Why Small-Sided Games?
MSA has adopted US Youth Soccer & North
Texas Soccer Small-Sided Games into our league play. We
understand there is controversy in the discussion and adoption
of this process but we have thought long and hard about the
answer to the question, "Why Small-Sided Games?"
What does "Small-Sided Games" mean? These are soccer games with
fewer players competing on a smaller sized field. These are fun
games that involve the players more because fewer players are
sharing one ball. All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it
has a definite developmental impact on our
younger soccer players. MSA chart for
"number of players" at the various age groups are as follows:
|
Age Group |
Players vs Players |
Keepers |
Throw-In / Kick-In |
Off Sides |
Goal Size |
Quarters / Halves |
Ball Size |
|
U5 |
3 vs 3 |
No Goal Keepers |
Kick-In |
No Off Sides |
4' x 6' |
4 x 8 Minute Qtrs |
3 |
|
U6 |
3 vs 3 |
No Goal Keepers |
Kick-In |
No Off Sides |
4' x 6' |
4 x 10 Minute Qtrs |
3 |
|
U7 |
4 vs 4 |
No Goal Keepers |
Kick-In |
No Off Sides |
4' x 8' |
4 x 12 Minute Qtrs |
3 |
|
U8 |
5 vs 5 |
With Goal Keepers |
Throw-In |
No Off Sides |
6' x 12' |
4 x 12 Minute Qtrs |
3 |
|
U9 |
7 vs
7 |
With Goal Keepers |
Throw-In |
Off-Sides |
7' x 18' |
2 x 25 Minute Halves |
4 |
|
U10 |
7 vs
7 |
With Goal Keepers |
Throw-In |
Off-Sides |
7' x 18' |
2 x 25 Minute Halves |
4 |
|
U11+ |
11 vs 11 |
With Goal Keepers |
Throw-In |
Off-Sides |
Adult |
2 x 30 Minute Halves |
5 |
Here are some of the reasons why we
believe, as soccer coaches, administrators and parents must
guarantee that our young soccer players play small-sided games:
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 be more
physically efficient in the field space they are playing in!
(Reduced field size)
4. 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 and need to feel important)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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? We at MSA
understand it is hard for some of us to accept change but this
is the way of US Youth Soccer and North Texas Soccer Association
and we at MSA support both of those organizations knowledge and
expertise in the game of soccer. We also understand Soccer was
designed to be played by adults and some modifications need to
be made and accepted to foster the best experience for our
children.
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