WHAT IS SHORT-SIDED
SOCCER?
Short-sided soccer is about what is best for young soccer players.
It's for AYSO coaches, referees, administrators, spectators, and
anyone else concerned with the development of 5 to 12 year old soccer
players.
WHY SHORT-SIDED SOCCER?
Because young players need special consideration. Little research
or attention has been given this critical period in the development
of the under-12 year old players, but most educators agree the early
learning experiences are the most important and result in the result
in the most retention.
Traditionally, youth soccer programs are viewed
from an adult perspective, using the 11-a-side game as a reference.
But we need to remember these important points about young players:
- Children must be treated as children, not as
mini-adults.
- Children are essentially self-oriented and
only relate naturally to a friend or two, not to grougs of six
or more.
- Children cannot sustain prolonged activity
and function best with frequent rest periods.
- Children have a limited span of attention,
so frequent activity changes are necessary.
- Children focus best when learning activities
are fun.
- Almost 70 percent of AYSO coaches are first-time
coaches-parents with little free time. Short-sided soccer is a
way to ease adults into coaching as well as te ease children into
playing.
- Be creative and remember, children play games
to have fun. Short-sided games help ensure children have fun and
at the same time, maximize their learning opportunities.
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