From
AYSO's website regarding small-sided games:
Young soccer players need
special consideration.
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They are
children playing a child's game.
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They must
be regarded as young children, not mini adults.
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They are
essentially self-oriented and relate naturally to one or two others, not to
large groups.
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Fun and
activity factors must be a central part of a child-centered program.
Educators agree early
learning experiences are the most important and produce the most retention.
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Most
children cannot sustain prolonged activity.
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They
function best in suitable starts and stops (rest periods).
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Concentration span is limited, so frequent changes of pace and activity are
essential.
Children love to learn.
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They learn
a great deal more when the ratio of teacher (coach) to student (player) is
reduced.
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With small
numbers and the simple nature of the game, the best teacher is the game
itself.
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With fewer
players on the field, each player gets more touches of the ball and has
greater opportunity to change location in a fast-flowing, fluid game.
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Playing
short-sided allows players to make simpler decisions and develop an earlier,
better understanding of organization of play.
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Smaller fields
mean more players are directly involved in play, creating increased levels
of both concentration and interest.
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The reduced
field size
encourages more shots on goal by all players, therefore more goals
scored.
Residual benefits.
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Parents are
introduced to the game in smaller, more understandable doses.
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Short-sided
soccer is a great place to train new referees.
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The rest of
the world is playing short-sided, and we are part of the soccer world