The Importance of Small Sided Games

In recent years we have scene a change in regards to what we should and should not be coaching our youth soccer players.  Most notably, the impact of small sided games.  Many have asked why we do this and what benefit does this have for the player.  To answer these questions I have laid out seven key points that I hope will give a better understanding of why we use small sided games in our programming;

1. We want our young football (soccer) players to    touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it!    (individual technical development)

2. We want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (tactical development)

3. We    want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field    space they are playing in! (reduced field size)

4. 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. 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. 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. We want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score    goals! (pure excitement)

Best of all, the game is simple, can be played without adult involvement and it's FUN!

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.