Core Topic 5: Match Related

Module: Master The Ball: 1-11 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

Every skill I’ve coached up to this point only matters if it transfers into game situations. For ages 1-11, match-related play isn’t about complex tactics but creating environments where they can explore, express, and enjoy their skills.

I use formats like 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 with fun constraints that encourage technique use and creativity. My role shifts from instructor to facilitator, celebrating attempts and maintaining high energy. Success looks like players trying learned skills, showing creativity, problem-solving naturally, and maintaining joy throughout.

This is where players fall in love with the game, and I protect that love above everything else.

Introduction

“Bring it all together. Let them play.”

The ball mastery, passing, receiving, and finishing skills your players have been developing all lead to this moment: the chance to use everything together in game situations. For ages 1-11, match-related play isn’t about complex tactics or rigid formations. It’s about creating environments where they can explore, express, and enjoy their newfound skills.

This is where we see if the technical work transfers into the beautiful chaos of real football. It’s messy, unpredictable, and absolutely essential for their development.

At this age, players are developing their football identity through play, not instruction. Match-related sessions give them the freedom to:

Connect Skills Naturally

The receiving skills they practised in isolation now connect to the passing combinations they learned. The ball mastery work pays off when space gets tight.

Develop Game Intelligence

Players start to recognise patterns, anticipate what happens next, and make choices based on what they see rather than what they’ve been told.

Build Confidence Through Success

When players successfully combine multiple skills in game situations, their self-belief soars. This confidence becomes the foundation for everything that follows.

Experience Joy Through Expression

Football at its heart is about creativity and expression. Match-related play gives players permission to try, fail, and try again.

Learn From Each Other

Players naturally teach each other through example. The confident player shows the nervous one how to take on defenders. The creative player sparks ideas in others.

Game Formats That Develop Young Players

2v2 (No Keepers)

3v3 (Small Goals)

4v4 (Various Formats)

Multi-Goal Games

Treasure Hunt Football

Constraints That Create Learning

Technical Constraints for Young Players:

Fun Constraints:

Creative Constraints:

Create, Don’t Control

Set up the environment and let football happen. Resist the urge to stop play for every teaching moment.

Coach the Quiet Ones

While games flow, help the less confident players find their voice. Give them specific roles or pair them with natural leaders.

Celebrate Attempts

When players try skills from previous sessions, acknowledge it immediately. “I saw you use that turn from last week!”

Ask Simple Questions

During natural breaks, use questions to help players reflect. “What worked well there?” or “What could you try differently?”

Keep Energy High

Use music, celebration, and enthusiasm to maintain the excitement. These should feel like the best part of training.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Problem: Same players dominate every game Solution: Use constraints that require involvement from everyone or rotate captains frequently

Problem: Players just kick ball randomly with no thought Solution: Add goals that reward technique (finesse goals count double, skill goals worth 3 points)

Problem: Players get frustrated when things don’t work Solution: Create multiple ways to succeed (different types of goals, celebration points, team challenges)

Problem: Not enough transfer from technical work to game Solution: Start sessions with brief skill reminders, then immediately apply in game format

Coaching Phrases That Work

Encouraging Exploration:

Building Game Intelligence:

Maintaining Joy:

Session Structure Example

Arrival Activity (5 minutes): Free play with balls - let them explore

Ball Mastery Reminder (5 minutes): One skill from recent sessions in fun format

Progressive Game Format (20-25 minutes):

Free Expression (10 minutes): Minimal rules, maximum creativity

What Success Looks Like

Success at this stage isn’t about perfect technique or tactical awareness. Look for:

Your Role as Coach

During match-related play, step back and become an observer and facilitator rather than instructor. Your job is to:

Remember: at ages 1-11, the match is the teacher. Your technical work gives them the tools. Match-related play teaches them when and how to use those tools.

This is where players fall in love with the game. Protect that love above everything else.

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model