Short, sided football is very much a game in its own right with a number of benefits as part of a programme to improve technical development in football. The game of seven a side creates an environment of confined spaces on the pitch which makes the receipt of the ball more often thus developing more individual techniques such as passing, control, dribbling and runs with the ball. Because the ball is touched more often, players will receive the ball under pressure from opponents thus developing their confidence in pressurised settings. Regular one on one contact with opponents encourages quick decision making on overcoming scenarios. The short, sided game also teaches the player the importance of ball retention due to the threat of an immediate counterattack. All skills and proficiencies that are simulated and transferable to a 11 -a-side game.
