More Info on Small Sided Games

7/8/2021

Six reasons to use small-sided games
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Small-sided games are a fantastic way of getting players to work together to score lots of goals with every single player having a big part to play in thegame. Here are 6 reasons why coaches should use small-sided games.


One of the things I enjoy using small-sided games for is watching players react quickly when they win the ball and swarm forwards creating overloads in themiddle areas. If the attacker loses the ball and the team works quickly they can go 4v3 against their opponents. This opens a whole avenue of possibilitiesfor players to see how they can quickly make use of the overload before the attacker gets back to help.


This is very similar to how midfields work in games, be it 7v7, 9v9, or 11v11. If teams can work quickly at transitions of play or pass into areas behind theiropponents then they can use overload situations to create lots of goalscoring opportunities.


The movement during transition will also create a lot of 1v1s so there is a wonderful opportunity for coaches to see the reactions in both attack and defencewhen making decisions –dribble/pass or press/tackle.
Also in the modern game with the fashion to play with just one strong attacker who can be flanked by a couple of wingers or play on his own, small sidedgames are great to practice playing in situations just outside of the final third to create space for the striker to get the ball and set up goals.


TOP TIPS FOR USING SMALL SIDED GAMES
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.
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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 wantto 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 Under6 player to make a decision when he is concentrating on ball control.
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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 overto 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.

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 controland practice anything.
Extra space on the pitch allows players to be creative and practice their skills because there’s less congestion.

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 tothe 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. Giveall your players the chance to develop their skills and influence the 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 touse 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 learnfrom experience.

CONCLUSION … WHY USE SMALL SIDED GAMES?
1. Individual technical development
2. Tactical development
3. Easier decision making
4. More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents
5. More exposure to attacking and defending situations
6. 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…
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