Youth Soccer Development: Focusing on Small-Sided Games and Player Responsibilities

2024-09-19 16:45:16

When kids start playing soccer at younger ages (U-6 and U-8), the emphasis should be on small-sided games. At these levels, teams should play 3v3 or 4v4 without goalkeepers. As players progress to U-7 and U-8, they’ll eventually move to 5v5 with goalkeepers. Small-sided games maximize each player's touches on the ball and give them opportunities to understand the basic concepts of the game.

At these early stages, players are just beginning to learn how and when to pass the ball, and you may also start introducing the concept of positioning (e.g., assigning one or two players as "defenders" in a 5v5 game, ensuring they drop back on defense every time).

As players grow, the number of players on the field increases, as does the size of the pitch. At this point, it becomes necessary to assign positions and make sure there are players focused on both defense and attacking efforts.

You might move to 7v7 or 8v8 (including goalkeepers), and choosing the right formation can be challenging.

For example, in 7v7, you could play a 3-3, 2-2-2, 1-2-1-2, or 1-2-2-1. A 3-3 formation consists of three defenders and three forwards. A 2-2-2 formation includes two defenders, two midfielders, and two forwards. A 1-2-1-2 typically means one sweeper behind two wing defenders, one midfielder, and two forwards. A 1-2-2-1 formation consists of a sweeper, two wing defenders, two midfielders, and one striker.

Each formation has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, a 3-3 formation may provide solid defense and attack, but it risks creating a large gap between the forwards and defenders. This can make it difficult for defenders to connect with forwards, leaving three players engaged while the other three watch and wait.

In contrast, the 2-2-2 formation demands significant running from midfielders. They either stay close to each other to cover the entire field or position themselves in front of the defenders or behind the forwards to support play in both defense and attack.

Triangular formations are often considered essential in soccer. While players in a 2-2-2 setup can form triangles during play, it can still lead to players remaining in two straight lines. Formations like 1-2-2-1 or 1-2-1-2 create triangular relationships from the start but may leave gaps on the field or force individual players to cover too much ground horizontally. All these formations challenge coaches to ensure their players utilize the entire field effectively.

No matter what formation you choose, as a coach, it's crucial to convey the concepts behind positioning to your players. Some players learn best by playing, others by reviewing diagrams, and some through reading descriptions of their roles.

To help, we’ve outlined the general responsibilities of defenders, midfielders, and forwards. These descriptions align with the 2-2-2 formation in a 7v7 game. You should customize them based on your specific coaching style, philosophy, and formation. For instance, if you opt for three midfielders instead of two, their roles may differ from those of outside midfielders.

You might want your midfielders to be aggressive in attack or prioritize marking the opposing team's best forward or midfielder in defense. You might assign the outside midfielders to take throw-ins or have the defenders take all throw-ins. The midfielder or winger closest to the corner might handle corner kicks. There are numerous variations.

Nonetheless, we believe having written descriptions of positional responsibilities can be helpful. This allows players to read and reread their roles, gives parents an understanding of what their child is expected to do on the field, and helps you refine your vision for what you want your players to accomplish.

Defender Responsibilities

Always stay between the opponent and your goal when the other team has the ball.

Drop back whenever the ball is between you and your goal.

Your primary job is to slow down the opponent's attack.

Secondary responsibilities include cutting off forward movement and allowing midfielders and forwards to assist in defense.

Guide the opponent and the ball toward the sideline whenever possible.

Do not let the ball or the opponent get behind you. Most importantly, prevent a dribbling attacker from getting past you.

If you’re beaten, recover quickly to get back between the opponent and the goal or into a supporting position.

Support the goalkeeper if they call for the ball.

While defending against an opponent, be ready to cut off passing lanes and support another defender if they are beaten.

Anticipate passes to opponents and step up to intercept.

Do not allow the opponent to turn and face the goal.

When you gain possession, control the ball and look to carry it forward.

Clear the ball or pass to a midfielder or forward, ideally to the outside of the field.

Follow the ball upfield, staying in a position to collect loose balls or pass to midfielders and forwards.

Defenders should remain goal-side during goal kicks to prevent short passes.

Take throw-ins in your defensive half (or possibly in the attacking half, depending on your coach’s preference).

Midfielder Responsibilities

Run, run, and run some more.

Help both in defense and attack.

Control the space between the defenders and forwards.

Position yourself to receive a pass from a defender and deliver a pass to a forward.

Collect the ball from the defense, move it up the field, and pass effectively to a forward or deliver a through ball (while also learning to avoid offside).

Win the ball back from the opponent and look to switch play to the opposite side or pass to a far-side forward.

Stay within passing distance of the other midfielder to provide support.

When your fellow midfielder is defending, offer support in case they are beaten or the opponent cuts inside.

Follow behind the forwards, intercepting cleared balls from the opposing defenders.

Provide support for forward passes and receive back-passes.

Track back to help defenders, especially during set pieces or when outnumbered.

Take throw-ins in the attacking half or attacking third (depending on the coach's preference).

Forward Responsibilities

Forwards are the goal-scorers. They are the primary attacking players.

When the ball is between you and the opponent's goal, sprint toward it, all the way to the net or goalkeeper.

Follow up every shot.

When the other forward has the ball, move off the ball to stay within passing distance, providing support and looking for crosses or through balls.

When defending, drop back toward midfield but usually not all the way into your own half.

Drop back enough to receive passes from midfielders but stay positioned in front of them to be ready for through passes.

Learn to stay onside and trust that your teammates will deliver the ball to you when appropriate.

Forwards take kick-offs.

Help track back to intercept clearances and collect goal kicks or passes from your defenders.