4v4

Extracted from MSYSA handout at coaching clinic with enhancements by CSA (revised 02/16/09)

Maryland StateYouth Soccer Association

Introducing 4 v 4

Graham Ramsay
Director of Education and Training
11706 Magruder Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20852>
Telephone (301)881-1063
Fax (301)231-5261

The international soccer community has embraced a small-sided games approach. The advantages to a small-sided games approach are compelling:

------------------ 4 v 4: THE ADVANTAGES --------------------

Increases number of ball contacts-fewer players and reduced space;
Increases player concentration as the ball is close at all times;
Improves fitness-lively and dynamic tempo;
Creates better awareness and greater player flexibility-all play offense and defense;
Provides more realistic challenges-limited number of players in restricted space creates game-like conditions;
The game itself creates soccer techniques so players can improve and enjoy playing the game;
Develops skill-increases the frequency of 1 v 1 matchups;
A high number of goals are scored which makes it great fun for children. Rules are simplified, emphasizes imaginative play;
Promotes growth and appreciation for the game of soccer;

Number of Players:	2 teams of 4 players (no DEFENDER or a player 'stationed' in front of the goal). The defending team has the right to protect their goal (outside of penalty arc) when the ball is in the opposing team's attacking 1/3 of the field. Any coach promoting a pseudo-keeper and not involving the child in the game may be carded and will be reported to the age group commissioner for resolution
Playing Field:	30-40yds x 20-30yds; Each goal is approximately 6 feet wide. A 2 yard penalty arc in front of each goal that neither team may enter.
Duration of Game:	Four 8 minute quarters (1 minute rest between quarters, 5 minutes at half);
Objective of the Game:	To get the ball in the opponents goal
Game Description:	Game begins with the ball being played from the center. (no off-side in 4v4)
Scoring:	Goals can only be scored from inside the attacking halfof the field. The ball must also be shot outside of the penalty arc.
Restarts:	Following a goal, the ball is played "in" from the center line. This is an indirect kick. The player performing the kick cannot touch the ball again until it is touch by another player. During the indirect kick, please allow approx 10 feet between the kicker and the opposing team, so that the offense has an opportunity to play the ball in. Ball going out of play, whether over the goal line (end line) or touch line (side line), is played "in" by opposing team with an indirect kick (no throw-ins, corner kicks, or goal kicks). A ball over the goal line (that did not result in a goal) is restarted with the ball at or near the corner of the field to allow proper distance of the defense and protection of the goal area. If the ball is restarted too close to the goal, it provides an unfair advantage to the offense.
Substitutions:	Can be made when the ball goes out of play by either team.
Infringements:	Tripping, handling, etc can be dealt with by awarding an indirect free kick. The penalty arc is a 2-yard semicircle located in front of the goal. No player is allowed inside the arc when the ball is in the arc. You are allowed to cut across the arc to traverse the field (as long as the ball is not in the arc). If an attacking player goes into the arc with the ball, an indirect kick from the arc is awarded to the defensive team. If a defensive player enters their own arc to defend a ball in the arc, a penalty kick is awarded to the attacking team at approximately 5 to 6 yards from the goal (or a distance appropriate for the skill level to gain an advantage since the infraction was caused by the defense). If a ball becomes 'dead' within the penalty arc, the referee will restart by awarding an indirect kick from the goal line to the defending team. Be somewhat flexible with the penalty arc as the intent is to not allow either team to play the ball in the arc. A team is not penalized for cutting thru the arc to retrieve a ball outside the arc unless it becomes a continual infringement. Continual infringement of the penalty arc will be handled as unsporting behavior in accordance with the laws of the game. No slide tackling. There is no offside.
Coaching:	No coach or parent is allowed on the playing field during the game. As much as you want to help out, game time is when you want to allow the kids to 'play' the game. Let them use what you've taught them during practice. During the game, the kids begin to learn and explore soccer on their own and make their own mistakes. The desire is for them to make their own decisions and not act as little robots that continually look to the coach for their next move. During the game you can note what needs to be corrected and at the next practice make those improvements at a more intimate level. 'Trailing' the kids during the game actually detracts from their development. We understand that they may need assistance during restarts and getting the ball back into play. The referee is instructed to be instrumental in that aspect. Please also note that no coach or parent is permitted behind the goals.
Parents:	Parents are encouraged to allow the children to play freely. Your role at these earliest stages is to provide them with an environment that is safe and fun; hook them on the game. Free play in a limited areas propels players into a high number of one against one match-ups which develops skill. Basically, whoever is nearest, whether attacking or defending, does the job. The game is the teacher. Without a goalkeeper, every player takes shots with great frequency. Watch closely. Children like to score goals! With less structure and fewer rules, children are free to play and learn about a great game. NO REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS ARE PUBLISHED for U7/U8. Scores are reviewed to ensure that coaches keep the game competitive and not lopsided.
Referee:	Their job is to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child. Duties are the same as a Referee under FIFA Laws of the Game: keep time, enforce rules, stop and restart play. When you stop play for a foul or other reason, take the time to explain to the players WHY! This is their first experience with soccer, too, and the best time to educate all on the Laws of the Game

---------- GUIDELINES TO PARENTS -----------

To make this a special positive experience you have a vital role to play. Please bear these thoughts in mind:
Encourage players with positive statements and actions. That includes the other team.
It takes 2 teams to make a good game.
Set good examples of behavior
Listen and ask youngsters about "experiences" that happened during the game. Those are learning moments.
The game result should be your third or fourth question.
The real winning is PLAYING THE GAME.
Learning takes place during the experience of playing, not by result.
REMEMBER... IT'S THEIR "TURF" YOU ARE ON SO RESPECT IT!

---------- PLAYER THOUGHTS ----------

Enjoy the game and make friends
"Look, Listen & Learn"
You will see new tricks and ideas
Practice them in between games and you might invent one of your own
Be a "Fair Player"
You can spot this player as they set good examples to their teammates. "Well done" "Good effort", etc
A brilliant "Fair Player" is good enough to acknowledge sportsmanship on both teams
It's funny the best "Fair Players" are clever with their play and conduct.

---------- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ----------

( excerpted from http://www.lysl.org/documents/SmallSided_FAQ.pdf and Tom Goodman, US Youth Soccer, National Director of Coaching http://members.cox.net/hrclvp01/HRCL%20Publications/ssg%20powerpoint%20%28goodman%29.ppt )

Why small-sided?
- It makes the game of soccer a better experience for children. More touches on the ball, more opportunities to make decisions, more actual play. Energetic workouts due to playing both attacking and defensive roles. While learning both offense and defense, a player will become more complete and will understand more readily the roles and importance of teammates. There is more exposure to attacking and defending situations. There is more opportunity to solve problems that only the game can present. Players cannot hide or get lost in the small-sided environment. It helps improve competitiveness & aggressiveness. The fewer players on the field, the more possible times a player will come in contact with the ball. In fact, players will find they have no choice; the ball will quickly find them! The small-sided game allows coaches a perfect opportunity to observe and analyze the individual and collective responses of players under quick game-like conditions in a simple environment. It is easier to coach on a smaller field…easier to observe…parent coaches will be more successful.
Whose idea was this?
- US Youth Soccer has been a proponent of small sided games since the 1980’s. Small sided games are endorsed by our national coaching committee, the State Directors of Coaching, US National Team Coaches for Men & Women, including many foreign soccer organizations: England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France, Korea to name a few!
Why can’t they play 11v11 like "real" soccer?
- The 11v11 format is the adult version of the game. Using an adult size field and goals makes little sense for children under the age of twelve.
Other sports don’t alter their game- why does soccer?
- It’s not a good comparison with football or baseball- neither has the element of transition that soccer does. Look at basketball- how many kids play basketball 5 on 5? Most basketball is played 1v1, 2v1 or 2v2 in a driveway! Kids don’t wait until they have nine friends to have a game! Playing on a small field is a more efficient use of space, it takes less time to advance for a shot on goal, and children are more actively involved for a longer period of time.
I didn’t grow up playing this way!
- True! Whether you grew up in the USA or another country, soccer was traditionally played 11v11 for all age groups. This isn’t true any longer- small sided game formats are in use all over the world- not just in the US. How will they learn to play 11v11? Progressing from 3v3, 4v4, 6v6, to 8v8 BEFORE 11v11 is a sound educational method. The problem is that young players were forced into 11v11 before their bodies were physically developed to play the adult version of the game. Any notion that players will be less prepared to play 11v11 is not justified.