April 29, 2002

New Coaching Recommendations and Small-Sided Games

Eastern Pennsylvania has long been recognized for developing quality coaches, consistently fielding a strong Olympic development program, and a willingness to attempt innovative ideas in regard to coaching and player development.

Region Two Directors of coaching recently took a position in regard to coaching and small-sided games. This position was shed with the other three regions, at the recent USYSA workshop held in Atlanta. The position taken by Region Two, reflects the feelings of many coaches in various states, and is the policies of the governing bodies in many countries.

For EPYSA to remain successful and have soccer remain enjoyable for participants, parents, and coaches the following policies should be implemented:

  • Coaches of U6 to U10, minimum requirement State Youth Certificate.
  • Coaches of U-11 and above, minimum requirement State E License.
  • Competitive level travel team U13 and above, minimum requirement State D License.
  • Select, premier, and ODP assistant coaches, minimum requirement National C License
  • Head ODP coaches, director of coaches within clubs or leagues, minimum requirement National B License.
  • Director of Coaching Education and ODP Coaching Directors should visit each league and explain our position.
  • EPYSA coaches should provide parent seminars regarding player expectations and parent behavior. Each parent should be provided with a code of conduct to be followed.
  • Modify FIFA rules, no reentry per half U15 and above. (Travel Only)
  • The most experienced coaches should work with players under 12.
  • EPYSA should officer a National C License and National Youth Certification Course within the state, at least every two years.
  • Develop a comprehensive five-year plan regarding player development and coaching education.
  • Insure that all affiliated leagues follow the policies presented, should the Board adopt this policy.
  • EPYSA should develop structure for a club passes.

In regard to small-sided play the Coaching Staff of EPYSA suggest the following recommendations be implemented:

U-6 (recommend no 4 year olds)

  • Play 3v3 or 4v4 No keepers.
  • 7 players per team; equal playing time per player
  • One training session per week, one hour in length. Two teams play back to back one game per week or at same time on other half of the field.
  • No standings, no reports of wins or losses
  • Downsized goal (probably wider rather than higher)
  • All training involves technique, in a fun game atmosphere, leading to development.
  • All training should be age appropriate. (technique emphasis dribbling, passing, finishing)
  • Game should be divided into twelve minute quarters or 2 25 halves. Equal playing time for all players.
  • Coaches should hold a minimum State Youth Certificate. (U-6).
    Teams may be co-ed.

U-8

  • Play 4v4 (field size see US Youth recommendation).
    7 players per team
  • Recommendations, two coaches 14 players for training. (two separate teams)
  • Goal Size (see US Youth recommendation)
  • Teams play back to back or simultaneous.
  • All training involves technique in age appropriate activities.
  • One game per week, one hour training session per week.
  • Teams may be co-ed.
  • Coach should have a minimum State Youth Certificate. (U-8)
  • Various surfaces and review techniques from U-6.
  • Games 25-minute half’s equal playing time.

U-10

  • Recommended play 6v6 with keepers (field size 50 x 35 to 40 yards)
  • Equal playing time, all players play goal.
  • Two coaches per team.
  • Technique still emphasized; tactical awareness in relation to the ball is addressed. (space, combinations)
  • One or two practices per week, one game per week. Length of game 25 minutes halves.
  • If the club feels a player’s ability far exceeds those of his peers; he should be moved to the level commensurate with his skills.
  • Teams may be co-ed.
  • Goal sizes 7ft by 7 yds if available.
  • Coach should have a minimum State Youth Certificate (U-10).

U-12

  • Recommendation, play 8v8.
  • Number of players per team, 14. Equal playing time, all players play goal.
  • Recommendation, two coaches per team.
  • Two practices per week, one game. Two 30 minute halves.
  • Players may move to higher level provided he or she meets requirements stated in ages 9 and 10.
  • Coaches minimum requirement, State E License.
  • Increased pressure in technical training, introduction to individual and group tactics, introduction to principles of attack and defense.
  • Equal playing time.
  • State festivals replace state cups. No champion declared.
  • Tournament play: Two games permitted per day provided at least 4 hours between matches. (maximum 100 minutes/day per team)
  • Teams permitted to participate in Travel Leagues