What does small sided games mean?
Why did it take so long for the USSF (United States Soccer Federation) to implement small sided games? If you’re wondering what small sided games mean, it’s simple. It’s organized and mandated in leagues throughout the USA to play on small fields with less players for kids under the age of 8. Let’s run though 5 amazing benefits of playing small sided games. But first, let’s learn a little bit about where we came from.
Jump into the time machine
Before sweeping changes within USSF, youth soccer leagues across the country basically made their own decisions on how many players to play on the field. When I started coaching in 2007, six year olds were playing 7v7. That means there were six players and a goalie huffing and puffing on an oversized field.
It was totally counterproductive. Kids that were bigger, faster, and stronger would benefit greatly versus the smaller and more nimble player. Skill was not the main indicator of how good of a player you were.
If you ever watched a US Men’s National Team game back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, you could see that their style of play was almost a mirror image of what you saw on the youth fields. From big, tall, and fast players to passing the ball down the field as far as you can and see if your teammate can chase it down.
Overhaul
After a series of disappointing results in international competition, US Soccer decided to overhaul the way kids are developed. The emphasis turned to skill of an individual player. This is where they introduced 4v4 or in other words, small sided games.
5 amazing benefits of playing small sided games
- More touches: Game changer! This is pretty simple. If you play on a smaller field you’ll be able to touch the ball more. Who doesn’t love that? Kids love to be part of the play and playing on a small field allows that to happen.
- Less time: Less time when you get the ball means you have to make a QUICK DECISION. It is fascinating the difference between a player that just starts playing 4v4 and a player that has experience with 4v4. They learn quickly that when you get the ball you don’t have much time. Make a decision quickly!
- Goals are small: If the fields are smaller then the goals have to be smaller. This makes kids have to really concentrate when they want to take a shot. This will require some technique as well. Before small sided games, the kids would play on regulation size goals which are 16 feet wide!
- Build habits: As an 8 year old, you can’t run up and down the field all game long before tiring out. On a small field, you can. This is AWESOME because players learn that they have a responsibility on offense and defense. Being on a small field allows them to run up and down and remember what their role and responsibility is. They’ll remember!
- Goals!: The best feeling in soccer is when you score a goal. On a small field, you aren’t far away no matter what position you are playing. The games should be high scoring with back and forth play. It’s just as exciting for the parents when their little Kaiden score goals.
Play as long as you can
There you have it. 5 amazing benefits of playing small sided games. Try not to make this a one season wonder. Small sided games should be played from under 5 to under 8. Every touch adds up over time to more skill, technique and quick decision making. Your kids will grow into a bigger field. For now, enjoy all of those goals and have fun!
