"Statement On Smaller Sides For U11 And U12 Soccer"

We appreciate that this decision will require the resolution of some difficult logistical and administrative issues. Clearly, the NCSL Board and member clubs are in the best position to evaluate and address these issues. In the hope that they can be resolved, we would like to offer our view as soccer coaching directors and trainers regarding the importance of small_sided play for 11 and 12 year_olds in producing skillful soccer.

Simply stated, there is a broad consensus among "soccer educators" in the U.S. that maintaining play with smaller sides (i.e. fewer than 11) at least through U11 is critical to producing skillful soccer players. The countries playing the best soccer in Europe (France, Holland, Spain, and Portugal) realized this some time ago and adjusted their youth programs accordingly. The results, as showcased in Euro 2000, were wonderful to watch.

Why is play with smaller sides critical to development of skillful ball technique and tactics for the U11 and U12 age groups? We would cite three primary reasons:

1. Skill Development Requires Repetition. A player acquires technical skill with the soccer ball by touching the ball, not by watching his teammates kick it. Smaller sides maximize ball touches. But using smaller sides doesn't just give players an opportunity to learn good ball technique, it gives them the chance to learn skillful group tactics as well. The tactical side of soccer (decisions) is primarily dictated by the technical skill level of the players. But even with fully developed ball skills, players must first learn to make decisions together in small groups before they can make decisions as a team. Learning to create and exploit space in attack requires coordination among groups of three to five players. Similarly, effective defending requires groups of three to five players to apply pressure, cover and balance to the defensive effort. Fewer players and smaller spaces increase the number of opportunities in a game for players to work with this size group and provide realistic spaces to do so. It is during these crucial years of ten to thirteen that correct group tactical play should be established. Playing 11 v. 11 at these ages hinders the development of these types of decisions.

2. Skill Development Requires Age Appropriate Physical Challenges. When 11 and 12 year_olds play on an adult_size field, athleticism and speed triumph over soccer skill and knowledge as kids learn to take advantage of the large space in which they are playing. Thus, the predominance of "boot and run" soccer at these ages. Only later, when the children have grown into the field, and athleticism produces more limited success, will the player discover that the price paid for moving onto the big field at age 11 has been a high one __ he has not used the critical years of U11 and U12 to master the skill to play in tight places under high defensive pressure. Good coaching sometimes can overcome the message that playing the adult game delivers to 11 and 12 year_olds; but why should the coach have to fight the game format to teach skillful soccer?

3. Skill Development Requires Age Appropriate Mental Challenges. Children are not simply small adults. The answer to skill development is not just to play 11 v. 11 on smaller fields. Soccer may be the "simplest game" but for a team to play it well is a tremendously complicated endeavor. Unlike many other sports, the game rarely stops so that the coach and/or the players can confer on the next action and the players can resume their assigned positions. Present children with 11 v. 11 soccer at an early age and too often the result is failure and frustration as players who have not yet mastered small group tactics are asked to leapfrog directly into the complex tactics of team play. Allow children to play small_sided soccer appropriate to their development and they can learn the small group tactics that are the fundamental building block for successful team play.

The NCSL has the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of youth soccer in this country. Small_sided soccer will build more skillful players and the kids will love it. Skillful soccer is fun soccer. Please vote in favor of the motion so that soccer with sides of fewer than 11 for U11 and/or U12 can be given serious consideration for adoption.