Six reasons to use small-sided games

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1. MORE TOUCHES

Fewer players in the session means each player will receive more touches of the ball, so they have more opportunity to make decisions and work on their skills in a competitive situation. The more opportunity a player has to make decisions and work on their skills in a competitive situation the quicker they develop their soccer brains. Try this small-sided game

2. EASIER DECISIONS

Players will make better decisions when there are fewer players on the pitch as there are less options to consider. When dealing with young players, we want to start off with only a few options and then build up from there when they begin to get a feel and understanding for the game. You cannot expect an Under 6 player to make a decision when he is concentrating on ball control. Try this small-sided game

3. SCORE MORE GOALS

Every player whatever age loves the feeling of scoring a goal – I feel it so the youngsters in my care must feel it a hundred times over. Watch them run over to mum and dad after the game with a massive smile on their face and shout out “I scored!”. It helps them to love the game. Try this small-sided game

4. MORE SPACE = CREATIVITY

An increase in space allows players to get off shots and try different moves without immediately running into a wall of players. As we’ve all seen countless times, young players are drawn to the ball like a magnet leaving very little room for the player with the ball to be under control and practice anything. Extra space on the pitch allows players to be creative and practice their skills because there’s less congestion. Try this small-sided game

5. EVERY PLAYER HAS AN INFLUENCE

It’s easy for young players to hide in a game of 8v8. It’s not so easy for them to hide in a game of 4v4. In small-sided games all players must contribute to the play. It stops one or two players dominating in bigger games – they are the ones that play goes through at training and matches. Let’s cut that out. Give all your players the chance to develop their skills and influence the game. Try this small-sided game

6 LEARN WHEN TO USE A SKILL

Drills that work on technique without any opposing player are good for player development but, when the player faces competition, they won’t know how to use the skill they were taught.Small-sided games allow players to put the skill they learnt in technique and practice drills into competition and then learn from experience. Try this small-sided game

CONCLUSION … WHY USE SMALL SIDED GAMES?

Individual technical development
Tactical development
Easier decision making
More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents
More exposure to attacking and defending situations
Because they are great FUN! Increased development and more fun at the same time is a great way to run a coaching session with your players…

SoccerCoachWeekly.net is the go to place for small-sided games we have over 450 games and counting!

Dave Clarke

Dave has excellent coaching credentials, having coached U9s - U16s at grassroots level for over 20 years. He holds a UEFA B license and is qualified in FA Youth Award modules 1, 2 and 3, as well as the Coerver Youth Diploma Module.

Small-sided games

Small sided football games and drills are ideal for smaller teams and more focused soccer practice where each player gets more touches.

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Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."