Horst Wein, who has mentored more than 11,000 soccer coaches in 55 different countries around the world, believes that small-sided games are the most essential element in the development of young soccer players. This comes from a man who knows a thing or two about this vital subject: his book “Development of Young Soccer Players” is the official textbook of the Spanish Football Federation, and has also been adopted by the Spanish Football Federation. Australia, having sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Small matches in Training

Coaches should focus more on games than drills during training. Isolating particular techniques and concentrating on them using repetitive drills and drills is known as the “analytical method” and often poses difficulties when players come to apply what they have been working on in the actual game scenario. The “global method” of training involves creating more game-like scenarios in training that can be more seamlessly integrated into the actual game itself. This is done by creating simplified games, which are stripped down versions of the actual game, but can focus on particular themes needed in the actual game.

The concept of using games instead of drills and exercises has been studied for many years all over the world. Didactic Games for Understanding (TGfU) have been applied to many different sports and have been shown to be very effective. In Australia, it is also known as “Sense of Play” and “Practice of Play”.

There are many benefits of this game-oriented approach to soccer:

1. The most important thing is that players prefer to play than to exercise (especially the younger ones).

2. Games can be modified through different variables to focus more on specific elements that need to be addressed; The size of the playing area, the number of players, the length of the game, the technical rules, etc., mean that in the hands of a skilful coach, the games can be used to achieve all the requirements of the actual game.

3. Small sided games require smaller fields and can accommodate any number of players.

4. Small games provide a much more intense physical workout than larger games.

5. Small-sided games allow the coach to develop the game intelligence of the players, as they can focus on the true dynamics of the soccer game, for example, the 2-on-1 situation.

Small-sided games in competition

This means that the competitions played by youngsters must be tailored to the specific requirements of their age group.

“The competition you play in should be like your shoes, they should fit you perfectly!”

Benefits of small-sided games in competition (and training):

• More ball touches
• Easy decisions to make
• Best game-related fitness, high-intensity short duration vs. span
• More time with the coach per player
• Easier to train, especially for parent trainers
• More opportunities to solve game problems.
• More attacking opportunities (dribbling, shooting, passing)
• More defensive opportunities
• More shots and more goals = more fun!
• With no hide and seek, players don’t get lost in these games.
• More opportunities for the full range of skills
• Encourage better form and awareness of teammates.
• Encourages faster play, quick transition from defense to attack
• Easier for young players to succeed, which means enjoyment and retention for these players.

manchester united carried out a pilot program in 2005 comparing football 4 with football 8, the results were very revealing…

On average, 4v4 versus 8v8 had:

1. 135% more passes

2. 260% more attempts to score

3. 500% more goals scored

4. 225% more 1v1 matches

5. 280% more dribbling skills (tricks)

Small Sided Games around the world

Today, the value of small-sided games has begun to be recognized around the world and many federations have successfully introduced them into youth development programmes. The Dutch system focuses primarily on 4v4 and later 7v7 games before players are introduced to 11v11 play.

Throughout continental Europe there are variations of 4v4 or 5v5 for the first game played by young children. In the British Isles, Wales has led the way with the introduction of small-sided games in 1996. The FA in England is determined to introduce the following structures by 2013: 5v5 (7-8 years), 7v7 (9-10 years) , 9v9 (11-12 years old), 11v11 (13+ years old)

In general, USYS (United States Youth Soccer) recommends 3v3 for under 6s and a progression to 4v4 or 5v5, 6v6 or 7v7, 8v8, etc.

Games of small sides in the Horst Wein model

In Horst Wein’s youth soccer development model, the recommended progressive game structure for youth competitions is:

• 3v3 for 7-9 years
• 5v5 for 10 years
• 7v7 for 11-12 years
• 8v8 for 13 years
• 11 per side for ages 14 and up

Along with these competitive games, each age group in its development model has its own comprehensive program of simplified games for training in confined spaces, emphasizing game intelligence and a deeper understanding of the tactical situations of the game of soccer. Training games can be used to prepare players for proper competition or as corrective measures for problems identified during play.

The emphasis is always on learning games rather than drills and races.

The game is the master

Mini Soccer for players aged 7-9 years

Many claim that the revolutionary game of Mini-Football (3v3 in four wide goals) for young players from 7 to 9 years old, is a street football renaissance.

MINI FOOTBALL VS 4V4

While many advocate the benefits of 4v4, which is certainly far more beneficial than 8v8 (or 7v7), Horst’s mini-soccer game, which is 3v3 on 4 wide goals, has many critical advantages over 4v4.

Most importantly, using 4 targets instead of 2 creates:

• Width. There is much more play on the flanks and less swarming.
• Because there are only three players and two goals to guard, this usually results in a less defended goal, meaning the options are wide open.
• Deflected goals make players look for the best option, improving perception.
• Young gamers learn to interpret what they see and make good decisions, improving their Game Intelligence, even at this young age.
• There is more action in the front of goal and usually all the players score during a game.
• There is more intense defense and attack than in other reduced games.
• There are no fixed positions that provide a more complete experience and more complete players.
• Teaches the use of a triangle formation, which is superior for passing and support and also for balance on defense.
• More ball touches.
• More time to read the game.
• Better passing and less long ball tactics.
• Greater physical implication since all the players in the team are needed.

Horst Wein is the greatest living exponent of small games in footballhaving created hundreds of games for both the development of young players and higher performance in the full game.