Should I End Soccer Practice With a Scrimmage?

There’s no doubt that players love scrimmaging. But, just because they do, should you end every practice with a scrimmage?

Yes, you should end each practice with a scrimmage of some sort. Try to at least.

By providing a game-like environment, players can use what they’ve learned in training.

Instead of playing like robots, the players will need to make plays, find space, know when to dribble vs. pass, and more.

This 👆 is especially true for younger ages. They will also need to be more engaged and scrimmages accomplish this.

For older players (U-14 and above), many of them do extra training with a trainer or in the backyard. They need the game-like scenarios to make them better all-around players.

What Types of Scrimmages Can I Do?

As a coach, you set the direction of the scrimmages. I always preferred smaller sided scrimmages so that everyone gets more involved.

Here are some different types of scrimmages to consider:

1. Full-field scrimmage: Played on the entire soccer field with the full complement of players. This is usually 11v11, 9v9, or 7v7.
2. Small-sided scrimmage (or Rondos): Played with fewer players on each team, often on a smaller field. It could be three teams of six.
3. Possession-based scrimmage: Focused on maintaining possession of the ball and building up play.
4. Conditioned scrimmage: Specific conditions or constraints. For example, limited touches or designated areas for players to stay in.
5. Tactical scrimmage: Focused on implementing and practicing specific tactical strategies and movements.
6. Set-piece scrimmage: Running through set-pieces, such as free kicks, corner kicks, and throw-ins. Do this sparingly.

What Are the Benefits of Scrimmaging?

Adding scrimmages to the end of practices can offer many benefits, including:

1. Promotes Teamwork

Scrimmage in soccer provides an opportunity for the players to work together as a team. Players are put in real situations that they need to figure out together. This promotes teamwork and communication among the players on the team.

2. Accelerates Individual Skills

During scrimmages, players can work on their soccer skills. In practice, there’s a lot of repetition to work on soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. This is good until it comes to the game. They’ll need to learn how to use what they’ve been taught.

3. Perform Under Pressure

Scrimmaging allows players to make decisions under pressure. This can help them gain confidence leading into the weekend game.

4. Provides You an Opportunity to Analyze

There’s also a benefit to the coaches! You can assess your team’s gaps and strengths. By analyzing the scrimmage, you can stop them at any point for learning lessons. You obviously can’t do this in a real game.

Final Thoughts

If you feel as though you shouldn’t scrimmage, don’t. I’m only providing my advice and I understand this is your team.

Implementing some type of game-like scenario is important.

The best youth soccer players that I’ve seen are creative and can put their skills to use in games.

Not only will the players learn how to use their skills better. You can also dangle it in front like a carrot as a reward. “If you stay focused and go through these drills with effort, we will scrimmage later.” Music to a player’s ears!