PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED
There is an ongoing debate on how best to coach the next generation of football players. This manual puts
forward the case for the use of small-sided games.
In recent years, the use of the small-sided games coaching methodology has rapidly increased in popularity
across Europe and North America. However, this approach is certainly not a new one.
It’s widely held that the practice was first adopted as a structured coaching method by the Dutch Football
Association back in the 1970s under the guidance of Rinus Michels, the inspiration behind what became
known as Total Football.
The Dutch recognised the decline in street football and the damaging effect that would have on developing
players in future generations. They formulated the 4v4 method as a response and it became widely known as
“the Dutch way”.
However, in a chat with Tony Carr, Director of the West Ham United Academy (and editor of Soccer
Coach Smart Sessions), he described how when he was a player at West Ham in the 1960s the great Ron
Greenwood used small-sided games at the heart of his coaching philosophy. Greenwood produced players of
the calibre of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Tony is responsible for some of the best players
in the modern English game - Cole, Ferdinand, Carrick, DeFoe, Lampard, Terry etc.
What are the key benefits of small-sided games?
SIMPLIFIES THE CHOICES IN POCESSION PASS, DRIBBLE, SHOOT .
NO COACHING THE GAME IS THE TEACHER
SIMPLE TO SET UP
MORE PLAYER PARTICIPATION
DIFFERENT GAMES GIVE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS TO SOLVE
MORE TOUCHES OF THE BALL
MORE PASSES
MORE 1 VS 1
MORE GOALS SCORED
WHEN USED MORE GK PARTICIPATION
NO POSITIONS JUST PLAYERS
MORE PLAYER RESPONCIBILITY
SIMPLIFIES THE CHOICES IN POCESSION PASS, DRIBBLE, SHOOT .
NO COACHING THE GAME IS THE TEACHER
SIMPLE TO SET UP
MORE PLAYER PARTICIPATION
DIFFERENT GAMES GIVE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS TO SOLVE
MORE TOUCHES OF THE BALL
MORE PASSES
MORE 1 VS 1
MORE GOALS SCORED
WHEN USED MORE GK PARTICIPATION
NO POSITIONS JUST PLAYERS
MORE PLAYER RESPONCIBILITY
For this manual I have designed 64 different small-sided games. The games are tried and tested with both
grassroots beginners and top youth players in professional academies. The games are designed to stimulate
the players and lead them down a path of learning. This manual brings the 4v4 concept into the new era and
will develop your players in a fun, player-led environment.
I really hope that you and your players enjoy these games.
With best wishes to you and your team
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