POSITION STATEMENT
PLAYING DIRECT - U10 SMALL SIDED-GAMES

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 in front of the opposition’s goal and tell the goalkeeper to kick it long every time, 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 goalkeeper should not be limited to kicking the ball and should be encouraged to roll the ball out, play short, and keep possession. The forwards should be given freedom to move with the play and transition between attacking and defensive positions as dictated by the game.

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, coaches should not permanently place a player in front of the opposition’s goal or encourage their goalkeeper to predominantly kick the ball long in the U10 small-sided games.