Introduction

With so many clubs within OYSA now playing small-sided games we felt the time had come to put a manual together that hopefully will have all clubs in unison around the state. OYSA feels that small-sided games are an important part of a soccer player’s development during their early years of playing the game.

This manual was constructed by robbing from everyone we thought had good information on the game. We did have one or two ideas ourselves, but we can’t remember what they were!

The recommended format for 3 v 3 is covered below. The recommended format for U8 is 4v4 and it is nationally mandated that U10 and below play 8v8 or less. These brochures can be obtained from the OYSA office.

Special Considerations for 6, 7 and 8 Year Olds

• The boys and girls must be regarded as young children - not as mini adults
• Because they are still so young and essentially self-orientated, they relate naturally to a friend or two and not to large groups of six or more.
• They cannot sustain prolonged activity and function best in fits and starts.
• Their concentration span is limited, so frequent changes of pace and activity are necessary.
• The fun activity factors must always be kept in mind.

The Difference Between 6, 7 and 8 Year Olds

It is important to stress the different stages in growth, development and skills learning that take place over the years. From 6 to 7 is almost a lifetime for kids! All children are individuals and develop in different ways, and at different stages, so coaches are still compelled to talk in general terms. For simplicity, consider the 6 year olds as first year players, and 7 and 8 year olds as the second and third year players, respectively.

YEAR ONE (6 YEAR OLDS)

The emphasis is on playing. Formal skills learning has little relevance to these young soccer minds. Game activities such as 3 a side play or other fun situations where each player has a ball are strongly recommended. Only introduce more technique-oriented practices when it is apparent they have developed the desire - through play - to improve their skills.

YEAR TWO (7 YEAR OLDS)

By now, young players have become familiar with soccer and "handling" the ball - both with feet and hands. More formal skills learning can now take place. Remain cautious about using drills that have players waiting in line. While more structured exercises are good for developing the essential skills, be aware the concentration level of these players is low. If possible, split the group into two (it would be helpful to have an assistant) and work two groups at once; or one group on skills practice while the other plays a game. Then rotate groups. Periodically introduce larger numbers into the end-of-the session scrimmage...e.g. 4 and 5 a side, but use 3 a side as the basic format.

3 v 3 Soccer

The 3 v 3 Program in General

OYSA has chosen to implement 3 v 3 soccer for Under 6 (U-6) and Under 7 (U-7) players. First, 3 v 3 is a program that is designed to better meet the "developmental’ needs of the young soccer player - every child has many more touches on the ball and fewer decisions to make. It is an easier system for coaches to implement in developing player skills. And lastly, the coaching base is expanded because more parents become involved in the program - keeping time, helping as referees and eventually, coaching.

Even though the ideal number of players for a team is 12, it is possible that a club could roster a team of 6 to form a half-team, and then combine with a half team from another club for games. The half-teams would practice out of their own clubs.

Let us look at one of the small sided games -- 3 v 3. If you are going to be in charge of a 3 v 3 team this year your practice sessions should be no more than one hour per week. You need to present the game in such a way that there is no coaching done. Let the kids experience running with the ball, turning left and right, shooting, kicking the ball with both right and left feet. Try to incorporate all of the above in fun games.

When it comes to playing games, and we say this with tongue in cheek, you are looking for the players to form triangles when they are playing. But if you ever get triangles when the game starts, give us a call because we haven’t heard of any miracles lately!

The Team

Team size for 3 v 3 soccer is a maximum of 12 players: two games are going at the same time with 2 or 3 substitutes per team. The lineup for each 3 v 3 team should be 1 - 2 or 2 - 1 (there is
no goalkeeper in 3 v 3 soccer). Use a size 3 ball at this level.

Setting Up the Field

1. Maximum length is 30 yards; minimum width is 20 yards.
2. On the touchlines (sidelines), cones will be placed at each end, at midfield, and at each quarter field mark.
3. The goals, made from the extra large cones, should be centered on the goal line, making a goal that is 2 yards wide.
4. The HOME TEAM coach of the first game each Saturday will set up the cones to designate adjacent fields of play (field A and field B).

1. At each game, the home team coach is in charge. The home team will be so designated on the schedule, and will rotate each week.
2. Each team (of 12 players) will be divided in half, and designated Team 1 or Team 2. Coaches should divide their teams differently each week, so that the same 6 players are not always playing together.
3. The coach will take Team 1 to field A. The assistant coach will take Team 2 to field B. (The two fields are adjacent to each other.)
4. The home team will supply a parent referee for one field, the visiting team will supply a parent referee for the other field. Coaches are responsible for training their parents on how to referee.
5. The home team coach appoints a timekeeper (parent volunteer). Both games are run simultaneously, by the same timekeeper.

1. Games will consist of two 20 minute halves, with a 5-10 minute half time break.
2. The clock is not stopped during the game.
3. The parent timekeeper (supplied by the home team) will blow a whistle to indicate the start of play, the end of the first half, the start of the second half, and the end of the game.

Substitutions will be made about every 3-5 minutes, when the ball is naturally put out of play,
i.e. throw-in, goal kick, after a goal is scored, or for an injury. Each coach should determine a system of substituting (platoon style - 3 at a time, individually - one at a time, etc.).

Switching at Half Time

After the half time break, the coaches can switch players from team to team if they wish.

Goals

There are no goalkeepers in 3 v 3 soccer. Goals cannot be scored directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or penalty kick. A second player, from either team, must touch the ball before the goal can be scored. Coaches are asked not to keep score.

Taking Down the Field (within your own District)

The coach of the visiting team of the last game of the day will take down the field and keep the field equipment bag. They will be the home team for the first game the following Saturday, and set up the field of play.
 
 

Equipment

1. 3 v 3 uses a size 3 soccer ball.
2. Players are responsible for providing their own equipment. It is mandatory to have soccer shoes with molded plastic cleats and a pair of shin guards. Each player should have a soccer ball (size 3) and a water bottle. Each club will supply their own colored game shirts.
3. The game field: Your club or district will issue a set of field equipment for each home field. The field supervisor is responsible for distributing that equipment at the first game of the season and collecting it after the last game of the season.

1. When the ball goes out of play, restart in the following way:
2. over the sidelines - restart with a throw-in (shall be retaken if not properly done);
3. over the goal line, last touched by the attacking team - restart with a goal kick; all opposing players must stand on or behind the half field line;
4. over the goal line, last touched by defending team - restart with a corner kick; all players must be 5 yards from the ball.
5. After a goal is scored, restart with a kick-off; all opposing players must be on or behind their quarter field line.
6. Restart with a drop ball if:
7. the referee did not see who last touched the ball;
8. the game is stopped because of an injury.

KICK OFF

The kick off officially begins the game at each half and restarts play after a goal is scored. The ball is placed at the center point of the midfield line. The ball must go forward (into the opponent’s half of the field) and is in play after rolling its own circumference (about 27 inches). The player kicking off must not play the ball again until it is touched by another player. Opponents must be on or behind their quarter field line. Players #1 and #2 should be on the mid-field line. Player #3 should be behind them forming the triangle. Player #1 passes the ball forward to player #2, who then has several options.

GOAL KICK

The goal kick is taken by any defending player to restart the game when the ball goes out of play past the goal line and was last touched by an attacking player. It may be taken anywhere on the quarter field line, but it is suggested to not place the ball directly in front of the goal. All opposing players must stand on or behind the half field line until the ball is kicked. The kicker cannot play the ball again until another player (either team) touches it.

CORNER KICK

Taken by any attacking player to restart the game when the ball goes out of play past the goal line and was last touched by a defending player. The kick is taken in the corner area on the side of the field where the ball went out of play. Opponents must be 5 or more yards away. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

DROP BALL

A ball dropped by the referee between two players (one from each team), to restart the game after play was stopped for a no-penalty situation. The ball is dropped where it was last in play or at the nearest point outside the quarter field area. Ball must touch the ground before it can be kicked.

THROW-IN

A throw-in is taken to restart the game after the whole of the ball crosses the outside edge of the touch line (sideline). The throw-in is taken by any member of the team that did not touch the ball last, within one yard of where the ball went out of play. The thrower must face the field and throw the ball with equal strength by both hands, in one continuous motion from the back of his/her head and over the top of his/her head. When the ball is released the thrower must have some part of both feet on the ground on or behind the touch line.

GOAL

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball crosses the whole of the line between the cones.

(Note: The player taking the kick off, goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, free kick or penalty kick my not play the ball a second time until the ball is touched by another player.)
 
 

Fouls and Misconduct

In 3 v 3 soccer, all penalty kicks are indirect - another player must touch the ball before a goal can be scored. A player who intentionally commits any of the following nine fouls shall be penalized by the award of an indirect free kick to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the offense occurred. The opponents must be 5 yards from the ball.

1. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
2. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent.
3. Jumping at an opponent.
4. Charging an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner.
5. Charging an opponent from behind, unless the latter is obstructing.
6. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent, or spitting at an opponent.
7. Holding an opponent.
8. Pushing an opponent.
9. Handling the ball, i.e. carrying, striking or propelling the ball with the hand or arm. The key judgment for this rule is whether the contact was "hand to ball" (foul) or "ball to hand" (no foul).

1. Playing Time - All players are entitled to play at least one half of each game for which they suit up. The OYSA understands that failure to practice, disciplinary action, sickness or injury might be cause for an individual to play less than one half.
2. Equipment - All players must wear shin guards and soccer shoes with rounded, molded plastic cleats. All players on the field must be attired in matching jerseys. In case of color clash the home team will change. No ear-rings, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, wristbands or casts may be worn during game play or during practices. Hair bands, if used, must be elastic, with no balls on them. Any other articles, that in the opinion of the referee, may endanger the player or other players are also not allowed.
3. Spectator Location - Spectators, coaches and waiting players must be between the quarter-field lines and at least 3 feet behind the touchline.
4. Code of Conduct - The OYSA considers good conduct by coaches, parents and children to be an extremely important part of the soccer program. The referee is responsible for calling the game, but the coach is responsible for the behavior of spectators and team members.
5. Neither the referee nor the children should be subjected to negative comments from anyone. Remember that referees have a difficult job at best and provide a valuable service that contributes to a successful soccer season. OYSA wants all soccer participants - coaches, referees and children treated with respect so they will return the next year.

Coaches’ Responsibilities:

1. To deal with the children in a positive manner.
2. To lead by example, and to conduct themselves in a controlled manner on the field.
3. To limit sideline coaching - the players need the opportunity to play their own game.
4. To develop high self-esteem and help each player feel a part of the team.
5. To teach soccer fundamentals appropriate to the age group.
6. To attend a coaching clinic each year.
7. To provide a safe environment.

Players’ Responsibilities

1. To arrive at practice and games on time.
2. To bring proper equipment to each practice and game.
3. To treat teammates and coaches with respect.
4. To tell the coach if they will miss a game or practice.

1. Provide transportation to and from all practices and games ensuring that the player is prompt not only in arriving but also in departure.
2. Lend the young players your support in a positive manner. Do not point out their mistakes, leave that up to the coach; instead, emphasize their accomplishments and efforts.

Be positive. Never criticize.
3. If unable to attend the practices or games teach children not to talk with or leave practices or games with strangers.
4. Ensure child brings equipment to and from all soccer games and practices when appropriate.
5. Be available to kick the ball around with your child!
6. Avoid material rewards. Build the attitude that the rewards lie in the fun of playing.
7. Be a good listener. Make them feel important and let them know that they are contributing to a team effort.
8. ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BE A CHILD.

The Difference Between 6, 7 and 8 Year Olds

Although the requirements don’t change much - kids still want to play and kick a soccer ball - the third season should see them eager to develop their skills. Remember that at least half - ideally more - of each session should be in a game form: 3 a-side or 4 a-side. Be aware of the programs they will be graduating to i.e., 7 a-side, 9 a-side and, eventually, 11 a-side and prepare them for this (throw-ins, penalties, free kicks, off sides). But don’t become too concerned about moving them up into the ‘larger’ games too fast.

5 v 5 Soccer

The 5 v 5 format is recommended for Under 8 year old players (U-8).

The Team

Team size for 5 v 5 soccer is a maximum of 12 players: two games are going at the same time with 1 substitute for each team. The line up for each 5 v 5 team should be 2 - 2, 3 - 1 or 2 - 1 - 1 (four outfield players and one goalkeeper). Use a size 4 ball.

Setting Up the Field

1. Maximum length is 50 yards; minimum width 35 yards.
2. On the touchlines (sidelines), cones will be placed at each end, at midfield, and at each quarter field mark.
3. The goals should be centered on the goal line and should be 6 yards wide by 2 yards deep.
4. The home team coach of the first game each Saturday, will set up the two adjacent fields of play (field A and field B).

1. At each game, the home team coach is in charge. The home team will be so designated on the schedule, and will rotate each week.
2. Each team (of 12 players) will be divided in half, and designated Team 1 or Team 2. Coaches should divide their teams differently each week, so that the same 6 players are not always playing together.
3. The coach will take Team 1 to field A. The assistant coach will take Team 2 to field B. (The two fields are adjacent to each other.)
4. The home team will supply a parent referee for one field, the visiting team will supply a parent referee for the other field. Coaches are responsible for training their parents on how to referee.
5. The home team coach appoints a timekeeper (parent volunteer). Both games are run simultaneously, by the same timekeeper.

1. Games will consist of two 25 minute halves, with a 5-10 minute half time break.
2. The clock is not stopped during the game.
3. The parent timekeeper (supplied by the home team) will blow a whistle to indicate the start of play, the end of the first half, the start of the second half, and the end of the game.

Substitutions will be made about every 5-7 minutes, when the ball is naturally put out of play,
i.e. throw-in, goal kick, after a goal is scored, or for an injury.

Switching At Half Time

After the half time break, the coaches can switch players from team to team if they wish.

Goals

1. Goals can be scored from anywhere on the field. Goals cannot be scored directly from a goal kick or a throw-in. (A second player must touch the ball before the goal can be scored.) Goals can be scored from direct kicks, which are awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the fouls listed under "Fouls and Misconduct" below.
2. Goalkeepers will be used in 5 v 5 soccer. They must be identified with a shirt that is different in color from both the home team and visiting team colors.
3. Goalkeepers may use their hands to play the ball anywhere within their quarter-field area, which is marked by the end-cones and the quarter-field cones. If the goalie steps outside this area, he/she becomes a field player and may not use hands.
4. Goalkeepers are governed by the General Rules of Soccer, as followed by OYSA. After the goalie has possession of the ball, he/she may take 4 steps before releasing the ball, either by kicking or throwing. If the goalie picks up the ball in the quarter field area, he/she must then release it. The ball may not be picked up again until it has been touched by another player outside the quarter field area.

1. OYSA keeps no league standings. In 5 v 5, scores will be kept only for purposes of team placement the following year.
2. Each team will provide one parent to keep score, assigning one to field A and the other to field B. (Coaches should not keep score, nor the referee.)
3. Coaches are encouraged to not let the score differential go up more than 5 points. If one team does go ahead by more than 5 points, the coach should make it harder to score by making requirements such as shooting with left foot, etc. The coach should use whatever means is available to even the competitive level of the game.

The coach of the visiting team of the last game of the day will take down the field and keep the field equipment bag. They will be the home team for the first game the following Saturday, and set up the field of play.

Equipment

1. 5 v 5 uses a size 4 soccer ball.
2. Players are responsible for providing their own equipment. It is mandatory to have soccer shoes with molded plastic cleats and a pair of shin guards. Each player should have a soccer ball (size 4) and a water bottle. Each club will supply their own colored game shirts.
3. The game field: Your club or district will issue a set of field equipment for each home field. The field supervisor is responsible for distributing that equipment at the first game of the season and collecting it after the last game of the season.

1. When the ball goes out of play, restart the game in the following way:
2. over the sidelines - restart with a throw-in; if the throw-ins are not properly done, the throw-in is to be awarded to the other team;
3. over the goal line, last touched by the attacking team - restart with a goal kick; all opposing players must stand on or behind the half field line;
4. when the ball goes out of play over the goal line by the defending team - restart with a corner kick; all opposing players must be 10 yards from the ball;
5. After a goal is scored, restart with a kick-off; all opposing players must be on or behind their quarter field line.
6. Restart with a drop ball if:

KICK OFF

Officially begins the game at each half and restarts play after a goal is scored. The ball is placed at the center point of the midfield line. The ball must go forward (into the opponent’s half of the field) and is in play after rolling its own circumference (about 27 inches). The player kicking off must not play the ball again until it is touched or played by another player (of either team). Opponents must be on or behind their quarter field line.

GOAL KICK

Taken by a defending player to restart the game after the ball goes out of play past the goal line and was last touched by an attacking player. May be taken anywhere on the quarter field line on the same half of the field that the ball went out of play. It should not be taken in front of the goal. All opposing players must stand on or behind the half-field line until the ball is kicked. The kicker cannot play the ball again until another player (either team) touches it.

CORNER KICK

Taken by an attacking player to restart the game when the ball goes out of play past the goal line and was last touched by a defending player. The kick is taken in the corner area on the side of the field where the ball went out of play. Opponents must be 10 or more yards away from the ball. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick.

DROP BALL

A ball dropped by the referee between two players (one from each team), to restart the game after play was stopped for a no-penalty situation. The ball is dropped where it was last in play or at the nearest point outside the quarter field area. Ball must touch the ground before it can be kicked.

THROW-IN

Taken to restart the game after the whole of the ball crosses the outside edge of the touch line (sideline). The throw in is taken by any member of the team that did not touch the ball last, within one yard of where the ball went out of play. The thrower must face the field and throw the ball with equal strength by both hands, in one continuous motion from the back of his/her head and over the top of his/her head. When the ball is released the thrower must have some part of both feet on the ground on our behind the touch line. If the throw-in is done improperly, the throw-in is then awarded to the other team.

GOAL

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball crosses the whole of the line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.

(Note: The player taking the kick off, goal kick, corner kick, throw in, free kick or penalty kick may not play the ball a second time until the ball is touched by another player.)

Fouls and Misconduct

A player who intentionally commits any of the following fouls shall be penalized by the award of a direct free kick, to be taken by the opposing team from the place where the offense occurred. If the offense occurred inside the quarter field area, the direct kick is taken on the quarter field line. The opponents must be 10 yards from the ball. A goal can be scored.

1. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
2. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent.
3. Jumping at an opponent.
4. Charging an opponent in a violent or dangerous manner.
5. Charging an opponent from behind, unless the latter is obstructing.
6. Striking or attempting to strike an opponent, or spitting at an opponent.
7. Holding an opponent.
8. Pushing an opponent.
9. Handling the ball, i.e. carrying, striking or propelling the ball with the hand or arm. The key judgment for this rule is whether the contact was "hand to ball" (foul) or "ball to hand" (no foul).
10. Unnecessary roughness of the goalie.
11. Dangerous play:

Specific Rules

1. Playing Time - All players are entitled to play at least one half of each game for which they suit up. The OYSA understands that failure to practice, disciplinary action, sickness or injury might be cause for an individual to play less than one half.
2. Equipment - All players must wear shin guards and soccer shoes with rounded, molded plastic cleats. All players on the field must be attired in matching jerseys. In case of color clash the home team will change. No ear-rings, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, wristbands or casts may be worn during game play or during practices. Hair bands, if used, must be elastic, with no balls on them. Any other articles, that in the opinion of the referee, may endanger the player or other players are also not allowed.
3. Spectator Location - Spectators, coaches and waiting players must be between the quarter-field lines and at least 3 feet behind the touchline.
4. Code of Conduct - The OYSA considers good conduct by coaches, parents and children to be an extremely important part of the soccer program. The referee is responsible for calling the game, but the coach is responsible for the behavior of spectators and team members.
5. Neither the referee nor the children should be subjected to negative comments from anyone. Remember that referees have a difficult job at best and provide a valuable service that contributes to a successful soccer season. OYSA wants all soccer participants - coaches, referees and children treated with respect so they will return the next year.

Coaches’ Responsibilities:

1. To deal with the children in a positive manner.
2. To lead by example, and to conduct themselves in a controlled manner on the field.
3. To limit sideline coaching - the players need the opportunity to play their own game.
4. To develop high self-esteem and help each player feel a part of the team.
5. To teach soccer fundamentals appropriate to the age group.
6. To attend a coaching clinic each year.
7. To provide a safe environment.

1. To arrive at practice and games on time.
2. To bring proper equipment to each practice and game.
3. To treat teammates and coaches with respect.
4. To tell the coach if they will miss a game or practice.

1. Provide transportation to and from all practices and games ensuring that the player is prompt not only in arriving but also in departure.
2. Lend the young players your support in a positive manner. Do not point out their mistakes, leave that up to the coach; instead, emphasize their accomplishments and efforts.

Be positive. Never criticize.
3. If unable to attend the practices or games teach children not to talk with or leave practices or games with strangers.
4. Ensure child brings equipment to and from all soccer games and practices when appropriate.
5. Be available to kick the ball around with your child!
6. Avoid material rewards. Build the attitude that the rewards lie in the fun of playing.
7. Be a good listener. Make them feel important and let them know that they are contributing to a team effort.
8. ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BE A CHILD.

Goalkeeping in Small-Sided Games (U9 & U10)

Goalkeeper is a difficult position for the youth player. This is because while all the keeper’s teammates are running up and down the field, the goalie has to stay in a small area away from the "action". At the same time, if team defense is weak, then the pressure is on the keeper to stop all shots on goal - resulting in too much "action".

Because of these variations in play it is best to request that all players on the team rotate through this position. This policy also enables each player to get a feel for the position. If all players receive training in the basic goalkeeping skills, they will be better field players and you will never be short a goalie at any time. Regular goalkeeping practice for all players should include positioning, ball collection, ball distribution, and support from and to the back line defense.

Position

From the beginning the goalie needs to take a proper "ready" position when an attacker approaches. In the ready position, the goalie stands with feet at shoulder width, knees slightly bent, balanced on the balls of the feet - ready to move quickly in any direction. Hands should be at the sides, about waist high, palms turned forward with fingers spread. Keeping the hands low makes it easier for the keeper to reach low balls because the hands don’t need to move as far to reach the ground.

The goalie must learn early to be in a direct line between the goal and the attacking player with the ball. Most young players shoot in a straight line on the ground and passes to attacking teammates are rare. A goalkeeper who learns to position herself directly between the attacker and the goal will stop the vast majority of shots. Remind the keeper that her most important job is to stop shots and adjusting her position quickly relative to the attacker will allow her to do this most of the time.

As the ball moves from side to side in front of the goal, the keeper needs to move with the ball, to cut off the attacker’s angle, and thus to reduce the likelihood of a scoring shot. To cut off the attacker’s shot angle, the goalie must be closer to the goal-line when the ball is off to one side, and further off the goal-line when the ball is in front of the goal.

You can easily demonstrate this principle with a goal and a piece of rope or strong string about three times the length of the goal mouth. Attach one end of the string to each post. Have a player (the potential "shooter") grab the string at about the center and step back to draw it taut (forming a triangle with the goal mouth at the base). Now have the player move to the side of the goal, sliding the string through his finger so as to keep it taut; note how the shape of the triangle changes with the position of the shooter. With the shooter in each of several different positions, have the goalie move from the goal-line toward the shooter. You can easily show that a straight shot must stay within the triangle in order to arrive between the goal posts. As the keeper approaches the shooter, the area through which the shooter can shoot (i.e. the base of the triangle as determined by the goalie’s position) is reduced; this is especially true when the shooter is off to one side of the goal. This is a great demo; it really helps the kids visualize something which can otherwise be difficult to grasp. And it is just as important a concept for the shooters as it is for the keepers!

Ball Collection

Most of the shots that a young goalie will face will be shots on the ground. Two techniques of collecting the ball will enable a young keeper to deal with the majority of shots. These techniques are the scoop and the long barrier.

The scoop is best used when the goalie has time to get her body into the line of the ball without being under pressure from the attacking player. The keeper faces the ball with the knees slightly bent and the legs close enough together that a ball cannot go between them. The goalie then bends from the waist, placing the hands on the ground, palms forward, in front of the legs and in line with the ball. As the ball strikes the hands, the goalie raises her arms to cradle the ball against her chest. Key points for this technique are to:

• get in line with the ball (move the feet first!);
• keep the legs close together so that a ball missed with the hands may still be blocked with the legs;
• finish with the ball under control, in both hands, and securely against the chest.

The goalie should not turn his back to the field of play when making a save, except in those rare situations when he must run back to make a save on a ball that has gotten behind him.

Ball Distribution

Once the ball has been successfully collected and controlled, the goalie must put the ball back into play. She should do this in such a way that her team can advance the ball upfield. The keeper has several options to put the ball into play: roll it, throw it (sling throw), or punt it. Most young players (and many older players, too!) are more accurate in their distribution of the ball if they roll it or throw it; but there will be the exception where a young player will be able to punt effectively. Let experience with each player dictate which is the best method of distribution for them.

Goalies should be encouraged to distribute the ball toward the sidelines in order to prevent a turnover from becoming an immediate shot on goal. Keepers should also be encouraged to switch the play from one side of the field to the other. Thus, if the goalie saves a shot coming from his right, he should first look left for an opportunity to put the ball into play.

The object of distribution is to get the ball to a teammate in a such a way that it can be controlled. The best way to teach the skill of distributing the ball is through drills which develop awareness on the part of the keeper and her teammates who will be receiving the ball. One drill would be to have a goalie, several receivers, and several opposing players. Have the keeper try to distribute the ball to one of the receivers in such a way that the receiver can gain control of it without a turnover.

Support

The goalie needs to support the defense when he can. For example, if the right defender is being pressured, the defender can use the keeper as a "wall" to switch the ball to the opposite side of the field where it can be moved forward. This should only be done if the goalie is aware of the ball coming; otherwise there may be some unhappy players (and coaches!).

Goalies should be encouraged to come off the goal-line, and even out of the goal box on occasion, in order to play long balls from the attacking team that have gotten behind the defenders. A keeper who can confidently play long balls with her feet, either by clearing the ball or passing to a teammate, can make it possible for her team to play a pressure defense in the opponents’ end of the field.

The defenders and the keeper should communicate with each other constantly. This will develop trust and will eventually be used to take advantage of the opposing team’s weaknesses and break down an attack. During practice, have the keeper call for balls which he feels he can control, have players call for a pass from the goalie, and have the goalie give instructions for the defense to go wide or come in. Communication which begins at this young age will become a habit and will lay the groundwork for a strong defense in the future.
 
 

The Importance of Small-sided Games for Every Age Group
 
 

"Small sided games will bring youth soccer development in this country further in the next five years than it has come in thirty years."

This is the opinion of Tom Turner, National Staff Coach and head of the girls’ ODP program for Region II.

At the US Soccer AGM in 1995, a resolution was approved prohibiting states from sanctioning full-sided leagues or tournaments for any players under the age of 10. The concept of the small-sided game is not a new one and, in fact, many communities have already taken the initiative and successfully instituted and integrated 3 v 3, 4 v 4, and 8 v 8 play for developing players.

We, as coaches, need to utilize fun games to teach skills to these age groups. A technique should be developed through a fun warm-up, and then have similar ability players compete against each other in a fun 1 v 1, 2 v 1, or 2 v 2 setup. We can graduate to a 3 v 3, or 5 v 5 scrimmage in the second half of practice. Young players will always tug the coach’s sleeve and ask ‘When are we going to scrimmage?’ In this way, the players will always know that they will get some scrimmage time. What they will not realize at this age, however, is that by placing them in a small-sided game situation, there are few enough numbers on each side to allow the players, and not the game, to make the decisions. Through this methodology, we have begun to accelerate their learning process for the game of soccer. In the most simplistic terms, each player maximizes his or her touches on the ball and in doing so practices his or her technique to the fullest extent. All the while thinking that they are not even practicing, but playing, and thus enjoying themselves while learning the game!

When players have enough opportunities to play with the ball and decide whether they want to dribble, pass or shoot, they are then, ‘playing the game’. The important notion here is that in a small-sided game, the players have a reasonable amount of time to get the ball, bobble it once or twice, and still have a chance to look around to make a decision about what to do next. In time, the youngsters will both control the ball quicker, recognize the tactical situation earlier, and therefore play faster. The players will develop a range of skills appropriate to meeting the demands of the game, and also develop a sense of position which will be so crucial in the next stages of learning. As USSF Coaching Director Bobby Howe stated so correctly, we have to get it right around the ball first, otherwise what is going on off the ball becomes irrelevant. This first stage is most easily achieved through small-sided games.

In small-sided play, the players dictate what will take place next. In larger number games, the level of pressure overwhelms any technical and tactical understanding the players may have, and reduces the contest to the adult imposed swarm ball, so common in youth soccer in previous years. Small-sided soccer allows the development of fundamentals, with the emphasis on the fun. It is perhaps important to note that young players will actually pass the ball to each other if there is a reasonable chance of getting it back sometime soon! If this is true, then some subconscious level of tactical awareness can be instilled earlier also, and we are well on our way to developing better players. Let the game be the teacher.

Small-sided games, are not the sole property of young players and their coaches. The State, Regional and National Staff extensively use small-sided games throughout their training regimes. Indeed Jan Smisek, the National U-14 Coordinator for Region IV, has asked coaches to make individual and small group defending a priority. So much so in fact, that she asks for one session out of every three to be devoted to 1 v 1’s, 2 v 2’s, and 3 v 3’s.

The National Coaching Schools teach that technical practice for every age group should begin with a relevant warm-up, individually and in small groups with a ball, then finally develop to a match-related stage. This small-sided phase of the activity serves as a bridge between the warm-up and the full large group competition. Small group activities will help the coach to develop his/her objective by allowing frequent repetitions. The activity should include pressure from defenders and/or tighter spaces. Pressure needs to be added incrementally, based upon the players’ level of success. The activities should be game-like but with smaller numbers of players. This stage leads to a similar amount of time being spent on ‘match-condition’ or larger group activity. Most teams consist of between 12-18 players, so even the largest group activity could only be 9 v 9. Team practice for any age or ability needs to provide repetition and understanding in a small-sided game format. That is the key to success, especially at the younger age groups.
 
 

The Progression from Small-sided to Full-sided Games at U12

At the U11/U12 age group, a significant, yet symbolic, progression takes place in the development of the youth soccer player. The progression from playing small-sided soccer to the full 11-a-side game.

It is said that this is the age group at which ‘tactical awareness’ dawns. This is untrue, since many youngsters have previously learned of the advantage of many basic combination plays and more besides, in their small-sided games.

The progression from 8v8 to 11v11 should not scare players or coaches, but, surprisingly it does. Going from small-sided to the ‘real’ game is considered a monumental leap. It is not, and should not be treated as such. The youngsters have been playing the ‘real’ game the whole time! Players and coaches alike are intimidated because they believe that a whole new tactical dimension is added to the game as soon as a player reaches his 11th birthday. The tactical dimension has actually been gradually increasing from age six. That is not to diminish the importance of a coach being able to recognize and point out different tactical situations and the best decisions to be made from them, but suffice to say, a parent coach who has been helping out since his child was six has been learning all along and can still do a very good and important job!

There is an infamous story about Bora Multinovic (former US National Men’s Coach) asking ‘player X’ (a right sided midfielder) to play left sided defender in a practice game the day before a crucial match. After vehement protests from both player X and his teammates, he agreed. Bora then proceeded to shadow player X throughout the game asking him what he was seeing, and pointing out all the other options available to him. Bora had no intention of playing player X at left back, the point being that he could become more effective in his play off the ball, if he could see things from another perspective.

Through improved technical competence, the U12 player is now able to play with his head up, which gives him the vision to make better decisions. A coach must be able to point these out and give the player advice. This can be done by a ‘freeze’ call. Get the players to play at a reduced speed, say 50%, and to expect the call ‘freeze’. On the freeze call, nobody can move and the coach can ask any player why he or she has made a playing/moving decision. The answers to a coach’s questions should give them an understanding of the tactical awareness of the players and allow him/her to correct any misconceptions. The freeze should be short and to the point. The coach then initiates the restart by playing the ball to the player who last touched the ball. This creates a realistic, moving ball situation and as soon as that player has made his ‘learned’ decision, the ball is live. This will help to advance both individual and group tactics for your team.

Points of technical and tactical understanding appropriate for the U11-U12 age group are outlined in Section VI.