific skills or tactical concepts.
• Targeted drills and small-sided games allow coaches to provide individualized instruction and feedback.
• Coaches can create training sessions that cater to the specific needs of each player, ensuring that everyone is challenged and supported.

Example: A coach might pull a player aside during a passing drill to provide specific feedback on their technique. This individualized attention can help the player improve more quickly.

5. Preventing Overuse Injuries and Burnout

• If you scrimmage too much it can lead to overuse injuries, especially in young players.
• Varying training activities can help prevent overuse injuries and keep players engaged.
• Reducing the emphasis on scrimmages can also help prevent burnout, ensuring that players maintain their love for the game.

Example: Instead of playing a full game at every practice, a coach might incorporate more technical drills and small-sided games to reduce the physical demands on players.

The Parent’s Perspective: Understanding the Coach’s Approach

As a parent, it’s natural to want your child to play as much as possible. However, it’s important to trust the coach’s judgment and understand their approach.

• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the coach about their training philosophy and why they are choosing specific activities.
• Observe and Learn: Pay attention to the types of drills and small-sided games the coach uses. You might be surprised by how much your child is learning.
• Trust the Process: Remember that player development is a long-term process. Trust that the coach is making decisions that are in the best interest of your child and the team.
• Support the Coach: A positive and supportive environment is essential for player development. Encourage your child to embrace the training process and focus on improvement.

Connecting to Youth Soccer POV

To further understand the importance of varied training methods, consider reading about developing your soccer IQ on YouthSoccerPOV.com.

Finding the Right Balance

The decision of whether or not to include a scrimmage in practice depends on various factors, including the age and skill level of the players, the coach’s philosophy, and the specific goals of the training session. While scrimmages can be valuable, they are not always the most effective way to develop players.

By incorporating a variety of training activities, such as rondos, small-sided games, technical drills, and tactical exercises, coaches can create a more engaging and effective training environment. As parents, it’s important to trust the coach’s judgment and support their approach. Remember that the ultimate goal is to help your child develop their skills, learn the game, and have fun.

So, the next time you watch your child’s practice and wonder why there’s no scrimmage, remember that the coach is likely making a thoughtful decision to maximize player development. And who knows, maybe those focused drills and small-sided games will lead to even better performances on game day.