Walking football: how to pick even teams

Walking football is about staying active and enjoying the game, so lopsided teams spoil it quickly. With a mix of ages, fitness levels and footballing backgrounds, picking even sides takes a bit more thought than in a normal 5-a-side.

Why balance matters more in walking football

There’s no sprinting to make up for a weaker side, so a gap in ability shows quickly.
Players range from former club footballers to people returning to exercise after years away. Mixing them evenly keeps everyone involved.
Many groups play several short games in a session, so a fair split from the start saves reshuffling between games.

What to rate

Rate each player from 1 to 10 against the rest of your group, not against younger players (more in how to rate players fairly). Three scores work well:

Attacking: passing, shooting and creating chances at walking pace.
Defending: positioning, reading the game and winning the ball within your rules on contact.
Fitness and mobility: how long they can keep going, and how well they move and turn without running. This one varies most in walking football, so take it seriously.

Keep the scores private to the organisers, and treat them as a tool for fair games rather than a judgement.

Splitting the teams

Make the teams’ average ratings as close as you can.
Check mobility: one team shouldn’t have all the least mobile players, even if the averages match.
Spread experienced players, so each side has someone organising.
Rotate who plays together from week to week, so the group stays mixed and sociable.

A note on rules

Walking football rules vary between groups and leagues. Common ones include no running, keeping the ball below head height and limited physical contact. Agree your group’s rules before kick-off, and remind new players. Fair teams and clear rules together make for the best games.

Using Playrs for walking football

Playrs works for any small-sided game, including walking football. Add your players with their three scores, tick who’s there, choose the number of teams and players per team, and it picks sides with the closest average ratings. Each team’s average attack, defence and fitness are shown, so you can spot an uneven mix and swap a player. Your squad and history are saved, which helps with groups that change from week to week.

Open the free team picker

Questions

How many players are in a walking football team?

It varies. Many groups play 5-a-side or 6-a-side, and some play larger sides on bigger pitches. Pick whatever suits your numbers and space.

Should walking football teams be mixed by age?

Rate by ability and mobility rather than age. Two players of the same age can play very differently, and balancing on how people actually play gives fairer games.

Can I use Playrs for walking football?

Yes. It works for any number of teams and players per team. Rate players against your own group and it balances the sides for you.