# Free Soccer Substitution Timer for Youth Coaches

Canonical URL: https://pitchtime.app/sub-timer

Take your lineup to the sideline. Follow each change, track actual minutes and keep the whole team involved. Free, with no account.

## How does the substitution timer work?

Open a lineup link or build a quick plan below. Start the clock at kickoff, then tap Done when your changes are made. Skip a change or swap players early when the game calls for it. The clock stops at each period break and waits for you to start the next half or quarter.

Open a [lineup plan](/lineup) and choose Run this on game day, or build a plan on the timer page. Formats: 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11. Browser tool: start_sub_timer loads a fragment or lineup inputs and waits for the coach to start the clock.

At full time, choose Copy match summary, then [save this match to your season](/minutes-tracker). Set the date and opponent before copying.

## Why do equal minutes matter?

A clear rotation gives every player time to learn. Compare actual minutes with the planned target as you go, then save the match summary for your team chat.

Read our [youth soccer substitution strategies](/blog/substitution-strategies-youth-soccer) or use the [playing time calculator](/playing-time-calculator) to work out a target.

## FAQ

### Does the substitution timer work offline?

Yes. Open this page online first and wait for “Ready for offline use”. The timer and lineup builder will then work without a connection. On your phone, use Add to Home Screen in the browser menu to keep the timer handy.

### What happens if I lock my phone or reload?

Your match is saved on this device. Reopen the same lineup link, or open the timer to return to your latest match. Time continues while the clock is running and stops at the period break. Sound and vibration work while the browser can run; a locked phone may silence them.

### Can I make an early substitution?

Yes. Use Swap now to choose who comes off and who goes on. Actual minutes follow the players on the field. Done applies the next planned lineup; Skip this change keeps the current players on.

### Where are my players’ names saved?

Names stay in the lineup link and this browser’s local storage. Anyone with the full link can read the lineup. Reset clears this match’s minutes; Clear saved match removes it from this device.

The app does this every week and remembers who sat last match. Pitch Time generates fair playing time lineups and tracks minutes across the season.

[Get the Pitch Time app](/get-the-app).