NOVASoccerCoach wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different in NCSL
U9 - U10 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 35-50 yards
- Length: 55-75 yards
U11 – U12 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 45-60 yards
- Length: 70-85 yards
- Penalty area: 14 yards

My kids club used the same field size for 7v7 and 9v9 - half a full size field, less about 5-7 yards in the middle where coaches and players sat. I'm not sure of the exact measurements. Makes sense at a busy facility with full size fields as they can have 2 games on each full size field, rather than giving up a full size field and shortening it for small sided games. I know some clubs (DC for example, when they had small sided teams) used the shortened full size field for 9v9, but that was a rarity when my kid played 9v9. Some complexes like Soccerplex have dedicated 7v7 and 9v9, but the complexes without those used, at least in my experience, half a full sized field for 9v9.

For the amount of money and resources in this area, it is quite shocking how poor field size management is for certain level games. The fact that 7v7 kids have to play games on fields that are way too big and then 9v9 kids have to play on fields that are way too small I would say is a huge detriment to their development. Especially the 7v7 kids playing on 9v9 fields.

There's actually an overlap in the sizes listed above - a 50 yard wide and 75 yard long field works for both 7v7 and 9v9, which is right about the size of a FIFA sized 11v11 (110-120 by 70-80) in half, less some room in the middle. Sure, it means that neither 7v7 or 9v9 is playing on the perfect size but good enough. Real estate isn't exactly cheap here, and good fields cost a lot (a turf field is 500K or more to build). So, we either settle on a less than ideal pitch size nearby, or get ideally sized fields fields in a cheaper area and hence a longer drive.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are very different in NCSL
U9 - U10 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 35-50 yards
- Length: 55-75 yards
U11 – U12 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 45-60 yards
- Length: 70-85 yards
- Penalty area: 14 yards

My kids club used the same field size for 7v7 and 9v9 - half a full size field, less about 5-7 yards in the middle where coaches and players sat. I'm not sure of the exact measurements. Makes sense at a busy facility with full size fields as they can have 2 games on each full size field, rather than giving up a full size field and shortening it for small sided games. I know some clubs (DC for example, when they had small sided teams) used the shortened full size field for 9v9, but that was a rarity when my kid played 9v9. Some complexes like Soccerplex have dedicated 7v7 and 9v9, but the complexes without those used, at least in my experience, half a full sized field for 9v9.

For the amount of money and resources in this area, it is quite shocking how poor field size management is for certain level games. The fact that 7v7 kids have to play games on fields that are way too big and then 9v9 kids have to play on fields that are way too small I would say is a huge detriment to their development. Especially the 7v7 kids playing on 9v9 fields.

Anonymous wrote:They are very different in NCSL
U9 - U10 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 35-50 yards
- Length: 55-75 yards
U11 – U12 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 45-60 yards
- Length: 70-85 yards
- Penalty area: 14 yards

My kids club used the same field size for 7v7 and 9v9 - half a full size field, less about 5-7 yards in the middle where coaches and players sat. I'm not sure of the exact measurements. Makes sense at a busy facility with full size fields as they can have 2 games on each full size field, rather than giving up a full size field and shortening it for small sided games. I know some clubs (DC for example, when they had small sided teams) used the shortened full size field for 9v9, but that was a rarity when my kid played 9v9. Some complexes like Soccerplex have dedicated 7v7 and 9v9, but the complexes without those used, at least in my experience, half a full sized field for 9v9.

Physicality rules. Small technical players without lightning speed can’t cover as much ground as quickly as the big guys. These smaller, smart players with great touch/skill that look great on a futsal court or smaller fields will get passed over at most clubs for the big players that can make it end zone to end zone faster, no matter their skill. This will go on until 16 years old when puberty has equalized things a bit more.

They are very different in NCSL
U9 - U10 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 35-50 yards
- Length: 55-75 yards
U11 – U12 Field Dimensions:
- Width: 45-60 yards
- Length: 70-85 yards
- Penalty area: 14 yards

Not in any league I'm familiar with. Which league?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My thought is there is just less space on the field at 9v9. Those players who might have had more room to work at 7v7 have less room, just due to numbers. Coupled with kids getting bigger, faster and better skilled 9v9 can just be a bit too cluttered.

Physicality comes into it too - a lot of the more physical teams can push less physical teams around on the smaller field, again due to size of the field vs number of players.

Some teams also like to play Route 1 soccer 9v9 - a back boots it up the field to the strikers, and a big or fast striker beats the D and puts it in.

It will open up more when it goes to 11v11.

Doesn't the field size almost double going from 7v7 to 9v9?
https://grassroots.fifa.com/en/for-coach-educators/technical-elements-for-grassroots-education/laws-of-the-game-for-small-sided-formats/dimensions-of-the-pitch.html

Same fields 7 v 7 and 9 v 9.

What changes moving from 9v9 to 11v11

Forwards - Must learn to play more with back to the goal. With more defenders there is less time to make decisions in the box, make 1 touch shots on goal, wingers (7/11) need vision and to learn service with through balls and crosses to striker(s). Make runs at goal.

Mids - Transitioning - offense to defense and vis versa, Move into space to be an option, creative passing to create opportunities. Communication. Vision and 1v1 to move ball upfield and avoid turnovers. Ball possession is the most important, get it and keep it. Role separation starts between holding mid, center mid, attacking mid.

Backs - Endurance and 1v1 defending, Movement off ball important to support back line. Handle pressing to move ball upfield. Make runs to support defense and block shots on goal. Play 90 minutes, backs are subbed less than other positions. Work as a unit to prevent goals and advance ball.

Goalkeeper - Goal much bigger - 8x24 foot goal. Height and speed becomes a factor, pass backs and distribution are key, communication and positioning more important, organize walls and corner defense.

OP here and just saw this post from the AMA thread and thought I'd repost because it explains my question a bit better.

"Hey coach,
So u12 girls. I can see some girls getting better and others seem to be standing still. It’s just happening pretty fast. It seems to becoming a more technical game. Some of the big fast girls who were stars last year(and before) are now just okay or worst. They are consistently beat by the technical girls. I am I just seeing things? What will happen when they move to the full size field?"

Anonymous wrote:My thought is there is just less space on the field at 9v9. Those players who might have had more room to work at 7v7 have less room, just due to numbers. Coupled with kids getting bigger, faster and better skilled 9v9 can just be a bit too cluttered.

Physicality comes into it too - a lot of the more physical teams can push less physical teams around on the smaller field, again due to size of the field vs number of players.

Some teams also like to play Route 1 soccer 9v9 - a back boots it up the field to the strikers, and a big or fast striker beats the D and puts it in.

It will open up more when it goes to 11v11.

Doesn't the field size almost double going from 7v7 to 9v9?
https://grassroots.fifa.com/en/for-coach-educators/technical-elements-for-grassroots-education/laws-of-the-game-for-small-sided-formats/dimensions-of-the-pitch.html

A lot of teams add a middle defender and a second midfielder. It helps expose the kids that used to rely on the kick and run offense and makes quick passing more important.

PPs seem to be saying opposite things.

My thought is there is just less space on the field at 9v9. Those players who might have had more room to work at 7v7 have less room, just due to numbers. Coupled with kids getting bigger, faster and better skilled 9v9 can just be a bit too cluttered.

Physicality comes into it too - a lot of the more physical teams can push less physical teams around on the smaller field, again due to size of the field vs number of players.

Some teams also like to play Route 1 soccer 9v9 - a back boots it up the field to the strikers, and a big or fast striker beats the D and puts it in.

It will open up more when it goes to 11v11.

Complexity and fitness, mainly.

Bigger field, so more speed and endurance is necessary.

More players, so the game is more complex, a lot more to think about.

Basically, the kids with higher soccer IQs and better fitness really start to thrive as the field gets bigger and the amount of players increases.

How did your DC's make the transition from 7v7? Advice? Tips? What changes did you see in how positions are assigned and what is valued? Some of DS's team is struggling going from 7v7 to 9v9. Stellar players suddenly look not so great. Can someone help explain theoretically why?