Small-Sided Games
Games to Improve Targeted Skills of the Game
60 minute session. U10 age group; 12 players – 3v3; 16 players – 4v4. Two game areas set up for each stage of
training. There are two different games taking place in each stage. A round of one game is 5 minutes. Each
stage is 10 minutes with a 2 minute water break between each stage.
Equipment: 8 red & 8 yellow training bibs, 8 orange cones, 6 small goals, water, 1st aid kit
Stage 1
1.
End Zone Game
2.
Big Square, Little Square
Stage 2
1.
Toss-Head-Catch, 2 goals
2.
Four Goal Game – Score All
Stage 3
1.
2 Goals – 1 Touch Finish
2.
2 Goals – Score from the End zone
Stage 4
1.
Match – Any Goalkeeper (last defender back can be a goalkeeper)
2.
Match
Q & A with the players from the coach and the audience – 5 minutes.
Summary with the audience – 3 minutes.
Key to Diagrams
US YOUTH SOCCER
SAM SNOW
Stage 1
End Zone Game
Big Square, Little Square
US YOUTH SOCCER
SAM SNOW
Stage 2
Toss-Head-Catch
Four Goal Game – Score All
US YOUTH SOCCER
SAM SNOW
Stage 3
Two Goals Game – 1 Touch Finish
2 Goals – Score from the End Zone
US YOUTH SOCCER
SAM SNOW
Stage 4
Two Goal Game – Any Goalkeeper
Match
Please note that these training activities are appropriate for U10 and older players. Players in the U6 and U8 age
groups should play games that have simpler concepts and rules. Additionally the numbers involved in the activity
should be less; U6 – 1v1 or 2v2; U8 – 1v1, 2v2 or 3v3. Playing SSG activities during a training session with uneven
numbers can also be useful for player development.
US YOUTH SOCCER
SAM SNOW