Upper Cumberland United Soccer Club: Small-Sided Games FAQ

Frequent Comments and Questions About Small-Sided Games
For many years the UCSA (now UCUSC Recreational League) has played “small-sided games,” which means games played with fewer kids on the field than in the adult 11v11 game. Starting with the Fall 2005 season we will follow the recommendations of US Youth Soccer by playing 3v3 in U6, and 4v4 in U8, with no goalkeepers in either age group. Teams of this size will be new to parents and coaches and we will probably experience some “growing pains” with the transition. Based on what other leagues around the country have reported, however, we expect the kids to benefit greatly in terms of skill development and sheer enjoyment. Starting with this season, coaches of U6 and U8 teams should focus on individual technical development (dribbling, shooting, passing, etc.) and small group tactics (being part of BOTH small defensive and offensive units). Structural issues will be addressed in U10 when the kids have better spatial awareness and there are more players on the field. Below are frequently asked questions and comments on SSG.

Why make the change?
It makes the game of soccer a better experience for children. More touches on the ball, more opportunities to make decisions, more actual play. Energetic workouts due to playing both attacking and defensive roles. While learning both offense and defense, a player will become more complete and will understand more readily the roles and importance of teammates.

Why can’t they play 11v11 like "real" soccer?
The 11v11 format is the adult version of the game. Using an adult size field and goals makes little sense for children under the age of eight.

I didn’t grow up playing this way!
True! Whether you grew up in the USA or another country, soccer was traditionally played 11v11 for all age groups. This isn’t true any longer- small sided game formats are in use all over the world- not just in the US.

How will they learn to play 11v11?
Progressing from 3v3, 4v4, 8v8 and 9v9 BEFORE 11v11 is a sound educational method. The problem is that young players were forced into 11v11 before their bodies were physically developed to play the adult version of the game. Any notion that players will be less prepared to play 11v11 is not justified.

I have heard that 4v4 has some special elements to it. What are they?
4v4 is the smallest manifestation of a real match. In it are all of the elements necessary for children to experience real soccer without any confusing duplication. In a real soccer match children have the option of passing the ball forwards, square or backwards. Three children cannot do this because one of the directions will be missing. While 3v3 is a valuable tool for young children and learning technique, it is limited in its use as a tool for the positional game. With five children the extra one duplicates one of the elements. He becomes "also wide, also deep or also back." This "also" position clutters the picture. 4v4 also provides the minimum numbers needed for all of the principles of play. One player is up top for penetration. Two are needed for width and one holds back to supply depth. In 4v4 the responsibilities are very clear. All tasks are covered and none are shared which keeps things simple.

Does competitive or travel have to play by this new rule?
Yes! The decision to play small-sided games is based on "age appropriate" philosophy - the level of play is not a factor.

This will never work!
Sure it will! A number of State Associations have been playing 3v3 at under 6 & 4v4 at Under-8 successfully for more than a dozen years! Adopting 8v8 for under 11’s and under 12’s is the fastest growing trend in youth soccer.