What is a scrimmage in soccer?

In soccer, a scrimmage refers to a practice match or friendly game played between two teams as a way to prepare for upcoming competitive matches. It is usually less formal than a regular game and can include modified rules or specific objectives set by the coach.

Scrimmages are often used by coaches to assess players' skills, try out different formations and tactics, and build team chemistry. They can also be used to give playing time to reserve players or test out new strategies.

Scrimmages can be held during team training sessions or as part of a preseason training camp. They are a valuable tool for teams to fine-tune their gameplay and improve overall performance before entering into official competitions.