Why Small-Sided Games?
US Youth Soccer
has thought long and hard about the answer to the question, "Why
Small-Sided Games?"
What does "Small-Sided Games" mean? These are soccer games with fewer
players
competing on a smaller
sized field. These are fun games that involve the players more
because fewer players are
sharing one ball.
All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it has a definite
developmental impact on our
younger soccer players.
US Youth Soccer recommendations for "number of players" at
the various age groups
are as follows:
U6 | 3 against 3 no goal keepers
U8 | 4 against 4 no goal keepers
U10 | 6 against 6 with goal keepers
U12 | 8 against 8 with goal keepers
U13+ | 11 against 11 with goal keepers
Here are some of the
reasons why we believe, as soccer coaches, administrators and
parents must guarantee
that our young soccer players play small-sided games:
1. Because we want our
young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and
become more
skillful with it! (Individual
technical development)
2. Because we want our
young soccer players to make more, less-complicated
decisions during
the game! (Tactical development)
3. Because we want our
young soccer players to be more physically efficient in
the field
space they are playing
in! (Reduced field size)
4. Because we want our
young soccer players to have more individual teaching time
with the coach! Less
players on the field and less players on the team will guarantee this!
(Need to feel worthy and
need to feel important)
5. Because we want our
young soccer players to have more, involved playing
time in
the game! (More
opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)
6. Because we want our
young soccer players to have more opportunity to
play on
both sides of the ball!
(More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
7. Because we want our
young soccer players to have more opportunities to
score
goals! (Pure
excitement)
These are the reasons why
we adults must foster "Small-Sided Games" in our youth
soccer programs. The
"Small-Sided" environment is a developmentally
appropriate
environment for
our young soccer players. It’s a FUN
environment that focuses on the
young
soccer player.
It just makes sense
doesn’t it?
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© GOALDEN SOCCER LEAGUE,
INC.
Web master Iggy Garcia
iggygarcia@sbcglobal.net
These
pages last modified December, 2006 Hosted by
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