20 things to do when your team is winning big [soccer / football]

I’ve always wanted to write something on things teams can do when winning big.  Just this week I asked one of my trainees how their weekend was and if they played any games.  The answer was “Yes, we won 16 – 0 against a new team in the league.”  My first reaction was “WHAT – that’s ridiculous.”  Once you’re winning 7-0 or so, something needs to be done to make it more challenging.  It’s not uncommon for youth teams to beat opponents by 10 goals.  Read below 20 ways to challenge the more dominant team and keep your opponents from being demoralized. 

10 things technically to do when winning big

1. Complete 10 passes or more before taking a shot.
2. Use only your strong foot to trap, pass and dribble. 
3. Only use your weak foot to pass and dribble.
4. One touch passing.  Don’t allow your team to trap the ball. Everything has to be 1 touch. 
5. Three touches only.  Not 1, 2 or 4 – only 3. 
6. Each player must touch the ball before scoring.
7. One touch finish. You can’t dribble or trap and shoot. 
8. Passes must be played in the air.  
9. Shoot only with your weak foot. 
10. Have the player do a move before they pass.

Tactically – 10 things to do when winning big

1. Sub your best players off or ask the ref if they can play on the other team 2nd half. 
2. Don’t score. If you reach your opponents goal, drop in back and start over with your keeper. 
3. The ball must get wide before scoring.
4. Must be at least one overlapping run. 
5. Every player must be pushed up past the half line before a player can shoot on goal. 
6. No player can score more than 1 or 2 goals each. 
7. Put players in different positions. 
8. You can’t pass back to the player who passed to you. Have to find a different player first. 
9. Play with less players on the field.
10. Every pass must be played on the ground.  No long balls in the air. 

Be a good sport when winning big

Hopefully we’ve all heard the importance of being a good sport.  Win or lose, it’s important to show respect for others and to lead by example.  One of the most mature things in sports is when a player shows maturity after winning big.  Too many kids and adults show arrogance after the game, but let’s continue to treat others how we want to be treated. 

If you watch pro athletes after a match, you’ll see some act like professionals and others won’t.  The ones who celebrate in the face of others are not showing that professional manner.  Can you think of any athletes who have a arrogant personality?  I know I can.  Good news is most pro athletes do lead with a good example. 

Body language and facial expressions matter.   Watch players like Messi, who after the game will shake the opponents hands with a respectful attitude.   This is how you want your personal brand to be remembered.  A person who shows respect for self and others.  

Teaching life lessons to kids when winning big

Kids want to score goals I get it.  As adults we need to teach them that to improve we need to be challenged.  Beating a team 10 – 0 isn’t helping the better team develop, nor the losing team. 

Be humble when winning big.   Kids need to be reminded to not rub it in.  Especially in youth soccer, we shouldn’t want the other team to feel demoralized.  Everyone loses, so let’s remember the times we lost and treat others how we want to be treated.  Retain class and sportsmanship. 

When kids are taught these lessons, they will hold on to them.  Sports is more than winning game and scoring goals.  For youths to learn, they have to be taught.  Together as parents and coaches our job is to help kids on and off the field.  As you know, their brains are like sponges.  Let’s teach them how to develop in these different ways, while making them better players. 

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