Managing Blowouts

Blowout games, where one team dominates the other by a wide margin, are no fun (even for the winning team). This guide provides strategies for coaches to prevent and manage these situations.

In general, having a plan ahead of time is important. By the time you realize a blowout is occurring it may be too late.

Before the Game:

• Communicate with the opposing coach. Before the game, talk to the opposing coach about player experience and team skill levels. If you anticipate a mismatch, you can agree on ways to manage the game to keep it competitive and enjoyable for everyone.

During the Game:

• Implement strategies to balance play. If your team is winning by a significant margin, consider these tactics:

  • Encourage passing. Require players to make a certain number of passes before shooting.

  • Restrict top players. Have your strongest players focus on defense or pass to teammates instead of scoring themselves.

  • Change player positions. Move top players to less familiar positions, such as moving a forward to defense.

  • Pull players off the field. If the score gets too lopsided, you can temporarily have one or more players sit out to even the teams.

• Encourage good sportsmanship. Teach players to respect their opponents, whether winning or losing. Remind them to celebrate with humility and avoid taunting or excessive celebration.

After the Game:

• Focus on effort and improvement. Regardless of the outcome, highlight positive aspects of the game, like teamwork, effort, and specific skills. This shifts the focus away from the final score and onto individual and team growth.

• Discuss the situation with players. If a game was a blowout, discuss with your team how to handle such situations with grace and sportsmanship. Explain why it's important to be respectful and empathetic towards opponents.

By following these guidelines, coaches can help ensure that every game is a positive experience for all players, regardless of the score.