The game of soccer is 11v11 on a pitch (field) that is bigger than a football field with a single ball. It is a great game for older youth players and still a better game for adults that can cover the size of pitch with speed, strength, and grace. The field is just too big however for our youngest youth players and the number of players in relation to the ball means that the game needs to be adjusted to help players develop and mature.
United States Youth Soccer (USYS) has developed a format for small-sided games that promotes player development. USYS isn't alone in adopting small sided games to develop technique and tactics in an age appropriate way countries and clubs from around the world have done so. The famed Manchester United Football Club firmly believes in 4v4 and its power as a teaching tool. Soccer countries like Argentina, Brazil, Holland, France, and many others have also adopted small sided games to help their players develop.
The idea is to help players develop technically, tactically, physically, and psychosocially by giving them a game that fits their needs.
