Playing with the elements is an integral part of the Dutch Vision. Adjusting the field, goals, number of players and rules is essential to the learning process. But how far can the adjustments be made before the game is no longer soccer? A look at two examples in sport will help.

Half court basketball requires all of the techniques of basketball. Players must solve real basketball problems against opponents in a game. It is a valuable tool for the development of their basketball TIC. But, half court basketball misses one important element, direction. Without having to defend a basket at the opposite end of the court it falls short of being basketball, it is basketball like.

Indoor soccer (with walls) is the second example. With the goals at each end direction is involved. However the walls dramatically change the boundaries. A ball played against them does not go out of play, therefore going to the opponents. In comparison to real soccer there are no boundaries. Still, indoor soccer can be a valuable tool. However, it should not be confused with soccer because the walls offer solutions to problems that will not be found in a real game. It is soccer like.

A soccer like practice involves solving a real soccer problem with TIC. It involves competition where both teams face the possibility of winning or losing. While some of the elements of the game are missing or altered the basic picture retains a realistic moment.

Soccer like is to soccer what games for soccer problems are to a real soccer match. It can be a valuable aid to coaching a small piece of the game. A soccer like practice can be viewed as a close-up of a larger picture. While the bulk of a practice should be spent playing soccer, a soccer like session can be useful in addressing specific problems.

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