What is small-sided soccer?

Small-Sided Football

Small-sided football, including five-a-side and seven-a-side football, is a modified version of the competitive sport played on smaller fields with smaller goals and even smaller-sized footballs. The game duration is shortened, and it can be played indoors or outdoors. Due to its simplified organization and lower field requirements, small-sided football is highly favored by football enthusiasts and is a popular fitness activity among primary and secondary school students as well as young adults.

I. Fitness Value

In small-sided football, participants have more opportunities to engage with the ball, take multiple shots, experience higher scores, and face fast-paced transitions between offense and defense. The game demands high practical skills and displays strong competitiveness, thus offering significant fitness benefits.

Firstly, small-sided football is widely appreciated by football enthusiasts for its competitive and entertaining nature, which contributes to physical fitness and overall well-being. The sport effectively improves cerebral blood flow, enhances the flexibility of the nervous system, and promotes the improvement of cardiovascular function, immune system, and physical skills.

Secondly, small-sided football provides recreational value, allowing individuals to enjoy the pleasure it brings. Scoring goals and performing skillful dribbles bring joy and create lasting memories.

Thirdly, small-sided football promotes the popularization of football and the dissemination of competitive techniques. It plays a vital role in the development of football by increasing awareness, improving proficiency in football techniques, and enhancing competitive skills.

II. Suitable Population

Small-sided football is suitable for individuals with a certain foundation in football for fitness purposes. The primary target groups are primary and secondary school students, as well as young adults, predominantly males. Considering the relatively high intensity of the sport, individuals with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or heart conditions should participate according to their own capabilities.

III. Field and Equipment Requirements

Taking five-a-side football as an example, the playing field should have a flat surface with moderate hardness that does not harm the athletes or affect the ball's elasticity. The typical dimensions of the field are around 40 meters in length and 20 meters in width. The goals are 3 meters wide and 2 meters high (smaller goals measuring 1.2 meters wide and 0.8 meters high are also used). The game employs a size 4 ball with a circumference ranging from 60 to 62 centimeters.

IV. Key Considerations

Firstly, small-sided football involves high intensity, particularly placing significant load on the lower limbs. Therefore, it is essential to perform necessary warm-up activities before the game, focusing on adequate mobilization of the lower limb joints. After the game, cool-down exercises and stretching should be conducted to promptly alleviate fatigue.

Secondly, participants should avoid wearing equipment or accessories that pose a danger to themselves or other players, including spiked shoes and jewelry items (necklaces, earrings, watches, etc.).

Thirdly, during the game, it is crucial to strive for accurate movements. Inaccurate movements increase the risk of committing fouls or causing injuries to oneself or others, thus heightening the potential for sports-related injuries. Collisions are common in football, and if injured, individuals should decide whether to continue playing based on the severity of the injury, seeking appropriate medical attention when necessary.

Lastly, due to the relatively high intensity of the sport, it is important to replenish fluids in a timely manner during physical activity. Drinking functional beverages can be considered for hydration purposes.