small sided games (ssg)
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SMALL SIDED GAMES (SSG). COACHING EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Sam Snow, National Director of Coaching Education. SMALL SIDED GAMES. Rationale - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
SMALL SIDED GAMES (SSG)COACHING EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Sam Snow, National Director of Coaching Education
SMALL SIDED GAMESRationale
• The playing of appropriate soccer games for children under the age of 13 has become the lynchpin issue for future player and coach initiatives in the United States
• Soccer games smaller than 11v11 provide many critical advantages to players• More touches of the ball
• Experience both technical and tactical situations
• Constant transition from attacking to defensive situations
• The opportunity to be in goal scoring position more often
FUN !!!
Rationale (Continued)
• In the current formats used, players under 11 years of age are routinely structured into formal positions
• At these ages, their ability to comprehend spatial awareness and their lack of both technical and tactical range, means we are setting them up for failure
• Coaching games that demand midfield organization (above 6 v 6) are sometimes too complicated for both youth players and coaches
SMALL SIDED GAMES
Are States within the USA Moving to Small Sided
Games???
SSG BENEFITS TO PLAYERS
• Maximize player participation
• Reduces the risk of players losing interest in the game
• Makes it difficult for players to “hide” in SSG, all players must attack and defend in order for their team to succeed (mobility)
• The game is less complicated and easier to understand
SSG BENEFITS TO PLAYERS (Continued)
• Play all positions
• Simpler rules mean more “FUN”
• More playing time, which encourages maximum individual participation
• Increased participation improves fitness
• Maximizes opportunities to participate in critical decision making points in the game
• Maximizes Creativity
Evidence of Playing Small Sided Games
Observation Analysis• The purpose of the following study conducted
by the California Youth Soccer Association – South, using SoftSport SecondLook software was to collect data to compare the 4 vs 4 game to the 8 vs 8 game for U8 players
Player Performance - Total PassesLaura: Red Team #4
8 v 8 game
Total Passes during the 8 v 8 game was 8
4 v 4 game
Total Passes during the 4 v 4 game was 31
8 v 8 game
Total Passes during the 8 v 8 game was 8
4 v 4 game
Total Passes during the 4 v 4 game was 31
RESULT:74% more involvement by Laura in a Small Sided Game
Player Performance - Total PassesLaura: Red Team #4
Head-to-Head Comparison
Player Performance - Total PassesJackie: Blue Team #2 8 v 8
Total Passes during the 8 v 8 Game was 12
4 v 4
Total Passes during the 4 v 4 Game was 46
8 v 8
Total Passes during the 8 v 8 Game was 12
4 v 4
Total Passes during the 4 v 4 Game was 46
RESULT:79% more involvement by Jackie in a Small Sided Game
Player Performance - Total PassesJackie: Blue Team # 2
Head-to-Head Comparison
What Small Sided Games & When?
Recommendations
• U5 and U6 Players should play games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeepers
• U7 and U8 Players should play games of 4 v 4 with no goalkeepers
• U9 and U10 Players should play games of 6 v 6 including goalkeepers
• U11 and U12 Players should play games of 8 v 8 including goalkeepers
Recommended field sizes
3 v 3 (25yds x 20yds)
4 v 4 (50yds x 30yds)
5 v 5 (50yds x 40yds)
6 v 6 (50yds x 40yds)
7 v 7 (60yds x 40yds)
8 v 8 (70yds x 50yds)
“WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FIELDS
or SPACE!!!”
SO HOW DO YOU IMPLEMENT…
Then:• 1 Full size field would allow 2
or 3 U8 fields• 28 or 42 players with 7 v 7
Now:A Full size field would allow SIX (6) 30 x 25yd fields for U-8’s playing 4 v 4• 6 Fields• 48 players with 4 v 4
ResultSame Space = More FieldsMore Fields = More PlayersLess Players per field = More touches on the ball per player
Field Layout for the U8’s: 4 v 4
Then:• 1 Field 70 x 100/120 yards• 22 players with 11v11
Now:A Full size field would allow TWO (2) 60 x 45yd fields for U-10’s playing 6v6• 2 Fields• 24 players with 6v6
ResultSame Space = More FieldsMore Fields = More PlayersLess Players per field = More touches on the ball per player
Field Layout for the U10’s:
LOGISTICAL ISSUES• MODIFIED PLAYING RULES
• Field Markings & size
• COACHES• SSG keep it simpler for coaches to understand allowing more parents
to get involved• Field Coordinators• Facilitators
• REFEREES• No need for them in the U6 & U8 matches• Training for novice referees in U10 & U12 matches
• ROSTER SIZE• Less structured teams for U6 & U8…• Players show up and play
• GOALS• Cones or corner flags in lieu of, or in addition too regular goals
Implementation Timeline
U5-U6 3 v 3 (no GK) September 1, 2006
U8 4 v 4 (no GK) September 1, 2006
U10 6 v 6 September 1, 2006
U12 8 v 8 September 1, 2006