In a time where coaches, teams and countries are constantly looking for new ways to speed up the DEVELOPMENT of their junior players, one logic above sticks out to me, and that is to play small sided games. Here are 5 reason’s why:

1. More direct involvement in play - ENGAGEMENT

Just by reducing the number of players, means statistically players will automatically be more INVOLVED in play. Young minds wander, and if they are on a large pitch where they are hardly involved in play, there is a higher chance they can become disconnected to the game. In 8v8 or more, it is easier for players to hide and not really get involved in the game. In 4v4 or 5v5 this is much harder to do so and all players have an influence on the game.

2. More direct involvement in play means more touches of the ball - SKILL

If our young players are getting more touches on the ball, again without any coaching at all, they WILL be getting better. Players need to be able to take people on in 1v1 situations and be comfortable receiving the ball UNDER PRESSURE. Practicing a SKILL without opposition has it’s place, but giving players more opportunities to do it against a player allows for much more realistic development.

3. More touches of the ball means more footballing actions – GOALS

Being in more ‘football actions’ on a smaller pitch, will result in more GOALS! It is said the hardest thing in football to do is to score a goal, so the more opportunities we present to our younger players to do, the more used to SCORING they will become. An everyone knows how good it feels to score!

4. More football actions means more opportunities to make decisions – CREATIVITY

Creative footballers are something which Australia has identified a need to DEVELOP. In small sided games this will naturally allow for that. There will be more occasions where players are around a goal and therefore in more attacking situations, which result in players having more opportunities to EXPRESS THEMSELVES.

5. More decisions made results in more experience had under pressure – SMARTER

Experience comes from repeated actions. Consistent good decisions come from experience. Consistent good decisions is what separates GREAT players from good players.

If we want to develop great players who can think and make smart decisions, who are creative and score goals, who have skill and want to always get touches on the ball – we have to play small sided games!