Train as You Play

If you’ve ever watched a youth soccer session, you’ve probably seen it: players lined up, waiting their turn to pass a ball through cones while the coach shouts corrections. Then—after 20 minutes of drills—they finally get to play a small-sided game. The idea is that repetition builds skill, and then games let players “apply” what they’ve learned.

But a new study suggests this traditional approach might be backwards. When it comes to building real, lasting skills—especially for young players—training that looks and feels like the game may beat out repetitive, isolated drills.

The Study at a Glance

Researchers compared two training methods for 10-year-old competitive players:

• PRACTICE group – followed a classic Deliberate Practice model, performing structured passing drills with constant coach feedback.
• PLAY group – trained under a Nonlinear Pedagogy model, playing modified small-sided games (SSCGs) designed with specific constraints to encourage passing and decision-making.

Both groups trained for five weeks, then took a standardized passing test (a drill-based assessment from the German Football Association). Five weeks later, they took the test again to measure skill retention.

Key Findings That Might Surprise You

• Both groups improved right after training, but the PRACTICE group’s scores dipped after five weeks, while the PLAY group kept their gains.
• The PRACTICE group made 2.4 times more passes during training—yet still lost ground over time.
• The PLAY group’s training looked nothing like the test—yet they adapted so well that their results matched or exceeded the PRACTICE group in the long run.

Why the “Train as You Play” Model Works

From an ecological dynamics perspective, soccer skills aren’t just “technique” plus “decision-making”—they’re inseparable. Passing in a game involves reading the field, anticipating opponents, and adjusting to pressure, not just hitting a target.

The PLAY group’s small-sided games introduced variables like:

• Reduced space to increase pressure
• Pass limits to force quick ball movement
• Neutral players to encourage combination play
• Scoring systems that rewarded both possession and goals

These conditions forced players to adapt constantly, building a flexible skill set that transferred to other contexts—including a formal test they hadn’t trained for.

What This Means for Coaches

If you’re still running long, isolated drill blocks in your sessions, you might be leaving development on the table. Here’s how you can integrate a “train as you play” approach:

1. Start with the game – Use small-sided games with clear goals that match your session’s focus.
2. Manipulate constraints – Change pitch size, player numbers, or rules to highlight certain skills.
3. Keep decisions in the mix – Even when targeting “technical” skills like passing, include defenders, teammates, and dynamic conditions.
4. Measure what matters – Don’t just test isolated technique—also track how players perform in realistic, game-like situations.

The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Passing

While this study looked at passing, the principles apply to all facets of soccer. Training that mirrors the real game can:

• Improve adaptability under pressure
• Build decision-making alongside technical skills
• Make training more engaging and motivating for young players

And perhaps most importantly, it helps players retain their skills longer—so they’re ready to perform when it matters.

Your Turn to Kick It Off

How could you adapt your next training session to be more game-like?

• Have you seen players improve more from games than drills?
• What’s your go-to small-sided game for developing passing?
• How do you balance technical focus with decision-making in practice?

Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with your ideas for “train as you play” soccer!