Basic Rules for the 4v4 Game
These rules contribute to 4v4 meeting the developmental needs of young players. The rules are:
Shin guards must be worn at ALL times.
Elimination of the specialized position of goalkeeper
No offsides
When the ball goes out of bounds over the sideline (touchline), it is put back into play with a throw in. The throw-in cannot go directly into the goal. A player is allowed one do over.
A Kickoff begins each period of play and after the goals are socred.
All fouls are penalized with an indirect free kick (must be touched by another player before scoring). The opponent must be three yards away from the ball at the time of the kick.
Each game is 4 periods x 12 minuts each. Quarters areplayed at this age group to accomodate the attention span and physical limitations of the players.
Facts Advantages of playing a small sided (4v4) game
Maximizes touches on the ball. Fewer players on the field allows for increased number of contact with the ball and more actual playing time-more opportunities for shooting, passing and dribbling the ball.
Children are actively involved for longer periods of time.
Presents many opportunites to score goals and score goals often.
Encourages regaining possession of the ball as a productive, fun and rewarding part of the game (defending)
Players learn both defense and offense and become well rounded players and understand the roles and importance of teammates.
Maximizes active participation and minimizes inactivity and boredom. No lines, no waiting.
Smaller number of playes makes it more likely that passing and receiving will occur.
Players are required to make more decisions about the game. Learning by discovery, trial and error.
Reflects the appropriate role of the coach as a Facilitator. Allows for more time with the coach/facilitatior.
Makes the game more 'begining coach' friendly because the game is simpler, thus making it easier to recruit more volunteer 'coaches'.
Allows THE GAME TO BE THE TEACHER.
Overal, allows for a greater success rate for the players
A Goalkeeper is NOT used in the 4v4 game because:
Goalkeepers must field players first. Goalkeepers must also learn intuition and anticipation from moving in and playing the game of soccer.
This will provide the opportunity for all players to further develop their running, jumping and passing coordination.
Skills that are realistic for this age group are devloped:
Motor Ability (balance, agility and coordination)
Perception (insight and awareness)
Vision & Problem Solving (choices and decisions)
Physcial fitness & Psychological domain (fun, enjoyment and competition)
The Role of the Youth 4v4 Coach
In 4v4 soccer, the role of the coach is that of facilitator. The coach sets up the game and the conditions for learning, provides some supervision and allows the game to teach.