Small-sided soccer games are among the most effective ways to train at any level, especially for youth players. Youth players want to have fun, and they have the most fun when playing the game, which is also where they learn the most and become better soccer players.

These games involve fewer players, smaller areas, and more touches on the ball, along with a huge amount of decision-making. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about a small-sided soccer game and why it is so important for youth players.

Remi Jacquaint Image

Image by Remi Jacquaint

What are small-sided games?

Small-sided games are a variation of the traditional game in which matches involve fewer players on each team and within smaller playing areas. Instead of playing on a full-sized field, the areas vary and accommodate different numbers of players, such as 3v3, 4v4, 7,7, or anything else.

Small-sided games can be part of an official team training, a pickup game, a recreational game, or any other type of soccer event. All you need is a court or a field, a set of cones to set up boundaries, and the appropriate soccer ball and footwear, and you are ready to play.

But don’t forget to grab the most essential part of it all…More players. The more players you have, the more fun because there are variations within small-sided games such as “King of the Hill,” where the winning team stays, and the other teams get in line to try to win.

Small-sided games vs Futsal

Soccer has many variations, from beach soccer to soccer tennis to the more popular ones: small-sided games, Futsal, and the game itself.

Small-sided games can be played on grass, artificial turf, or hard surfaces, and the amount of people per team can vary. Also, street soccer can be considered a form of small-sided game.
Small-sided games are very similar to Futsal; however, Futsal has specific rules, such as how there are five players per team, it is usually played indoors on a wooden court, and there are boundary lines, while small-sided games can have walls that act as rebounders,

Traditional soccer is played outdoors on a full-sized field with eleven players on each team. The most important thing to remember is that small-sided games and Futsal can be considered training for the actual game since there are many benefits.

Robinson Greig Image

Image by Robinson Greig

The Benefits of Small-Sided Soccer Games

Playing small-sided games, Futsal, and any other variation of the game, even playing different sports, is a great way to train for soccer because there are many benefits, including:

  • Increased touches on the ball
  • Improved decision-making and reaction time
  • Enhanced fitness, speed, and stamina
  • Better teamwork and communication
  • Train all the fundamental skills of the game in defense and attack
  • Transferable skills
  • It can help you get into a flow state
  • Play on different surfaces and against various types of players
  • And most importantly… It is fun!

Not every coach is built the same, and by pulling out your own strengths as a coach, which might well be tactics, ensures you never even need to kick a ball to be a success.

What equipment do you need to play a small-sided soccer game?

The beautiful game gets its name for many reasons and one reason is that it can be played basically anywhere with little to no equipment. The only real piece of equipment you need is the ball because you can play barefoot as well, which is how many of the greats played when they were younger.

With that being said, the right soccer equipment can help enhance your playing experience.

  • The proper footwear (to rescue the risk of injury)
  • The right type of ball (and size)
  • Soccer goals (or create an alternative)
  • Cones (for boundaries, or play with walls or no boundaries)
  • Bibs (to make teams)

Now that you know what small sided soccer games are, go out there and start playing to develop your skills and talent.

About the Art of Football:

The Art of Football is a blog site and private training program designed to help footballers reach new levels of performance with training and lifestyle tips. Football is a form of art and one of the best ways to better be able to express yourself and your talents and get “in the zone” is by playing the game a lot and variations of the game to master the ball in many different ways.