SMALL SIDED GAMES (SSG)COACHING EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Sam Snow, National Director of Coaching Education

SMALL SIDED GAMESRationale

• The playing of appropriate soccer games for children under the age of 13 has become the lynchpin issue for future player and coach initiatives in the United States

• Soccer games smaller than 11v11 provide many critical advantages to players• More touches of the ball

• Experience both technical and tactical situations

• Constant transition from attacking to defensive situations

• The opportunity to be in goal scoring position more often

FUN !!!

Rationale (Continued)

• In the current formats used, players under 11 years of age are routinely structured into formal positions

• At these ages, their ability to comprehend spatial awareness and their lack of both technical and tactical range, means we are setting them up for failure

• Coaching games that demand midfield organization (above 6 v 6) are sometimes too complicated for both youth players and coaches

SMALL SIDED GAMES

Are States within the USA Moving to Small Sided

Games???

SSG BENEFITS TO PLAYERS

• Maximize player participation

• Reduces the risk of players losing interest in the game

• Makes it difficult for players to “hide” in SSG, all players must attack and defend in order for their team to succeed (mobility)

• The game is less complicated and easier to understand

SSG BENEFITS TO PLAYERS (Continued)

• Play all positions

• Simpler rules mean more “FUN”

• More playing time, which encourages maximum individual participation

• Increased participation improves fitness

• Maximizes opportunities to participate in critical decision making points in the game

• Maximizes Creativity

Evidence of Playing Small Sided Games

Observation Analysis• The purpose of the following study conducted

by the California Youth Soccer Association – South, using SoftSport SecondLook software was to collect data to compare the 4 vs 4 game to the 8 vs 8 game for U8 players

Player Performance - Total PassesLaura: Red Team #4

8 v 8 game

Total Passes during the 8 v 8 game was 8

4 v 4 game

Total Passes during the 4 v 4 game was 31

8 v 8 game

Total Passes during the 8 v 8 game was 8

4 v 4 game

Total Passes during the 4 v 4 game was 31

RESULT:74% more involvement by Laura in a Small Sided Game

Player Performance - Total PassesLaura: Red Team #4

Head-to-Head Comparison

Player Performance - Total PassesJackie: Blue Team #2 8 v 8

Total Passes during the 8 v 8 Game was 12

4 v 4

Total Passes during the 4 v 4 Game was 46

8 v 8

Total Passes during the 8 v 8 Game was 12

4 v 4

Total Passes during the 4 v 4 Game was 46

RESULT:79% more involvement by Jackie in a Small Sided Game

Player Performance - Total PassesJackie: Blue Team # 2

Head-to-Head Comparison

What Small Sided Games & When?

Recommendations

• U5 and U6 Players should play games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeepers

• U7 and U8 Players should play games of 4 v 4 with no goalkeepers

• U9 and U10 Players should play games of 6 v 6 including goalkeepers

• U11 and U12 Players should play games of 8 v 8 including goalkeepers

Recommended field sizes

3 v 3 (25yds x 20yds)

4 v 4 (50yds x 30yds)

5 v 5 (50yds x 40yds)

6 v 6 (50yds x 40yds)

7 v 7 (60yds x 40yds)

8 v 8 (70yds x 50yds)

“WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FIELDS

or SPACE!!!”

SO HOW DO YOU IMPLEMENT…

Then:• 1 Full size field would allow 2

or 3 U8 fields• 28 or 42 players with 7 v 7

Now:A Full size field would allow SIX (6) 30 x 25yd fields for U-8’s playing 4 v 4• 6 Fields• 48 players with 4 v 4

ResultSame Space = More FieldsMore Fields = More PlayersLess Players per field = More touches on the ball per player

Field Layout for the U8’s: 4 v 4

Then:• 1 Field 70 x 100/120 yards• 22 players with 11v11

Now:A Full size field would allow TWO (2) 60 x 45yd fields for U-10’s playing 6v6• 2 Fields• 24 players with 6v6

ResultSame Space = More FieldsMore Fields = More PlayersLess Players per field = More touches on the ball per player

Field Layout for the U10’s:

LOGISTICAL ISSUES• MODIFIED PLAYING RULES

• Field Markings & size

• COACHES• SSG keep it simpler for coaches to understand allowing more parents

to get involved• Field Coordinators• Facilitators

• REFEREES• No need for them in the U6 & U8 matches• Training for novice referees in U10 & U12 matches

• ROSTER SIZE• Less structured teams for U6 & U8…• Players show up and play

• GOALS• Cones or corner flags in lieu of, or in addition too regular goals

Implementation Timeline

U5-U6 3 v 3 (no GK) September 1, 2006

U8 4 v 4 (no GK) September 1, 2006

U10 6 v 6 September 1, 2006

U12 8 v 8 September 1, 2006