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9v9•U12•General Football

We are using bigger goals than the 9v9 recommendation

Asked by GeordieJ82
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Our venue cannot provide 16x7 goals every week, so some matches are played in larger goals. The games become very high scoring and goalkeepers seem reluctant to come off their line because so much space is behind them. How much does goal size genuinely change the learning, and should clubs adapt anything when the correct equipment is unavailable?

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@CoachMattH

UEFA B Coach

9v9 tactical • player development

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The recommended U12 and U13 goal size is 16 by 7 feet, and a larger goal does change the game. Shots that would normally be manageable become goals, the goalkeeper's starting position feels more exposed and defenders can begin protecting the goal rather than defending the football. I would raise the equipment issue with the club, venue and competition rather than asking the players to solve it every week. They can confirm whether the fixture should proceed and what permitted alternative is available. On the day, avoid judging the goalkeeper against an unsuitable goal. Keep the coaching focused on decisions, positioning and reactions. I would not simply tell the keeper to stand deeper. That can create other problems. Correct equipment supports the intended 9v9 experience, so this is an organisational matter as well as a coaching one. A practical point is that the decision should sit with the competition and club officials, not the goalkeeper or individual coach. Raise it before matchday where possible and ask what approved alternative is permitted. If the fixture proceeds, record the issue and coach the game sensitively. A repeated equipment problem should be escalated rather than normalised.
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GeordieJ82
If the competition says the match can go ahead in the larger goals, would you say anything to both goalkeepers beforehand or just treat it normally and avoid drawing attention to it?
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@CoachMattH
I would acknowledge it briefly and then move on. Tell both keepers the goals are larger than ideal, so decisions and positioning matter more than the scoreline. I would not keep mentioning it during the match. The adults should carry the equipment concern so the children are free to play.

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