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US Youth Soccer - Media Center

February 2003

Small Sided Games 2003

In August, US Youth Soccer's State Associations approved changes to the Policy on Players and Playing Rules that will affect the game for players under age 12. Current US Youth Soccer policies require that Under-10 teams and younger play games with not more than eight players per side. Effective September 1st, 2003 this rule will detail age group specific playing numbers.

Rule 303. LENGTH OF GAMES, NUMBER OF PLAYERS, OVERTIME PERIODS, AND BALL SPECIFICATIONS(effective September 1, 2003)

Section 1. (a) Except as provided by US Youth Soccer or a State Association, the length of games, overtime periods, ball size, ball circumference, ball weight, and number of players for each age group is as follows:

(Under 13- Under 19 are unaffected by rule change)

Frequently Asked Question's

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.

Whose idea was this?
US Youth Soccer has been a proponent of small sided games since the 1980's. Small sided games are endorsed by our national coaching committee, the State Directors of Coaching, US National Team Coaches for Men & Women, including many foreign soccer organizations: England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, Korea to name a few!

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 twelve.

Other sports don't alter their game- why does soccer?
It's not a good comparison with football or baseball- neither has the element of transition that soccer does. Look at basketball- how many kids play basketball 5 on 5? Most basketball is played 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 in a driveway! Kids don't wait until they have nine friends to have a game! Playing on a small field is a more efficient use of space, it takes less time to advance for a shot on goal, and children are more actively involved for a longer period of time.

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, 6v6, to 8v8 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.

Does competitive or travel have to play by this new rule?
The decision to play small sided games is based on "age appropriate" philosophy- the level of play is not a factor. All players of that age group should play the same format.

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.

Where do I find rules?
The US Youth Soccer website usyouthsoccer.org has playing rules posted in the Coaches, Referees and Download Center pages. A free brochure, "Official Handbook: Introductory Rules for Small Sided Games U6 & U8" is available from your State Association.

Will I need more coaches?
No, if you currently play 8v8 for under 8's you probably have eleven or twelve players rostered per team. To play 4v4 without changing your roster sizes simply use the "dual field" method described below.

Will I need more referees?
Small sided games rarely need more than one referee to cover the field. Under 6's playing 3v3 rarely have need for the referee to solve a dispute more serious than who's "kick in" it is! If you have a shortage of certified referees consider using coaches or parents as "officials"- someone to monitor the game. Training materials specific to small sided games are available for free from US Youth Soccer or your State Association.

Will I need more fields?
Rather than build new fields "convert" your existing ones. For U-12 8v8 they can play across the width of an existing full size field. 3v3 and 4v4 fields can be laid out in grassy spaces that were previously unsuitable for soccer. The smaller dimensions of a 3v3 field allow for as

Will I need more goals?
YES! But they should not be permanent or expensive. A number of manufacturers offer lightweight portable goals or you can make your own. Remember player safety is a priority- don't let children hang or play on the goals.

We'll have to break up our current team rosters!
No, Simply adopt the "dual field" method explained below!

How many players on a roster?
If playing 3v3 no more than six, if 4v4 no more than seven. Since participation is a priority, every player should play at least 50% of each game. If playing "dual field" you could have as many as nine or ten on a 3v3 roster and in 4v4 as many as ten or eleven on a roster.

What is the "dual field" method?
We recommend the "dual field" method for 3v3 and 4v4- two fields, side by side, with the coaches and substitutes in between. Players rotate from Field "A" to Field "B" to Substitute. Using this method maximizes player participation. (How to coach two fields at once? That's the beauty of two fields- you can't! Let the kids play! Practices are the coaches time, games are for the players.

I've heard of "academy" and "scramble" methods- what are they?
Rather than a set number of players on a team roster, each player practices with a larger group of players and several coaches. On game day players are divided into teams of three or four for games. Practice groups or "academies" may be formed around neighborhoods or school attendance zones.

Will other State Associations play the same format as our state?
The rule change is to a national policy. While each State Association is free to adopt the format they feel best meets the needs of its members, interplay between States is governed by this rule.

What is the easiest way to implement the new rules?
The largest hurdles are education and logistics. Parents, coaches, referees need to be informed of the reasons for the change as well as the rules of play. Your State Association can provide coaching courses and clinics as well as assist with referee training. Converting existing fields is as simple as remarking fields to the small sided games dimensions and acquiring small goals.

Where do I go for help in implementing the small sided games?
Coaching courses specific to each age group are available as are free materials dealing with the small sided game. Information is available on the US Youth Soccer website usyouthsoccer.org or contact your State Association or US Youth Soccer 800-4SOCCER.

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THIS IS A SAMPLE LETTER USED BY MYSELF FOR MY PARENTS..
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE AND EDIT THE LAYOUT / FORMAT FOR YOUR OWN SEASON AGENDA AS YOU WISH.
COACH MARK.

The Season:
1. My primary focus for the season will be .…………………………………………
We will strive to learn to ………………………………………………………………
We will focus a lot on………………………………………………………………….

2. Please cheer for your child, but refrain from yelling at them. During games, please realize I will be 'instructing them, so please don't compete with me for their attention. Please be encouraging and cheer for both teams, but don't yell 'instructions'. That's my job. Thanks

3. Everybody plays a minimum of ½ of each game The kids that play more are the ones that are at practice regularly, are in shape to do so and are attentive. I will begin analyzing each kid and placing them in appropriate positions where I feel they will have success. Every kid will play at least two positions during the season, however, during the first two weeks of practice I will practice them primarily in one position, introducing the skills of other positions as the season transpires.

4. Please don't yell at the referee's. Again, that's my job. They are often kids too. At this age, I am not as concerned with the outcome of the game as I am them learning the rules and having fun. PUT ANY NEW RULES OR REFEREE ISSUES HERE!

5. If you have a problem with me, another parent, the ref, anybody; please talk to me first. Otherwise, please contact DIRECTORS NAME , TITLE at PHONE NUMBER.

6. All players should have 'home-work'. SOME THINGS TO PRACTICE GO HERE.

7. It is very helpful at this age if you will repeat new words I teach them and reinforce the skills taught at practice. In other words, spend time with your player repeating the skills taught at every practice. Repetition is key to learning and fine tuning the skills they are taught!

8. Key Dates. First Games are DATE. Picture Day is DATE at LOCATION. Last Games are DATE. If you know you will miss a game or multiple practices, please mark it on the calendar attached to my clipboard or drop me an email. Thanks.

Stuff To Know:
We will have rainouts. Please DO NOT call the ASSOCIATION NAME. They cannot handle the volume of calls. They will call me as soon as the rainout occurs and let me know. Myself or an assistant will then call you.

Parking. IF THIS APPLIES TO YOU

Equipment. All players must have LIST OF REQUIRED EQUIPMENT, WATER BOTTLES, BAGS, ETC….. Please bring your equipment to every practice.

All games and practices are "Drug-Free" Zones. No smoking or chewing at games or practices.

There are no pets allowed on the grounds. Please leave them at home.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to all games to allow some warm-up time.

YOUR NAME EMAIL ADDRESS HER PHONE NUMBER

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Practice Plan

• Warm Up (5 minutes) Make the body ready for practice.
• Team Talk (2 minutes) Let them know your expectations for practice.
• Skill Development (25 minutes) Games and Exercises to reinforce learning / fun.
• Break (3 to 5 minutes) Supply water and take the skill into the scrimmage.
• Scrimmage (20 minutes) Emphasize last weeks skill and new skill.
  
  This page may be distributed freely to players and coaches with the following credit:
  Developed by The Coaching Corner TM - www.thecoachingcorner.com
  

• Law II The ball size will remain #3 for under 8.
• Law XI There will be no off-sides.
• Law XV Under 8 will continue to throw-in from Touchline when ball goes out from Touchline.
• Law XIII No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending team's goal box. The possession will go to defending team with a goal kick. If a kick is taken by defending team and ball goes into goal it will not count and attacking team takes possession with a corner kick.
• No goalkeeper.
• No scoring from your own half of field.
• Goal size 4x6
• Field size 30x40 yards.

Hey Coaches - check out these sites for practice/game ideas!

• US Youth Soccer www.usyouthsoccer.org (800) 476-2237
• United State Soccer Federation (U. S. Soccer) www.ussoccer.com (312) 808-1300
• United States Soccer Foundation www.ussoccerfoundation.org (202) 872-9277
• U. S. Adult Soccer Association www.usasa.com (800) 867-2945
• United States Futsal Federation www.futsal.com
• National Soccer Coaches Association of America www.nscaa.com (800) 458-0678
• Soccer America www.socceramerica.com (800) 997-6223
• Better Soccer – More Fun www.bettersoccermorefun.com
• Positive Coaching Alliance www.positicecoach.org
• American Sport Education Program www.asep.com