I presently coach and train U11G and U12G. The small sided games and 5 v 2, 3 v 1, etc. teach faster than any other method and are fun.
I have coached all ages and genders at rec level through high level in soccer. Just wish 30 years ago I had realized the importance of small sided games.
Throw away the tournaments for U6 to U12. Let them start 11 v 11 at U13. Why? Because the tournaments are mostly for tournament money makers, coaches, and parents. Their ego embellishment and dollars are mroe important than development of the child's soccer expertise. The kids have much more fun and learn much faster in small sided games.
Listened to interview with Beckenbauer recently. He is very disappointed in present German soccer training for youngsters. They are playing many, many games and very few small sided games. They played small sided games most of German soccer history and have now tranisitioned to a system that highly promotes 11 v 11 games versus small sided developement. He attributes this to loss of creative one v one skills of young soccer players.
FIFA, USYSA, and most experts from foreign countries have been saying for years that what is missing from USA training and coaching is small sided games. These games teach creativity, fast decision making, control of ball in tight spaces, many more touches, more aggressive soccer. This is what is missing from USA soccer.
Look at the phenominal increase in Futsal players and organizations internationally. England is highly organized on Futsal with professional leagues, etc. Why? Same reasons as stated above. There is an excellent site to review comments by the great players of soccer and their feelings on small sided games.
crosslink.net/~jwall/4futsal.htm.
Hope this helps. Small sided games to embellish your players skills and fun at any age.
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