Mini Football
A Review of the 4v4
and 5v5 Format
Why have changes been made?
‘A real game doesn’t need to be 11v11’
Andy Roxburgh, UEFA Technical Director
1.
Raise the standard of play at
national team level.
2.
Develop technically superior
players
3.
UEFA technical guidance
4.
Create a better environment for
children to play and learn
5.
Increase enjoyment
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The Benefits of Small Sided
Games
Some interesting facts:
•
4v4 average findings (against 8v8):
•
38 more passes
•
35 more 1v1 encounters
•
29 more dribbling opportunities
(tricks/turns)
•
32 more shots
•
20 more goals
(Martin Diggle – Bolton Wanderers)
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The Benefits of Small Sided Games
Further research:
8v8 in 20 minutes: 2 passes
4v4 in 20 minutes: 29 passes
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The Benefits of Small Sided Games
What does this mean for the player?
1.
‘Better technique’ – more touches of
the ball.
2.
‘More enjoyment’ – more involved in
the game.
3.
‘Better concentration’ – always in the
action.
4.
‘Greater understanding’ – more
learning from decisions.
5.
More movement – fewer players,
more space.
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Regulation Changes
Implementation
Date
Age Group
Number of Players
Size of Pitch
(length x width)
Size of Ball
Start of 2009/10
Under 7
4v4
No Goalkeepers
30x20 yards
3
Start of 2009/10
Under 8
5v5
GK Introduced
30x20 yards
3
The maximum goal size for all age groups is 12ft x 6ft. It is highly
recommended that at Under 7 and 8 a smaller goal is utilized. This can be
achieved through using cones, placing a 12ft x 6ft Mini Goal face down or
using specific smaller goals (such as pop up goals).
Feedback from Coaches/Volunteers
Opportunities:
1.
2.
Study undertaken by University of
Glamorgan; interviewing coaches
and administrators from Under 7
and Under 8 Mini Football.
Survey to be published on Welsh
Football Trust website for
coaches/volunteer feedback,
please complete!
Example Questions:
1.
2.
3.
Do you think the changes could
have been implemented differently?
Have you made use of the Welsh
Football Trust website to assist
you?
What do you think about the
‘behind the line, behind the team’
initiative?
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Key Considerations Moving Forward
1.
Role of a Mini Football Coordinator
within Junior Leagues.
2.
A number of central venues
appears the best format however
flexibility should remain.
3.
Consideration should be given to a
coach and volunteer recruitment
drive.
4.
Timescales and consultation for
future initiatives and changes.
5.
Promoting and developing Under 7
and 8 football within areas without
provision.
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Mini Football
2010/2011
Under 7, 8 and 9
age groups
Regulation Changes
Implementation
Date
Age Group
Number of Players
Size of Pitch
(length x width)
Size of Ball
Start of 2009/10
Under 7
4v4
No Goalkeepers
30x20 yards
3
Start of 2009/10
Under 8
5v5
GK Introduced
30x20 yards
3
Start of 2010/11
Under 9
6v6
40x30 yards
3
Start of 2011/12
Under 10
7v7
60x40 yards
4
Start of 2011/12
Under 11
8v8
60x40 yards
4
The maximum goal size for all age groups is 12ft x 6ft.
It is highly recommended that at Under 7 and Under 8 a smaller goal is utilized. This
can be achieved through using cones, placing a 12ft x 6ft Mini Goal face down or using
specific smaller goals (such as pop up goals).
Regulation Changes
Age Group
Distance from Goal Line to
Edge of Area (Length)
Width of Penalty Area
Under 7
Effective from start of
2009/10 season
NO Goal Area
NO Goal Area
Under 8
Effective from start of
2009/10 season
5 yards
10 yards
Under 9
Effective from start of
2010/11 season
8 yards
15 yards
Under 10
Effective from start of
2011/12 season
10 yards
20 yards
Under 11
Effective from start of
2011/12 season
10 yards
20 yards
Under 7 and 8 - How does it look?
NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED
4v4
4v4
4v4
60 yds
*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations
40 yds
2
4v4
NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED
20 yds
30 yds
UnderPitch
7 andlayout
8 - Pitch
layout
withbuffer
parentzones
buffer zones
with
parent
4v4
4v4
4v4
NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED
NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED
2m
4v4
2m
*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations
Pitch Layout - 6v6 with Buffer Zones
S
P
E
C
T
A
T
O
R
S
40
Yards
6v6
P
L
A
Y
E
R
S
8
Yds
15 Yards
6v6
&
15 Yards
8
Yds
30
Yards
40
Yards
C
O
A
C
H
E
S
30
Yards
NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED
*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations
S
P
E
C
T
A
T
O
R
S
Pitch Layout - 6v6 with Buffer Zones on a
60x40 Mini Pitch
60 Yards
S
P
E
C
40 T
Yards A
T
O
R
S
P
L
A
Y
E
R
S
6v6
8
Yards
S
P
E
C
T
A
T
O
R
S
15 Yards
6v6
&
15 Yards
8
Yards
2 Yards
26
Yards
C
O
A
C
H
E
S
4 Yards
26
Yards
2 Yards
*All Player:Coach ratios must adhere to Club Accreditation Regulations
‘Behind the Line, Behind the Team’
‘Our fear, becomes their fear, take the fear away’
(Bill Beswick 2009)
1.
Continued implementation of
spectator zones alongside mini
pitches at Under 7 and 8 matches.
Extended to Under 9 this season.
2.
Barrier runs parallel maximum 2
metres from touchline of pitch, NO
spectators behind goals.
3.
Only players, designated coaches
and 1st Aider allowed outside zone.
4.
Barrier to be marked by cones,
additional marked line.
5.
Safety of paramount importance, if
limited space (less than 2 metres)
use only cones or marked lines.
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Additional Support to Clubs and Coaches
1.
Revamp new 4v4 McDonald’s
Coaches Workshop to introduce U9
6v6 format.
2.
Minimum of one Mini Football
Workshop for all
Coaches/Managers of Under 7, 8
and 9 teams in their respective
Junior Leagues.
3.
Develop directional videos for the
WFT website to show:
• Pitch layout
• Kick off
• Goal kicks
• Free kicks
• Corner kicks
• Throw ins
• GK Distribution
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Additional Support to Clubs and Coaches
4.
Football Development Officers
to provide support to leagues
and clubs in implementation as
and where required.
5.
Football Development Officers
to support clubs with accessing
funding where possible and
required.
6.
Invite members of
WSFA/5x60/Dragon Sport to
attend Mini Football workshops
to train in format and ethos of
new format.
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Any Questions?
WFT Mini Football Page:
http://www.welshfootballtrust.org.uk/grassroots/7397
Mini Football
2010/2011
Under 7, 8 and 9
age groups