7v7 Scrimmage
Close out practice with a real game — 7v7 with a keeper in each goal, full match conditions, and every rule in play.
The full-sided game lets players focus on team tactics in realistic situations and respond to the problems the game itself presents — which is why it ends most good practices.
Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive
- Grab: Cones to mark the field, pinnies for one team, balls, and your two full-size goals.
- Build: Build a field about 60 by 40 yards with a full-size goal on each end line — smaller field and smaller numbers for a younger group.
- Place: Two even teams of seven — six field players each, and a goalkeeper in each goal.
Show me the setup picture
One thing to remember: Team play and team tactics in realistic game situations — correct team shape, speed of play, and responding to the problems the full-sided game presents.
How it runs — the whole game in one sentence
Two teams of seven play a real match under full game rules — throw-ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, all of it — while you let the game do the teaching.
1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Split the teams evenly into 7v7 — six field players per team and a goalkeeper in each goal. For younger players with fewer field players, reduce the size of the field and the numbers to match.
Coach says
Two even teams — one of you in each goal. This one's a real game.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Set the conditions — a small-sided game played under match conditions. All game rules apply, throw-ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, and the rest.
Coach says
Every rule counts today — throw-ins, corners, goal kicks. Play it like game day.
3Play▾
Coach does
Let the game be the teacher — hold most of your coaching and watch for correct team shape and the speed of play.
Coach says
Keep your shape! Quicker now — move it, move it!
Look for: Correct team shape holding while the ball moves — and the speed of play.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
For later rounds, add a minor restriction to focus the game on a specific topic — the topic, and the rule, are yours to pick.
Coach says
Same game, one new rule this round — listen up!
If it's not working
If the game collapses into one crowd around the ball, stretch the field while they play — room does what shouting can't.
Want to go deeper? Optional — not needed to run the game.
Why are we doing this?
What are they learning?
How can I change it?
Harder: Add minor restrictions to focus the game on a specific topic.