A Game of Spaces
There is a constant debate about the size of practice spaces in football training. How should practices be conducted? Is it better to work in tight spaces or larger ones? This question does not have a simple answer. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of small and large training areas.
Small Spaces
Recent years have seen a rise in training in confined spaces, and for good reason. Players' technical and cognitive capabilities can be significantly improved by practicing in smaller spaces, according to research. In what way? Let's take a closer look at the science.
1. Enhanced Decision Making
Players have less time to react in tighter spaces, forcing them to make split-second decisions. It mimics real-game scenarios in which quick thinking is essential. According to studies, such cognitive demands improve decision-making abilities.
2. Improved Technique
The importance of precision increases in cramped environments. In order to navigate through tight spaces vs opposition, players need to execute passes, dribbles, and shots more accurately. A greater emphasis on technique leads to a better performance in actual matches when the spaces become larger. Think of it as perfecting a tightrope walk, then moving up to a larger balance walk. By practicing on a tight rope, it is much easier to execute a balance walk. Transferrable skills mastered in more challenging environments or scenarios.
As we move along, let's take a closer look at the scientific references. An example of such a piece is,
"Effects of Different Training Regimes on Technical, Tactical, and Physical Performance in Small-Sided Soccer Games"
Authors: Casamichana, David, et al.
Researchers compared the effects of different training regimes, including practices conducted in small spaces, on soccer players' technical, tactical, and physical performance. In the study, participants who participated in small-space practices had greater improvements in passing accuracy, dribbling proficiency, and situational awareness compared to those in control groups, emphasizing the effectiveness of practicing in small spaces.
Why Large Spaces Then?
Despite small-space training's benefits, it has some limitations as well. Some critics argue that overly confined practices overlook an important aspect of the game: pressing and spatial awareness.
1. Understanding Space
Football involves spatial dynamics. It is essential for players to anticipate movements, cover passing lanes, and exploit gaps in order to press effectively. Practicing only in small areas prevents players from grasping the nuances of large-scale space management relevant to game pressing.
2. Game Realism
Fluidity and expansiveness are the essence of football. A large-field drill mimics the conditions players encounter during matches, promoting a better understanding of positional play and teamwork.
It's a brain game, and using the brain is not only with the ball, it's also without the ball. Technically challenging the brain on the ball makes sense in smaller spaces, but challenging the brain without the ball involves clever positioning and pressing in larger spaces.
So why do we argue about Small Spaces or Larger Spaces in the first place? The spacing should be adjusted according to the practice's objectives. The issue is not small or big, it's both and a matter of which is better suited to challenge decisions.
