Reshaping Youth Soccer (The 3v3 Format)
Fifteen year ago, most soccer programs played 11 players verses 11
players (11v11) for ALL age groups, including the 5 and 6-year olds.
About 10 years ago, after an understanding that little kids view the
world differently than adults, Region 88 changed this to play 7v7 for
the
Under-6 age group. In the desire
to
allow more
children to play, it slowly evolved into
8v8. Although well-intentioned, this took away all advantages that smaller
sided games had and many players never touched the ball during an entire
game.
This
year, Region 88 is one of the first soccer leagues in the area to take
the bold, but necessary, steps to bring the game back to the players,
and has adopted the 3v3 guidelines for the Under-6
Division
for the 2005
Fall
season. This is recommended by AYSO National, US Soccer Federation,
and many youth development programs around the world.
Basically, teams would still consist of 10 players each, but on game
day, the team would be split up into two teams of 5 players each. Instead
of one larger field for 8v8, two smaller fields would be used side-by-side
and each team would have a maximum of 3 players playing at one time with
2 substitutions.
With minimal logistical changes, the immediate and long-term result
would be better skilled players, higher retention of players, a simpler
and age-appropriate program for the U6 level, and more fun for all involved.
Following is a lengthy but detailed analysis of the 3v3 program, explaining
how the switch to 3v3 will benefit our youngest players of Region 88,
as well as the entire region:
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