A year-long study was performed recently by Rick Fenoglio of Manchester Metropolitan University in England at the Manchester United Academy.  The subject of this study was the benefits of 4v4 games versus 8v8 games in terms of measurable data.

(Re-printed here with permission of the author)

When comparing 4v4 to the 8v8 game he came up with the following findings

135% more passes

260% more attempts on goal

225% more 1 on 1 encounters

280% more ‘tricks’ attempted

How much do you think a player would improve themselves with this much more action in a 4v4 game?

(To read more about Mr. Fenoglio's findings, visit his website:  Give Us Back Our Game )