Rolling substitutions: a simple system for youth coaches
How to plan roll-on, roll-off substitutions so changes are quick, fair and calm.
What rolling subs are
Most youth and mini-soccer leagues let players come off and go back on during the game. That makes fair minutes much easier than in adult football. Check your own league's rules first.
Pick a change interval
Changing every 5 to 10 minutes keeps it simple. Too often and the team never settles; too rarely and someone sits out half the game.
Change in pairs
Swapping two players at a time, in the same areas of the pitch, keeps your shape. Tell the players before the game who they're coming on for.
Use an alert
It's easy to lose track when the game's exciting. A timer or a substitution alert on your phone keeps you honest.
Let Roll On do the maths
Fair rotas, sub alerts and minutes across the season, on your phone.