When I first started coaching I asked a lot of questions about different kind of soccer drills. However, the one thing wrong with drills, is that they only teach one part of the game – there is no room for transition into defense or attack, or allows off the ball movements.
If you break down different areas of a youth soccer game, you’ll see that they generally involve only small amounts of players. So a 4 v 4 or 4 v 5 situation can be common. I have a large roster, so getting all of the players as many touches of the ball as possible in training is my main goal, and I can’t do that with regular drills where they are waiting in line for their turn.
Small-sided games which include numbers up, numbers down, or the use of all time attackers or neutral players is the best way to accomplish the objective of making sure all of the players are involved as much as possible. I did a search and was curious about about how other coaches used small-sided games in their sessions. It turns out that professional clubs in England, Spain, Italy, and the U.S (I’m sure there are many more) use small sided games for their U10 teams through to the professionals. If it’s good enough for them, it’s most certainly good enough for me. If you’re a youth soccer coach and you want to use small-sided games in your training sessions then check out the book – Coaching Soccer Through Small-Sided Games.
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We have used SSGs with all age groups at every team I have worked at. They are a fundamental part of our training, and with the right modifications and COACHING, can help to develop technical, tactical, and fitness components of the sport.
SSGs do, however, need careful thought and planning in regards to the size of the pitch, number of players, rules and touch restrictions. It has been my experience that many coaches let the games go on too long, and don’t give enough rest in-between. Coach in the breaks, not when the ball is in play. Keep the work bouts short and sharp for quality work – this is a form of overload – more intense than bigger sided games, and thus it is important it is played at a high pace.