Why Small-Sided Games?

Let’s make sure that everyone understands the meaning of "Small-Sided Games".
These are soccer games with fewer players competing on a smaller sized field.
These are fun games that involve the players more because one ball is being shared by fewer players.

All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it has adefinite developmental impact on our younger soccer players.

1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development).
   
   
2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development).
   
   
3. Because 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…need to feel important).
   
   
4. 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).
   
   
5. Because 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).
   
   
6. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement).

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 for our young soccer players.
It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player.

It just makes sense…doesn’t it?