Small Sided Games The Way Forward
Small Sided Games Vs 15 A Side Games
Coiste Oiliúna under the direction of National Coaching and Games and Comhairle na Mumhan wish to bring to your attention some important information.
Recent underage game studies conducted by Niall Moyna DCU have raised some very salient points in terms of the development of our underage players. The study concluded emphatically that players who play in small sided games get 70% more touches of the ball, make more tackles and have 60% more scoring opportunities than those who play 15 a side games. Of the players researched, 97% wished to play small sided games again and they gave the small sided games a rating of 9.3/10.
Research also indicated that children derived a greater level of self confidence from playing these small sided games and most felt the games were more fun than full sided games.
Coiste Oiliúna Chorcaí are now instructing all divisions and clubs to ensure small sided games are played at under 10 and lower in both football and hurling from 2009 onwards. Any divisions/clubs not complying with same will be excluded from consideration for any grant aid or coaching related funding from Coiste Oiliúna Chorcaí going forward.
While the number a side may vary according to area and population centres, the smaller the number of players a side will mean greater benefits and enjoyment for the players involved.
We would ask all clubs to ensure these games are not formally competitive. It is recommended that no scores are kept in these games and that all children should get equal game regardless of their ability or their level of physical literacy.
Remember, players come to the pitch to play, not sit on the sideline, if you have players on the side line what message are you sending out to these boys?
Coiste Oiliúna have run many of these Blitzes in recent times and they have proved very popular with the children and coaches involved. We would encourage clubs to engage in these Blitzes where possible. The concept is very simple, just contact 3 other clubs in your area with similar numbers and over 4 weeks let each club host a round of games. Each club can bring 2 teams if necessary to cater for all players so that you can have 8 teams playing on 4 pitches. Do you need 4 sets of goal posts? No, simply use training poles and once the posts are the same for both teams no one will really mind. There is also a great chance in these Blitzes to introduce teenagers to ref a game. It is much easier to ref a game where no scores are kept and in time maybe these lads might become club referees.
The number of players available will determine the number a side you play but a guideline maybe to go 7 a side at u7, 8 a side at u8 etc.
Playing Equipment
It is very important to note that some clubs still use heavy and rock hard sliothars and footballs with under 8 and 10 players.
This is totally inappropriate and could be a factor in decreasing player enjoyment of training and games.
We have recently seen the development of many different products aimed at the GAA market but the most important development has been the introduction of Go Games footballs and sliothars.
They are available as follows
First Touch for 6-8 year olds
Quick Touch for 9-10 year olds
Smart Touch for 11-12 year olds.
Stockists of the products include O Neills and McSport.
They are ligtweight and are specifically designed for the youth GAA market.