Small Sided GamesWhat is a small sided game?

Small-sided games are games with a small number of players on each side, for example 3 v 3 or 5 v 5. The key point is that because there are fewer players, each player gets more touches of the ball, and there are many additional benefits.

Why use small sided games?

• More touches of the ball, helps develop skill.

• Positions not defined in the game.

• More chance for all players to stay involved.

• Increases the number of times a skill is performed.• Coach can identify problems more easily.

• Coach can give feedback more easily by reinforcing good practice

• Decision making skills can be improved.

• Improves problem solving skills in the game.

• Fewer opponents, creates 1v1 opportunities

• You can focus on one part of your play, in a game situation. (Condition your games)

• More chance to practice skills, at game speed.

Some Basic ResearchPHYSIOLOGICAL AND TECHNICAL DEMANDS OF 4 v 4 AND 8 v 8 GAMES IN ELITE YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS (Jones & Drust)

Remember every touch = a potential

decision

Number of touches

increased from 8v8 to

4v4

PLAYER DEVELOPMENTHIGH PERFORMANCE HABITS

ATTACK• Where is the space?- Ability to Scan• Ball in 2 Hands • Catch Ball in Motion• Feet Pre-Contact • Fall to Outside and Ground Action• Low Body Position in Breakdown

DEFENCE• Go – Load - Go• Get in Front – Stay in Front • Low Shoulder Contact• Speed to Feet – No LOGS

FIJI GAME

GAMEThe attack must score within 2 phases

or ball is turned over

ATTACK FOCUSBall Carry / Continuity

DEFENCE FOCUSChop Tackle Focus/ 2nd Tackler prevent offload

FRANCE GAME

GAMEThe attack have 3 phases to score, 3 passes away from breakdown resets

phases. Defensive line must retreat 5m and go chest to floor on each low touch

ATTACK FOCUSBall Movement

DEFENCE FOCUSLinespeed

WALLABIES GAME

GAMEDefence win turnover if attack don’t

deliver ball within 5 seconds of contact

ATTACK FOCUSBall Carry / Continuity / Breakdown

DEFENCE FOCUSDouble Tackle / Breakdown pressure

SPRINGBOKS GAME

GAMEDefence is not allowed to fold when there

is a single touch made

ATTACK FOCUSBall Movement / Decision Making

DEFENCE FOCUSDefending when numbers down

SAMOA GAME

GAME5 touches = Turnover

1 touch offload – 2 touch must fall and lift ball from floor

Defence get turnover if they can stop attack within 2 passes

ATTACK FOCUSBall Movement / Decision Making / Continuity

DEFENCE FOCUSLinespeed / Double Tackle

ALL BLACKS GAME

GAMEAttack has certain time period/phase total to go forward and enter a new pitch zone

ATTACK FOCUSBall Carry / Ball Movement

Decision Making / Breakdown

DEFENCE FOCUSDefending when numbers down

POTENTIAL GAME CONSTRAINTS

ATTACK• Must play from 9/10• Must get into phase attack shape

from 9 or 10 • Ball carrier must have

inside/outside/STAR option • Ball must be delivered in X

seconds• Must get X passes before contact • Certain number of phases/time

to score or get to another zone• Must win breakdown with X

players • Incentives for 3 passes, offloads,

kick to collect, scoring zones etc

DEFENCE • Must have X players in backfield

at all times • X players must be out of the

game on their knees at each breakdown

• If 10,20,30 is set before ball is delivered – defence will get ball back

• X players must retreat to their own line after each phase

• Defence can’t enter certain areas of pitch

• Incentives for low tackles, stopping attacks, slowing ball etc.