Advantages of Small-Sided Games

The advantages of playing small-sided games are many, including...

More fun and excitement.

Greater success rate for the players.

More opportunities to score and in much less time.

Smaller field means that players need to be actively involved for a longer period of time.

More touches between the crosse and ball creates more skillful players (Individual technical development).

Players are more involved and become actual participants in the game, i.e. less standing around and less boredom.

More involvement in the game and playing time provides opportunities to solve basic tactical problems that only the game presents.

Smaller field means that players must be more efficient in their use of space.

Players make frequent, less-complicated tactical decisions during the game.

Players cannot hide in small-sided games, all players must attack and defend in order for their team to succeed.

Players are typically structured into large-sided positions at ages when their spatial awareness and technical range do not lend themselves to a practical understanding of large group tactics. SSG addresses this problem.

More opportunity to play on both sides of the ball, i.e. exposure to attacking and defending situations.

Helps coaches focus their instruction on individual technical and small-group tactical issues rather than the challenges of managing large group tactics.

More individual teaching time with the coach. Less players on the field and fewer players on the team will guarantee this.

Coaches have more fun with a small number of players to manage.