Core Topic 9: Match Related

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 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, receiving under pressure, attacking 1v1, creating space, using disguise, only matters if it transfers into the game. This final topic gives players the space to apply what they’ve learned in a realistic, match-like environment. It’s not scripted or controlled, it’s the game, and the game is messy.

I use small-sided games with simple rules but complex decisions where constraints guide learning without removing creativity. I adjust the environment through pitch size, number of goals, or overloads to emphasise different skills. I encourage players to scan, adapt, and respond based on what they see, not what I tell them. I coach with guided questions like “What did you see?” rather than instructions because ownership matters.

Game formats include 4v4 with everyone constantly involved, directional 6v6 that’s more like real football, overload games like 5v3 for problem-solving, and multi-goal games where scanning becomes essential. I use constraints gradually including technical (maximum touches, weak foot only), tactical (can’t score until all players in opposition half), physical (pitch size variations), and mental (silent football) constraints.

Common problems include players reverting to old habits (reduce numbers first), same players dominating (use constraints requiring everyone to score), becoming a kickabout with no learning (stop to highlight moments), and not trying practised skills (reward attempts, not outcomes).

I measure success by attempts to use practised skills, decision-making improving, players helping each other, resilience after mistakes, and joy in playing, not just scorelines or perfect execution. Success is progress, not perfection.

Connect the dots. Play the moment. Make the right decision.

Why This Topic Matters

Every skill we’ve coached up to this point—receiving under pressure, attacking 1v1, creating space, using disguise—only matters if it transfers into the game.

That’s what this final topic is about: giving players the space to apply what they’ve learned in a realistic, match-like environment. It’s not scripted. It’s not controlled. It’s the game, and the game is messy.

This topic helps players take ownership of their decisions and develop the ability to adapt, improvise, and stay composed when things don’t go to plan.

How We Coach It

We use small-sided games with simple rules but complex decisions

The constraints guide learning without removing creativity.

We adjust the environment to highlight concepts

Pitch size, number of goals, overloads, or constraints emphasise different skills.

We encourage players to scan, adapt, and respond

Play based on what they see, not what we tell them.

We coach with guided questions, not instructions

“What did you see?” beats “You should have passed.” Ownership matters.

Match-related play gives us a chance to step back. It’s where we see what’s stuck. Where we see which habits are automatic and which ones still need work. Some players thrive in chaos, others need help connecting training to matches.

What Success Looks Like

It’s not clean. It’s not perfect. And that’s the point.

We want players to try things. To solve problems. To make mistakes and learn from them. Think of a small-sided game where a player scans, creates space, receives under pressure, and beats their opponent to finish. That’s not luck, it’s transfer.

That’s everything we’ve taught, stitched together in a real game moment.

Game Formats That Develop Decision-Making

4v4 (Plus Keepers)

Directional 6v6

Overload Games (5v3, 4v2)

Multi-Goal Games

Choose formats based on what needs development, not random selection.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem Solution
Players revert to old habits under pressure Reduce numbers first. 3v3 before 7v7. Build success gradually.
Same players dominate every game Constraints that limit touches or require everyone to score.
Just becomes kickabout, no learning Stop briefly to highlight moments. “Did everyone see that?”
Players don’t try what we’ve practiced Reward attempts, not outcomes. “Love that you tried the disguise!”

Constraints That Create Learning

Technical Constraints

Tactical Constraints

Physical Constraints

Mental Constraints

Layer constraints gradually. Too many kills the game.

Coaching During Match Play

When to Stop

When to Let Play

How to Question

What to Praise

Remember, less coaching often means more learning in match play.

Key Coaching Points

These are reminders, not constant instructions. Let the game teach.

Progression Through the Session

Start: Arrival Activity

Free play or simple game. Get moving, get touches.

Build: Skill Focus

One key concept from earlier topics. Quality repetition.

Apply: Conditioned Game

Constraints that encourage using the skill.

Compete: Free Play

Minimal coaching. Let them play and express.

This structure creates natural transfer from practice to performance.

Measuring Success in Match Play

Look For

Not Just

Success is progress, not perfection.

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