Young soccer players need special
consideration.
- They are children playing a child’s game.
- They must be regarded as young children, not
mini adults.
- They are essentially self-oriented and
relate naturally to one or two others, not to large groups.
- 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.
- Most children cannot sustain prolonged
activity.
- They function best in suitable starts and
stops (rest periods).
- Concentration span is limited, so frequent
changes of pace and activity are essential.
Children love to learn.
- They learn a great deal more when the ratio
of teacher (coach) to student (player) is reduced.
- With small numbers and the simple nature of
the game, the best teacher is the game itself.
- 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.
- Playing short-sided allows players to make
simpler decisions and develop an earlier, better understanding of
organization of play.
- Smaller fields mean more players are directly
involved in play, creating increased levels of both concentration and
interest.
- The reduced field size encourages more shots
on goal by all players, therefore more goals scored.
Residual benefits.
- Parents are introduced to the game in
smaller, more understandable doses.
- Short-sided soccer is a great place to train
new referees.
- The rest of the world is playing
short-sided, and we are part of the soccer world.