US Soccer – Player Development Initiative
In 2015, US Soccer introduced the Player Development Initiative (PDI). This initiative would redesign the method in which soccer was being played, with the emphasis on player development, reducing playing stress, and emphasizing more fun into the game. This initiative was mandated by US Soccer to be fully implemented for Fall play, 2017. All affiliated associations/clubs are required to implement the initiative, with all of its’ mandated components.
NOTE: If a younger player moves up to an older age group where headers are allowed. they still may not do headers. The Cal North, no header rule is aimed at players aged 12 and down.
Small Sided Games Concept
Small sided games have existed in non-US based soccer play for years. The concept is part of FIFA’s ‘grassroots‘ campaign for soccer play, and is well established in many countries. FIFA states the following, for the emphasis on small sided games:
- you come into contact with the ball more often
- you experience a wider range of football situations.
- you can play in the attacking and defensive positions.
- you can take more strategic decisions.
- you have more opportunities to score.
- you can really improve your football techniques.
- it is more fun playing in a less stressful environment
FIFA states that in small sided games, “The children are also much more involved in the game (more movement and practice) and enjoy it much more than playing on a large pitch. Fewer players on the pitch and smaller teams ensure that each participant gets more individual attention. There are also more goalscoring opportunies (which is what children want) ….”. FIFA has a ‘Grassroots Festival‘, for emphasizing the Small Sided games concept. US Soccer has small sided game resources here .
Small Sided Game Concept Within US
Player Development Initiative
The Small Sided Game Initiative, incorporated into the PDI resulted in mandated changes to the manner in which games are played in youth soccer. The changes started in 2016, to be fully implemented by fall, 2017. Refer to the small sided games rules for further information. There are mandates and ‘strongly suggested’ items in the PDI. To view what is mandated, vs what is ‘strongly suggested’, view the following:
The US Soccer Small Sided Games Initiative introduced soccer buildout lines, for 7 V 7, in the U9-U10 age groups. The half time for U9-U10’s was increased from 5 min. to 10 min. The initiative also modified the play time for U6-U8’s. U6-U8’s play time is four halves, with a maximum of 10 min. per half, with a 5 min. break between half’s.
Adoption Of Small Sided Games and
PDI Implementation by Leagues/Clubs
The full implementation of the PDI Initiatives has some leagues in a varying stage of turmoil. There is resistance among some long time soccer parties, especially those who grew up outside of the U.S. The PDI is considered a ‘dumbing down’ of the ‘real game’. In the U8 age group, where goalies have been removed by the PDI, there may be a stage of unhappiness from coaches and parents (one parent was heard to state “how can my daughter learn to be like her idol, Hope Solo, if she cannot learn to play goalie in U8’s”. Some leagues keep the goalkeeper, and continue to play 6v6, due to pressure from coaches and parents. The usage of the ‘build out line’ has also come under fire, with some opting to not using it.
For U8 players not playing under the PDI rules, there exists no ‘playing’ ramifications, as they only play within their league/club. For teams playing U10 , ramifications can exist, if they play any games outside of their league/club. The question then becomes what are the opponents using as playing rules, if the PDI is not being followed. ‘Home town rules’ only are good within the league/club that created them. When that team visits another league for games, they then play under their rules. Inconsistency in rules usage can drive coaches and parents up the wall. This can also directly affect how well a team does in a game, if they have not been trained in playing under the ‘different’ rule.
For teams seeking to play in state level games, they can count on playing under the full implementation of the PDI rules, no matter what modifications their league/club has allowed them to use. This can be a burden on teams that did not play under the full PDI rules.
Soccer Buildout Lines
U9/U10 Age Groups
Buildout Line Rules
To Print The Above:
NOTE: Cal North does not allow heading in U12 and down. The US Soccer rules do not allow heading in U11 and down.
U10 Play
Discussion Topic – When Is Ball In Play
There is some confusion as to when the ball is in play and when opponents can cross the buildout line to attack the ball. First, the buildout line only comes into consideration for three items:
- During a goal kick.
- During a goalkeeper save
- For determining offside
Other than determining offside, the following chart lists when the ball is playable and where opponents must be.
To get a print copy of the above: 
In addition to the above rules all other FIFA rules will be called
Further information on ‘build out line‘, and the ‘US Soccer – Player Development Initiative‘ , of which build out lines are a component:
Coaching The Build Out Line
The following film covers some suggested tactics for 7 V 7 play. One thing the author forgot to do was to put the build out lines on their displayed field though.
Information On Buildout Line Tactics
Parents Rules Cheat Sheet
Buildout Line Field Diagram
Buildout Line
Goalkeeper Play/Field Environment
It will be extremely important for team defense/offense that the goalkeeper is fully aware of how the buildout line can be used during play. How they handle putting the ball back into play, for a goalkeeper save, affects the tactical playing ability of a team. Using the build out line as an ‘advantage’, or not using this advantage, under appropriate circumstances, will help the goalkeeper effectiveness. The goalkeeper also has to be trained to understand that they cannot kick the ball until all opponents have gotten behind the buildout line. They must patiently wait until this occurs.
Buildout Line
Defensive Strategy
A defense that is stationary on the half line can no longer be told to let a player run past them, as that player would be considered offside. With the build out line, the player is still onside, if running past a last defender stationed on the half line. The ‘offside trap’ tactic will have to be reconsidered/revamped.
Buildout Line
Offensive Strategy
The most dramatic change will be in how offside is handled. Both defenses and offenses will have to adjust to an attacker being able to get much closer to the goal area, without being called offside. This is an offensive advantage for a team if used appropriately. On the reverse side, a defensive will have to plan/play with this fact in mind. The goalie also has an offensive skill that they will have to learn to use also, in regard to the buildout line. A goalkeeper may release the ball quickly, not waiting for opponents to get behind the buildout line, or they may way until the opponents are behind the line. In a game, with their team ahead, a goalkeeper may effective use the aspect of holding onto the ball, until opponents get behind the line, as an ‘advantage’ for their team.
Buildout Line
Offside
The manner in which offisde is now called, due to the usage of the buildout line has dramatically changed. No player can be called offside, when they are between the half-way line and the buildout line.
The defenders/attackers & Assistent referee will have to adapt to this knew manner for handling offside. defenders/attackers will have to learn different methods for handling their field roles in this new environment. The usage of the ‘offside trap’ will have to be revisited for attackers and defenders. A speedy attacker, positioned at the buildout line will be more dangerous than previously, as they have been allowed to get closer to the goal.
U.S. Soccer Downloadable Information
Player Development Initiatives
Player Development Initiatives FAQ’s
NOTE: The original PDI playing rules, for U10 play, using the buildout line, have not been modified to match the 2019-2020 IFAB playing rules for a goal kick. This change now allows players to cross the buildout line as soon as the ball is kicked. They do not have to wait until the ball clears the penalty area.
US Youth Soccer Small Sided Game Manual
My Summarized US Soccer PDI Versions
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote understanding and knowledge of soccer and soccer health related matters. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Soccer information is related to players playing in Cal North/CYSA soccer organizations.
Copyright © 2017, Jack Smith, All rights reserved. Information contained within this site may not be reproduced in documentation, or on another site, in part, or whole.