How to prevent excessive scoring in lopsided youth soccer matchups

steps THAT A COACH CAN TAKE TO HELP DEVELOP INDIVUAL PLAYER SKILLS WHILE SHOWING GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH TEAMS TO WALK AWAY FROM THE GAME WITH A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE.

Has your team been in a position where they were up 5 or more goals shortly after the start of the game? As a coach, what you decide to do next can have an impact on the players...of both teams.

Excessive scoring does not benefit either team in any way.

Obviously, the point of the game is to score and win. But we are talking about recreational youth players who are learning and growing every day. Finding your team in a lopsided matchup can be used an opportunity to develop individual player abilities, rather than an empty superficial success by dominating a less experienced or skilled team.

Teams who find themselves scoring goal after goal easily can instead focus their energy on individual player development to take away positive experiences from the game for themselves, show good sportsmanship, and maintain a respect for the opposing team.

Communicate and educate your team and parents before you find your team in a one-sided game. Let them know that you may be making changes to help create a situation where both teams can be able to take something away from the game.

Make it more difficult for your team to score without taking awaying the ability to score. Make changes early, as soon as you realize that your team is significally stronger.

Only allow attempts on goal from outside the box

Only allow shots with player's less dominate foot

Only allow shots with one touch finish

Switch player positions, lineup changes

Limit the number of touches your players have on the ball

Require the players to play back to the goal keeper everytime they win possession

Identify the area of the game that your team needs to improve and create on field scenerios. For example passing patterns such as through balls behind defense, overlapping runs, playing to teammate's feet