The Gaffer's Blog
Drill Library
Fun

Free Scrimmage — Coaches Step Back

Let them play

Theme

Fun

Duration

23 min

Players (min–rec–max)

10–10–10

Equipment

4 balls, 1 full goal, cones

Set-up

Let them play. Two teams, small goals or full goal, coach only restarts when the ball goes out. No stoppages, no tactical calls, no corrections. Walk the touchline, watch, and remember what you see. This one's for them.

Coaching points

  • Nothing — watch and smile
  • If you must speak: 'well played' and nothing else
  • Make a mental note of anything to address in the warm-up before the first game

Progressions

  • No progressions — just football
  • If energy drops, bring it to five minutes of free shooting at the goal