RYSA
Youth Soccer in Rochester Minnesota and Surrounding Communities

Why Small Sided Games?

Small sided games are used for the development of our younger players in the RYSA programs. I think the key word here is DEVELOPMENT. We as coaches and parents want to develop our players and children as best we can. The small sided games act as a tool to develop our players. Below is a list of the common misconceptions of small sided games followed by the facts of small sided games.

The misconception:
Not like the 'real' game.

The Facts:
Small sided games accentuate these areas of player development:

1. Skill Development - number of touches on the ball is increased.
2. Tactical Development - players have to make decisions, they cannot 'hide' away from making decisions.
3. Fun and Enjoyment - Amount of goal scoring opportunities is increased.
4. Understanding of the game - Positional play is expanded.
5. Intuitive Development - transitional play from attacking to defending (or vice versa) is increased and becomes automatic.
6. Practical Space - More space increases success (individual success is measured by enjoyment)

Within RYSA there is a logical progression from age group to age group. We lead the state of Minnesota in the ideas and implementation of small sided games. Our state is one of the leading states in the country for small sided games. So realistically you can look at RYSA as being the lead for the country, something I think, as coaches and parents we should be proud of.

If you have any questions regarding this then please feel free to contact Neil Cassidy at 507-280-7584 or coachdirector@rysa.org