Transcript CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

US Youth Soccer Coaches Workshop
Indianapolis 2003
Small-Sided Games
“How Will They Impact Your Operation?”
Glen Buckley
State Director of Coaching
New York State West Youth Soccer Association
English F.A. Advanced License, UEFA A License,
USSF A License, NSCAA Premiere Diploma,
USSF National Youth License
Small-Sided Games
Rationale
• 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.
1. More touches of the ball.
2. Experience both technical and tactical situations
3. Constant transition from attacking to defensive situations.
4. The opportunity to be in goal scoring position more often.
5. FUN!!!
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Small-Sided Games
Rationale (cont.)
• 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.
• It is also the case that the majority of coaches that work with these ages are well
intentioned parent volunteers.
• They do not have the soccer background, yet are faced with, arguably, the most
critical period of player development.
• Coaching games that demand midfield organization (above 6 v 6) are too
complicated for these coaches, and so they often focus information on structural
issues (formations and position), rather than individual technical and small group
tactical issues.
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Small-Sided Games
“Let the Game be the Teacher”
Recommendations
• Players under the age of six (U5 and U6) should play games of 4v4 with no
goalkeepers. This recommendation does not preclude games of 3v3.
• Players under the age of eight (U7 and U8) should play games of 5v5
including goalkeepers. This recommendation does not preclude games of
4v4 with no goalkeepers.
• Players under the age of ten (U9 and U10) should play games of 7v7
including goalkeepers.
• Players under the age of twelve (U11 and U12) should play games of 9v9
including goalkeepers.
• Recommended field sizes:
- 5 v 5 (50yds x 40yds)
- 6 v 6 (50yds x 40yds)
- 7 v 7 (60yds x 40yds)
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- 8 v 8 (70yds x 50yds)
- 9 v 9 (80yds x 60yds)
- 11 v 11 (100yds x 70yds)
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Small-Sided Games
Logistical Issues
• FIELD AVAILABILITY
– Markings and size
• BALL SIZE
– U5 to U8: Size 3
– U9 to U12: Size 4
– U13 and above: Size 5
• ROSTER SIZE
– If teams are not formed,
players show up and play
– Inclusion model
• REFEREES
– No need for them
– Training for young Refs
• GOALS
– Do not have to be expensive
– Cones or corner flags
• COACHES
– Field Coordinators
– Facilitators
• PLAYING RULES
– US Soccer 4v4, 5v5 Micro
Rules are readily available
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Small-Sided Games
Maximizing Current Field Availability
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Small-Sided Games
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why make the change?
It makes the game of soccer a better experience for children.
More touches on the ball, more opportunities to make
decisions, more actual play. Energetic workouts due to
playing both attacking and defensive roles. While learning
both offense and defense, a player will become more
complete and will understand more readily the roles and
importance of teammates.
2. Why can’t they play 11v11 like
"real" soccer?
The 11v11 format is the adult version of the game. Using an
adult size field and goals makes little sense for children
under the age of twelve.
3. I didn’t grow up playing this
way!
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True! Whether you grew up in the USA or another country,
soccer was traditionally played 11v11 for all age groups.
This isn’t true any longer- small sided game formats are in
use all over the world- not just in the US.
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Small-Sided Games
Frequently Asked Questions
4. How will they learn to play
11v11?
Progressing from 3v3, 4v4, 6v6, to 8v8 BEFORE 11v11 is a
sound educational method. The problem is that young
players were forced into 11v11 before their bodies were
physically developed to play the adult version of the game.
Any notion that players will be less prepared to play 11v11 is
not justified.
5. Does competitive or travel have
to play by this new rule?
The decision to play small sided games is based on "age
appropriate" philosophy - the level of play is not a factor.
All players of that age group should play the same format.
6. Where do I find rules?
The US Youth Soccer website usyouthsoccer.org has playing
rules posted in the Coaches, Referees and Download Center
pages. A free brochure, "Official Handbook: Introductory
Rules for Small Sided Games U6 & U8" is available from
your State Association.
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Frequently Asked Questions
7. This will never work!
Sure it will! A number of State Associations have been
playing 3v3 at under 6 & 4v4 at Under-8 successfully for
more than a dozen years! Adopting 8v8 for under 11’s and
under 12’s is the fastest growing trend in youth soccer.
8. What is the easiest way to
implement the new rules?
The largest hurdles are education and logistics. Parents,
coaches, referees need to be informed of the reasons for the
change as well as the rules of play. Your State Association
can provide coaching courses and clinics as well as assist
with referee training. Converting existing fields is as simple
as remarking fields to the small sided games dimensions and
acquiring small goals.
9. Where do I go for help in
implementing the small sided
games?
Coaching courses specific to each age group are available as
are free materials dealing with the small sided game.
Information is available on the US Youth Soccer website
usyouthsoccer.org or contact your State Association or US
Youth Soccer 800-4SOCCER.
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