Match-day workflow
Match-day prep, in order.
The actual workflow grassroots coaches run on a Saturday morning. Each step opens a tool — work through them in order or jump to whichever you need.
1
Check your pitch + format
Tuesday beforeConfirm pitch dimensions, goal size, ball size, match length for your age group. Use this to brief parents (especially if it's a different format from last season).
Pitch size guide →2
Build the rotation schedule
Friday night / Saturday morningOnce you know who's available, work out fair playing time before the whistle. Print or screenshot the team sheet — share it with your assistant or pin to the dugout.
Rotation calculator → Read the article3
Run the warm-up
8 min before kick-offAn 8-minute structured warm-up across 5 phases — light jog with ball, dynamic stretches in pairs, pass-and-move, short sprints, finishing reps for shooters and the keeper.
Warm-up routine →4
Halftime team talk
90 seconds at half90 seconds, three points, no Churchill. The grassroots half-time talk that actually works for U7-U14 squads — and what to absolutely avoid saying.
Half-time guide →5
Run a mini-tournament (optional)
After the match / friendliesSome sessions end with a 4-team round-robin. Generate the fixtures, track scores, watch the table update — perfect for end-of-term Saturdays.
Tournament builder → Balance the teams first6
When something goes sideways
Mid-sessionSix players turned up instead of twelve. It's pouring rain. Your dominant player won't pass. The "what if" page covers 12 of the most common grassroots curveballs with linked drills.
Coaching scenarios →Why a workflow page?
Grassroots coaches don't think tool-first — they think "what's next on Saturday morning". This page mirrors the actual sequence: check format, plan rotation, warm-up, halftime, end-of-session activity, contingencies. Every link goes to a tool or article that does one specific job well.
Bookmark this page on your phone for the season. All tools · All articles