Running Up the Score
The SAY Motto is "Kids Having Fun." It is also important for players to develop skills while having fun. When a game's score becomes too lopsided, it is not benefiting either team. The team that is losing by that large of a margin will usually become discouraged and not play to their potential. They are definitely not having fun. The team that is winning finds it easier and easier to score because the other team is discouraged. A good sense of "sportsmanship" is necessary to prevent running up the score. A good rule-of-thumb would be if your team is winning by five goals, it is time to give your team a bigger challenge.
- Have players who don't normally play forward get a chance to do so.
- Add restrictions – such as:
- A pass back to a midfielder must be made before scoring.
- All forwards must touch the ball before scoring.
- A score can only be made from a cross from outside the outer edge of the penalty box.
- Ask to see a specific play or a specific move from one or more players.