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The Soccer Education Specialists

A division of USA Sport Group

Experience Excellence in Soccer Education

Developmental

Fours

Recreation Soccer

United Soccer Academy, Inc. 2


© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.

Developmental Fours consists of a comprehensive range of innovative game-related practices involving eight game-like variations to 4-a-side soccer. Each game-related practice aims to isolate and encourage the development of a specific set of skills commonly performed during participation (e.g. dribbling, passing, creative play).

What is Developmental Fours?

Is Developmental Fours just for Young Players?

In the simplest of terms, no! Developmental Fours can be used as an effective training tool for players of all ages and abilities, from children to adults. Initially, Developmental Fours was designed to rear a ‘golden generation’ of technically, tactically and physically astute players by exposing them to a stimulating and highly competitive game-like environment during the ‘windows of opportunity’ at 7-14 years of age. It has been widely acclaimed, however, that Sir Alex Ferguson, the world’s most successful ever soccer coach, regularly uses the Developmental Fours program as part of both Manchester United’s respective youth and first team training programs.

Why Developmental Fours?

Street soccer, which encompasses a number of informal small-sided competitive games organized by children with a strong intrinsic motivation for the love of the game and a desire to experiment with skills and tricks, has always been the basic developer of the world’s most talent players. The ‘free playing’ environment created by street soccer leaves children to their own devices and thus enables them to practice skills and techniques without pressure and/or the fear of failure as well as encouraging them to decide upon their own solutions away from adult presence. United Soccer Academy formulated and implemented the Developmental Fours program in an attempt to replicate street soccer and thus encourage more 1v1s, more goals scored, more decision making opportunities and much more fun. As a result, United Soccer Academy highly recommends Developmental Fours as an excellent teaching tool for the development of soccer players of all ages and abilities.

Supporting Evidence

In an empirical research study conducted by Grant Findlay, USA’s Regional Director of Education, video analysis software was used as a reliable observational analytical tool to generate data on the effectiveness of the Developmental Fours program. The experimental procedure involved 16 young players from a pro-fessional soccer club in Scotland. The players’ performance in the eight different game-related practices were video recorded to be later assessed and analyzed. In total, 10 variables of soccer performance were extracted for the analysis. The research findings advocated that Developmental Fours is unquestionably an ‘excellent teaching tool for the development of soccer players of all ages and abilities’. The research findings also revealed that innovative adaptations to the basic 4-a-side format prove to be the most valuable ‘teaching tool’. For further information on the Developmental Fours program and/or the research study conducted by Grant, please visit our website: www.unitedsocceracademy.com




The monumental amount of advantages of playing Developmental Fours can be sectioned into five key components: technical, tactical, physical, psychological and developmental.

Advantages of Playing Developmental Fours

Technical

More repeated touches (or interactions) with the ball by all players – repetition is key to technical development; Improves the player development process and thus speeds up the acquisition of skills – accelerated enhancement of technical attributes; Increased number of opportunities to execute technical skills throughout all areas of the playing area – composure required even when in possession of the ball in defensive areas; The informal environment of small-sided games promotes creativity and the development of new skills and tricks – encourages realistic risk taking; Constant exposure to dribbling, shooting, passing, tackling, ball control and 1v1 scenarios – maximises creativity, spontaneity and development of skilfulness; Smaller, tighter playing areas nurtures the development of a quality first touch under the pressures of time, space and opposition – increased skill demands; The smaller ball is lighter and more easily kicked, controlled, dribbled and passed – develops important technical elements of soccer; Physically advanced players are forced to develop technical skills in tight spaces – allows late developers to catch up physically, whilst forcing early developers to focus on becoming ‘soccer players’, not ‘soccer athletes’; Better success rate leads to improved technical quality of play during all facets of the game – develops the components of a well rounded player; The most dominant players in the team are less likely to maintain possession of the ball for lengthy periods of time – creates more equal opportunities for all players to be involved and thereby develop the technical aspects of the game; Small-sided games often take the focus away from complex information regarding structural issues (formations and positions) – increases focus on individual technical issues; In a small-sided environment it is easier for the coach to identify the root causes of technical skill problems – ‘active coaching’ enhances development of players; Greater number of shooting opportunities in and around goal area – development of goalkeeping skills (goal is also tailored to height of players); More opportunities for shooting and scoring goals – less time between scoring a goal and/or successfully advancing towards goal; Increased number of attempted and successfully executed passes in a forward direction – positive, fast flowing and creative attacking play; Individual participation and development is fostered due to players receiving increased playing time – players acknowledge that practice and playing time is correlated with improvements in technical performance; The small-sided games environment makes it difficult for players to ‘hide’ from being involved with the play – every player must be actively involved in order for their team to have a positive performance.




More space and fewer numbers leads to less bunching around the ball – enhances tactical awareness (positioning and team shape, i.e. diamond); Players develop a basic understanding of tactical play and problem solving in an active game-like environment – teaches the concepts of attacking (create space) and defending (stay compact); More active and individual involvement in tactical transition phases from defending to creating attacking opportunities – more opportunities to play on ‘both sides of the ball’ which in turn broadens their understanding of the game; Whilst learning attack and defence, players become more tactically astute as they learn the roles and importance of team mates – maximises involvement in realistic game-like situations and promotes teamwork and communication; As the ball is often played close to the goal forwards and defenders gain valuable experiences in the most decisive areas of the pitch – any mistake or successful action can transform the overall performance/outcome of the match; Better success rate leads to improved tactical quality of play in both attack and defence – improves combination play and overall team performance; More opportunities to fulfil defensive duties – constant exposure to preventing opponents scoring, making tackles and blocking shots; Repeated exposure to quality and critical decision-making points within a game-like experience – develops game awareness (‘soccer intelligence’); Simplified rules ensure that decision-making and instructions of a tactical nature much easier to understand and comprehend – less complex game situations than 11v11; Players are routinely structured into informal positions at ages when their spatial awareness does not lend themselves to a practical understanding of larger group tactics – rotating positions encourages intuitive development; Playing positions are not adhered to in the early stages in order to encourage the development of more rounded, creative players – greater focus on freedom of expression and self-discovery (‘let the game be the teacher’); At a later stage in the development process, players are more likely to gravitate towards a position in which they feel most comfortable – players themselves can discover their ‘best’ playing position; Players have much fewer interactions and decisions to consider in comparison to 11v11 – a progressive educational method via sequential game formats (4v4, to 5v5, to 7v7, before 11v11).

Tactical

Physical

The ball is in play more often and there are substantially fewer interruptions, thus leading to continuous participation and less static involvement – the ball is in constant vicinity of every player; More active and increased playing time encourages maximum participation and greater levels of indi-vidual involvement – equates to optimal fitness load; Playing on a smaller pitch prevents early physical fatigue – maintains a high quality of play for an in-creased duration; Players become more physically efficient in the small playing area in which they are participating – eco-nomical fitness training during short, high intensity play with ball (conditioning of muscles groups en-gaged in actual match-play); The small pitch dimensions encourages fast attacking play and a high match tempo that ensures play-ers are physically tested – guarantees that the work rate and physical involvement of the players stays consistently constant;




Small-sided games can alternatively be applied as a method of interval training by acting as an consistent aerobic training stimulus – energetic and conditioned soccer-specific workouts (fitness is enhanced through the use of a ball); Athletic growth is enhanced by continuous movement and mobility – enhances speed, strength, explosive power, agility, coordination, flexibility and anaerobic capacity; The small pitch dimensions encourages fast attacking play and a high match tempo that ensures players are physically tested – guarantees that the work rate and physical involvement of the players stays consistently constant; Small-sided games can alternatively be applied as a method of interval training by acting as an consistent aerobic training stimulus – energetic and conditioned football-specific workouts (fitness is enhanced through the use of a ball); Athletic growth is enhanced by continuous movement and mobility – enhances speed, strength, explosive power, agility, coordination, flexibility and anaerobic capacity; This approach ensures a logical ‘stairway of development’ for young players to physically grow into the adult game of 11-a-side soccer – children are not as physiologically developed as adults, therefore, the game must be tailored to meet their needs.

Physical (contd.)

Psychological

More fun and personal enjoyment due to small pitch dimensions and simplified rules – leads to per-sonal growth within and out with the game (e.g. Increased levels of self-esteem); Players can simply play for the love, desire and the exhilarating enjoyment of the game (fosters intrin-sic value) – joy and lifelong passion of playing; Excitement, creativity, greater independence and leadership promotes a highly motivational and com-petitive atmosphere – allows players to feel worthy and important; Greater game involvement and more responsibility improves self-confidence – fear of failure is less likely to exist; For young players the game is easier to understand and comprehend – presents realistic but simple soccer challenges; Players must concentrate more intensively as the action is quicker and more constant than a larger sided format – reduces risk of players losing interest and focus in the game; Individual player personalities have a chance to emerge – nurtures spontaneous moments of creativity and self expression; Less perceived pressure from coaches and parents – less perceived stress placed on players during participation (eliminates negative extrinsic influences); With basic game situations arising frequently, players learn to deal with stressful situations in a com-petitive game-like environment – capitalises on attacking and defensive situations; Players that have not attained the technical skills to enact their tactical choices will be faced with im-mediate and repeated feedback indicating that they must improve technique in order to play more ef-fectively – encourages self-evaluation of performance; Due to increased involvement in a vast number of game-like scenarios players can use mental re-hearsal and imagery to improve their performance – promotes the application of sport/soccer specific psychology;




The emphasis is on player development rather than winning – focus is placed on fun, enjoyment and active participation (‘trophy-free’ soccer); ‘Trophy-free’ football encourages fair play as players take responsibility to make honest decisions which abide by the rules during participation – avoids the need for match officials and the recording of results; The small-sided game environment is more ‘child-centred’ as opposed to ‘adult-controlled’ – minimal instruction from the sidelines; This approach ensures a logical ‘stairway of development’ for young players to physically grow into the adult game of 11-a-side soccer – children are not as physiologically developed as adults, therefore, the game must be tailored to meet their needs. Small-sided games are truly aimed at players of all abilities – not simply for the more talented players in each age group; Higher success rate is more likely to interest an motivate players to enhance their progress – higher levels of player retention; Small-sided games are an appropriate developmental playing environment for young players – progressive in terms of their soccer development; Simplified rules and regulations encourage player safety, player fun, respect and sportsmanship – fair play rules apply to all players, coaches and parents; More efficient use of space and facilities as a number of small-sided games can be played simultaneously across a standard-size pitch – accommodates a larger numbers of players; More opportunities for individual coaching – ideal for the coach to ‘shape and paint pictures’; More opportunities for the coach to observe and analyse the individual and collective responses of players under quick decision-making conditions in a simple environment – allows the coach to tailor future coaching sessions around the strengths and weaknesses of certain individual players and/or the team; Coach has increased opportunity to provide quality instructions in game-like situations – less players on the smaller field is easier for novice coaches; The coach is following the accepted developmental pathway for young players and can be confident that the players are given the best possible chance of success – exploits a model of long-term player development.

Developmental




11-week Developmental Fours Program

4v4 1

4v4 + GKs 2

End Zone (Dribbling) 3

Four Goal (Wide) 4

Four Goal (Long) 5

Four Goal (Dribbling) 6

Four Goal (Across) 7

Possession Box 8

One Goal 9

4v4 10

4v4 + GKs 11




Attacking

Go for goal - be positive

Lots of movement (on and off ball)

Quick tempo / speed of play WK

. 1

4

v 4

Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending

Win the ball back quickly

Compact & narrow diamond shape

Provide depth, cover and support

Creative imagination & freedom of self-expression through free play

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-2-1) team shape. Coach should allow players to have the freedom to express themselves and encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking




. 2

4

v 4

+ G

Ks

Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending





Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-1-2-1) team shape. Coach should allow players to have the freedom to express themselves and encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking

Ensure correct dribbling technique

Use full width of playing area


. 3

END

ZO

NE

(DR

IBB

LIN

G)

Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending




Creative dribbling & creating width

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player dribble into the end zone with the ball under control. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situa-tions. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking

Ensure correct passing technique



. 4

FO

UR

GO

AL

(WID

E)

Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending




Switch of play & creating width

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player scores into either of the two opposing corner goals. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking




. 5

FO

UR

GO

AL

(LO

NG

) Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending




Speed of play, creating length & depth, & penetration & support

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player scores into either of the two opposing corner goals. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking

Ensure correct dribbling technique



. 6

FOU

R G

OA

L (D

RIB

BLI

NG

) Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending




Creative dribbling & creating width, length & depth

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-2-1) shape. A point is scored when a player dribbles through a gate and passes to a teammate. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situa-tions. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking




. 7

FOU

R G

OA

L (A

CR

OSS

) Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending




Ball retention, speed of play & support

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond shape. Two 4-aside games (across width and length) within the defined playing area. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Mini-mum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking




. 8

P

OSS

ESSI

ON

BO

X

Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending




Ball retention, speed of play & support

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond shape. A point is scored when a set number of passes has successfully been com-pleted. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Mini-mum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking

Ensure correct shooting technique



. 9

ON

E G

OA

L Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending




Ball retention, speed of play & shots at goal

Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond shape. Both teams play towards the same goal. A point is scored when a player scores. Coach should encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Mini-mum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking




. 10

4

v 4

Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending





Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-2-1) team shape. Coach should allow players to have the freedom to express themselves and encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Attacking




. 11

4

v 4

+ G

Ks

Principle Focus

Coaching Points

Defending





Game Description

This 4v4 game-related practice is set out as above with players encouraged to play in a basic diamond (1-1-2-1) team shape. Coach should allow players to have the freedom to express themselves and encourage creative skills, tricks and movements in 1v1 situations. Minimum coaching from sidelines.




Team Shape—4v4 Diamond (1-2-1)

Principles of Play

1. Width: using wide areas in attack to create goal scoring opportunities 2. Length: stretching the game by providing an outlet in attack 3. Depth: offering support behind the ball in both attacking or defensive roles 4. Penetration: breaking down the opposition by moving the ball forward quickly 5. Support: moving quickly into areas to assist team mates with and without the ball 6. Creativity: allowing players to express themselves and use their imagination




During Practice: 1. Well done! 21. Perfect! 2. Terrific! 22. That’s better than what I can do! 3. That’s the way to do it! 23. That’s a great effort! 4. That’s a real improvement! 24. You’re getting better! 5. Good thinking! 25. Now you’ve got the hang of it! 6. Keep up the good work! 26. You’re getting better every day! 7. That’s it! 27. You’re learning fast! 8. That’s better! 28. I knew you could do it! 9. Outstanding! 29. I’m so proud of you! 10. Fantastic! 30. That’s much better! 11. Fine work! 31. Superb! 12. Magnificent! 32. That’s amazing! 13. Wonderful! 33. Great work! 14. You’re really working hard today! 34. That’s as good as I have seen! 15. That’s looking good! 35. Keep it up! 16. Good work! 36. Spot on! 17. That’s the right way to do it! 37. You are doing much better today! 18. Top stuff! 38. Keep on trying! 19. I think you’ve got it now! 39. Excellent - I’m impressed! 20. Tremendous! 40. Very imaginative! After Practice: 1. That was really good! 6. That was great, you remembered! 2. I’m proud of your efforts today! 7. You worked well today! 3. That’s the best you’ve ever done! 8. Great effort out there today! 4. You did really well today! 9. You really are learning quickly! 5. You must have been practicing! 10. You’re nearly getting there!

USA coaching staff honors the Developmental Fours program by always creating a POSITIVE learning environment!

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