Adapting to unexpected player numbers at training

What do you do when an unexpected number of players turn up at your training session?

Rob Ward, U9s grassroots coach and FA Youth Award holder, offers some top-tips.

Like most grassroots coaches, it's very rare we get the ‘perfect’ number of players attending our training sessions. At U9s level we would ideally have fourteen players at training, allowing us to replicate our 7v7 matchday format. But more often than not sickness, family commitments, or other activities mean this isn’t the case.

To combat this, there are different strategies I use to adapt a training session to deal with uneven numbers or smaller numbers at training:

1. Set the scene If 13 players turn up to training instead of 14, there is always a reaction of “the teams aren’t fair” from the players (normally the team with fewer players). To counter this I would set the scene for the players by saying “it’s the FA Cup Final and the blues have just had a player sent off". I would also challenge the players to create a strategy to deal with the scenario. This will help add excitement to a session and get the players thinking for themselves too.

2. Use overloads Small-sided matches of 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 feature heavily in my training sessions but dealing with odd numbers creates a great opportunity to handle 2v1 and overload situations. It is a valuable scenario for the players to learn from and also realistic to the game as players will often face 2v1 scenarios during matches. 
3. Manage difference Like most grassroots teams we have a mixture of abilities in the squad. Placing more pressure on some players through a greater overload creates a good challenge for those that need it. Likewise, the team with more players may provide an opportunity for success for some of the other players who don’t normally experience it.

4. Try small-group practices For training sessions with lots of players, my preferred approach is to break the session into three smaller practices using a carousel strategy. If you have an assistant coach or two, this provides the opportunity for each of the coaches to guide one of the practices. The players spend a set amount of time on each practice and then rotate around. If you don’t have the luxury of an assistant coach, it is a good opportunity for the players to take leadership for the activity. Smaller group practices allow each player more time on the ball and, in turn, more enjoyment and development.

5. Never cancel a session Even if there is only one player who is available, willing, and wants to develop as a footballer, they should not be hindered by the fact others cannot attend. Smaller groups or individual sessions can be great fun and allow for more close attention and focus.

6. Have a 'go-to' solution If you feel like you don’t have enough players to run a session, why not turn to Wembley singles? The beauty of the game is it can be played with three players or more. The players will get lots of realistic attacking and defending scenarios whilst enjoying themselves too. It is a useful arrival activity if you’re unsure on your numbers for training as well.

Rob Ward is currently an U9s coach at grassroots club Stoke United FC in Norfolk.