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3v3•U7•Matchday

What do you do with a completely one-sided 3v3 game?

Asked by peteonline7
1240 views 3 replies
Had one tonight where it was basically goal, restart, goal for ten minutes. Do you just let the short game finish, swap a player between teams, or mix everyone up for the next one?

VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

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@CoachRyanC

UEFA C Coach

Grassroots session design

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I would change something rather than watch ten minutes of goal-restart-goal. The easiest first move is usually to mix the teams for the next game. At U7 I would have no problem swapping a player between groups if it gives everybody a better football experience. During the current short game, you can also quietly help the weaker group get started — for example making sure they have a clear restart and a bit of space — without inventing complicated handicap rules. What I would not do is turn it into adults desperately trying to stop the stronger children scoring. They have not done anything wrong. Let the game finish if it is nearly done, then rebalance the next one. Short games make that much easier because nobody is stuck in a mismatch for 30 minutes.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the football discussion. 3 replies

G

George46

Parent

My daughter was on the wrong end of one of these and by the third quick goal she had basically stopped trying. They mixed the teams for the next game and she was back smiling within five minutes. I would not leave the same mismatch running just because the teams started that way.
D

Dan10

Coach

That is where the short games help. Finish it, rebalance, start again. No drama needed.
B

BecksM84

Parent

We swapped one player after the first game. Kids barely noticed, game was miles better.

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