When your son looks toward the sideline, he is searching for a sign that he is in the right place. At seven, 3v3 is fast-paced and can feel overwhelming, so he is using you as his anchor. Instead of providing the answer, try to become a silent observer for the next few matches. If he looks over, simply offer a calm smile or a nod, which signals that he belongs on the pitch regardless of where he stands. To help him find his own rhythm, give him one simple, achievable focus: ask him to try and stand between the ball and his own goal when the opponent has possession. By shifting the focus from 'correct positioning' to a simple individual task, you give him agency. Watch for how he reacts when he recovers the ball after a moment of uncertainty; praising that specific effort to stay involved is far more effective than correcting his location.
