Updated 9 November 2026 · Written for grassroots coaches by Gafferbook
In winter, keep everyone moving: no long talks, more balls, short games with rests indoors where you can. In a sports hall, use small-sided games, futsal-style rules, rondos and ball mastery, and use the walls as team-mates. Outside, warm up longer and let players wear layers, hats and gloves.
Indoor sessions that work
- Small-sided games with small goals or gates: 3v3 or 4v4 in a hall is fast and fun.
- Futsal-style rules: a size 4 low-bounce ball, kick-ins instead of throw-ins, ball on the floor.
- Rondos and possession games: perfect for tight spaces. See our rondos.
- Ball mastery and 1v1s: lots of touches, little space needed.
- Use the walls: a wall pass off the wall counts as a one-two.
Training outside in the cold
Players get cold when they stand still, so cut talking to a minimum and use games from the start. Warm up for a little longer, with movement rather than stretches. Give drinks breaks but keep them short.
Let players wear base layers, hats and gloves; keepers especially. On very cold or icy nights, a shorter session full of games is better than a long one.
When the pitch is unplayable
Have a plan B ready: a hall, a hard court, or a shorter session on a smaller area. Some teams use a cancelled night for a fun quiz or a team-building session instead. Let parents know early in the fixture message style group chat.
4v4 with four corner goals
4v1 rondo
Ball mastery circuit
1v1 to four gates