By Ian Bradley , ISA State Director of Coaching

Implementation of the small-sided game is a progressive step designed to make our system of play developmentally appropriate. However, due to the decreased field size and number of players, it is conceivable that some coaches may take this opportunity to apply the simplest, most direct strategies for winning and negate the developmental benefits of playing small-sided games.

To be sure, any coach could place a player permanently protecting the home goal, thus creating a very direct and negative approach to the game. In such an approach, the creativity, fluidity and fun of the game are lost.

Therefore, the back player should not be limited to his/her own half of the field; instead the back player should be given freedom to move with the play and transition between attacking and defensive positions as dictated by the game. Coaches should consider the negative psychological impact on those players given the sole task of stopping the opposition scoring. How fun can it be standing there all alone, while their teammates are having a blast trying to score at the other end of the field? The basic strategy for all players should be that when their team loses possession everyone funnels back to defend.

The Iowa Soccer Association encourages coaches to provide a structure that allows for players to be creative, make decisions and move fluidly throughout the field. Young players will develop best by providing an open style of play in which they are allowed to learn.

In short, no player should be permanently positioned as a defender or “goalkeeper”, in front of their own goal in the U6 and U8 small-sided games.