The "Small-Sided" Game is a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player. Small-Sided Games are developmentally appropriate environment for our youngest soccer players. MAYSA, strongly supports Small-Sided Games and will implement such games as part of introducing our youngest players to soccer. Generally, used for our K-1st grade level players, Small Sided Games can be used at any level.
Although, entry level soccer may appear to be simply allowing the kids to play and run around in a small area, there is actually very serious thought behind Small Sided Games. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and U.S. Youth Soccer both endorse the approach of 'staying small-sided longer' after studying its successful application in the top European clubs and national teams (e.g., Spain, Holland, Germany) where emphasizing player development and long-term competitiveness have been traditional hallmarks.
What is a Small Sided Game?
Small Sided Games are soccer games with fewer players playing on smaller sized fields. These are fun games that involve each player more because there are fewer players. Small Sided Games have a definite developmental impact on our players. At this young age playing on a larger field generally results in one or two athletically advanced children sprinting ahead of everyone. This limits touches for all players, but also eliminates the development of footwork (even for the athletically advanced). Because on the larger field the children tend to kick the ball far ahead and chase it instead of developing footwork in close-courters.
Additional benefits of a Small Sided Game:
These are the reasons why MAYSA, US Youth Soccer and USSF all support "Small-Sided Games". 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? If you have further questions about Small Sided Games contact us.