peluuttaa

Peluuttaa is a Finnish verb meaning to determine the playing time of players in a team sport by rotating or distributing minutes. It describes the act of using players in a match, deciding who plays and for how long. The term is common in coaching contexts, sports journalism, and discussions about team management. The corresponding noun peluutus refers to the practice or result of this rotation.

Usage and nuance: Peluuttaa often implies a deliberate strategy to manage fatigue, development, or tactical needs by rotating players between games or during a single match. It can be used neutrally to describe schedule or communication about minutes, or to discuss perceived fairness. Example: "Valmentaja päätti peluuttaa nuorempia pelaajia" meaning the coach chose to give younger players playing time. The phrase may carry a negative connotation if minutes are distributed unfairly or inconsistently; context matters.

Origins and scope: The word comes from peli (game) with the causative suffix -uttaa. It is widely used in Finnish team sports such as football, basketball, and ice hockey, as well as in youth and amateur sports. Related terms include peluutus (rotating minutes) and line-up decisions.