The Class Athlete Board of Directors has chosen to implement what are known as “Small-Sided” games. Small-sided games are games played on smaller fields and with fewer players. Games of 5 vs. 5, 6 vs. 6, and 7 vs. 7 are examples of small-sided game numbers.
Reasons why younger soccer players should play small-sided games:
- Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)
- Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)
- Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space in which they are playing! (Reduced field size)
- Because we want out 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! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important).
- Because 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)
- Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)
- Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals and make saves! (Pure excitement)
- The “Small-Sided” environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players. It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player.
ADVANTAGES OF PLAYING SMALL-SIDED GAMES:
- More time with the coach
- Energetic workouts due to playing both offense and defense
- More efficient use of field space
- Matches can be played simultaneously across a full size field
- Children are physically more efficient in smaller space
- Children are actively involved for a longer period of time
- It takes less time to score a goal or advance to goal
- Greater success rate for the players
