Small Sided Games

[bethlaxdad]

I am trying to develop a girls program for grades 3/4 and 5/6 and would like to run small-sided games for intra-squad scrimmages. How do you set these up? How big a field? Goalkeepers? Any rules to make it more instructional?

[bethlaxdad]

I have seen reference to a softer ball that is used by some beginners. Do you have any experience with them? Are they a good idea for 3rd and 4th graders? Any thoughts are appreciated.

[molax19]

I've played with an indoor ball which is softer, but is much harder to catch. It might be easier for them to learn with a regulation ball.

[bethlaxdad]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try to cross field setup for the younger girls. What do you think about using softer balls? Is there any benefit for younger players?