Small Sided Games and Activities

Small Sided Games are when you designate a smaller area of the soccer field where fewer players compete and the objectie of the games vary depending on the objective set forth by the coach. Small side soccer games are key for youth soccer coaches to implement into their practice curriculums. Teams play 3 vs. 3, 4 vs. 4, and 5 vs. 5 allowing more involvement and more touches on the ball than playing in a typical 11 vs. 11 game. Youth soccer coaches should aim to use soccer drills that compliment the small sided games they will use in practice. Another great way to implement small sided games is by using them at the start and end of practice. The benefits of small area games include:

• players get more touches on the ball compared to regular games.
• players are forced to make quicker decisions because the game is played in a smaller area.
• the objective of the game is defined by the coach so players are required to figure out how to be successful.
• they typically encourage more creativity.