Why do we play 3v3 or 4v4?

I never get tired on answering the question "Why do we play small-sided games?"

I have many answers to the question. I plan to keep adding to this list:

1. Read about the NHSA 4v4 Program, designed by Jeff Pill and Dave Simeon. The document has a lot of great variations on 4v4 - ways to keep the game interesting and fun!
2. US Youth Soccer is in agreement with every international governing body of soccer – children under the age of 13 should not play full-sided games. The recommendations of US Youth Soccer are listed at http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/smallsidedgames.asp
3. More freedom of expression; there are no positions; children will find their own position. A player can be a forward, midfielder and defender during the course of the game. Children will migrate to areas of the field where they feel comfortable. When they are older we will discover their best position.
4. More child-centered not coach controlled. The role of the coach is “facilitator”.
5. More experience in all phases of the game. There is no hiding or dominant player hogging the ball. Every child has to participate in all facets of the game, attack and defend. The emphasis is on player development.
6. There is a greater demand on mental concentration. The game is more fun to play because the players are always involved.
7. More opportunities for problem solving are created for the players to work out together. Hence “teamwork” is promoted!
8. This match environment now demands transition and thus tactical awareness. The players are involved on both sides of the ball, so there is no hiding in the weeds.
9. There is a greater demand on individual and group tactics. The team tactical concept of compactness is enhanced in the small sided game.
10. Match Observations: In the 4 vs. 4 game on a smaller field, most of the players (88%) touched the ball 3-4 times more in several different categories such as: goals, shots on goal, completed and lost passes and total passes while still maintaining similar completion ratios of 31 versus 35%. When no positions were given to the players (the player's were free to move around the field) the results were that they were much more involved and subsequently touched the ball 3-4 times more. The individual Player Performance Analysis clearly illustrates a much more active involved player in the 4 vs. 4 game in comparison with that same player that seemed hidden and uninvolved in the 8 vs. 8 game.
11. Training Objectives: a) Provide maximum fun and enjoyment for the players; b) Challenge players; c) Develop playing ability incrementally; d) Create opportunities for success, regardless of ability.
12. “As a kid you need to touch the ball as much as you can. You should always be with the ball. You should have a feeling that wherever the ball is, you can do anything with it. No matter where it is, where it is on your body, how it’s spinning, how it’s coming at you, the speed it’s coming at you, anything. You can learn the tactical side of the game later. It’s amazing to me that people put so much emphasis on trying to be tactical and worry about winning when it doesn’t matter when you’re 12 years old. We’re going to have big, strong, fast players. We’re Americans, we’re athletes. But if we never learn at an early age to be good on the ball, then it’s just useless.” -- Landon Donovan