Soccer games are getting faster, the spaces are getting smaller, and the demands are increasing. To meet these demands as a player, body control in game situations is a crucial factor for success. The importance of coordination is particularly evident in the ability to execute complex movement sequences precisely under time pressure and the pressure of opponents. It's not just about running fast, but about skillfully controlling movements and reacting quickly to new situations. A player with good coordination skills uses less energy, reacts quickly, and is significantly less prone to injury. Therefore, engaging coordination drills should be included in every training session of kids and teenagers.
Coordination training doesn't have to consist of monotonous running and jumping drills. The key to success is the fun of the game, in combination and variety. Motivating coordination training can harness the players' natural ambition by incorporating coordination drills into tag games, relay races, and exciting competitions. When several players race head-to-head for victory in an obstacle course, peak coordination skills are demanded almost effortlessly and with maximum intensity. Such dynamic individual and team competitions promote orientation, balance, and speed, and foster high emotional engagement, a will to win, and strong team cohesion. Furthermore, coordination training can be combined with small sided games by having the coach interrupt free play for a coordination drill or by having the goal scorer complete a coordination task while the game continues.
Coordination should not be considered in isolation during training. As an effective method, coordination training can be directly combined with technical drills and shooting practice. A player who first completes a small obstacle course or a sprint, then receives a precise long ball, and finally shoots at goal, is practicing in a game-like environment. This connection ensures that players learn to consistently access and confidently apply fine skills and soccer techniques, improving them through numerous game-like repetitions.
Let's take an example: In a pitch of 22 x 17 yards with 4 mini goals and about 10 pinnies laid out, a 3v3 game takes place with 4 mini goals. At coach's command, all players jump over 3 pinnies. Then the game continues immediately. This game combines a coordination task with a small sided game, promoting focus, pace, and motivation. As a variation, the coach can use pinnies of different colors and have the players jump over specific colors.