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:
1st Grade | 3v3 | No GKs
2nd Grade | 4v4 | No GKs
3rd-4th Grade | 7v7 with GKs
5th & 6th Grade | 9v9 with GKs
7th Grade and above |11v11 with GKs
It's a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player. 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:
Individual Technical Development
We want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it!
Tactical Development
We want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game!
Reduced Field Size
We want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in!
Coach to Player Ratio
We want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Fewer players on the field and fewer players on the team will guarantee this.
Opportunity to Solve Problems In Game Situations
We want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game and opportunities to score goals!
More Exposure to Attacking and Defending Situations
We want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball!