Small-Sided Games
Four Goal Game
Switch play to the free goal
Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Transition
Possession
Premium
Four Goal Game is a 20-minute small-sided games drill for 8-16 players, suitable for Under 5 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, bibs, cones, mini goals. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.
Back to drill librarySmall-Sided Games
Attacking
Transition
Possession
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Duration
20 min
Players
8-16
Pitch size
30 x 25 yards
Ability levels
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Pitch diagram
Four Goal Game — 4v4 small-sided game · 30 x 25 yards
Step 1 of 3Teams can score in either of the two goals they attack.
- 1. Teams can score in either of the two goals they attack.
- 2. Restart quickly from the coach when the ball goes out.
- 3. 3-4 minute rounds with short breaks.
- Cones mark the area
- Mini goals at each end
- GK = goalkeepers
- Ball
- Blue v dark — score in the opposite goal
- Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble
Objectives
- -Switch play to the free goal
- -Improve scanning and decision making
- -High tempo, game realistic transitions
Setup
- 1Two mini goals on each end line, spread wide.
- 2Two even teams, no keepers.
- 3Coach with spare balls on halfway.
Coaching instructions
- 1Teams can score in either of the two goals they attack.
- 2Restart quickly from the coach when the ball goes out.
- 33-4 minute rounds with short breaks.
Coaching points
- -Head up early to see the unguarded goal
- -Switch the point of attack with one pass
- -Defend the middle first, then shift together
- -Play forward when the pass is on
Common mistakes
- -Everyone attacking the same goal
- -Slow sideways passing
- -Nobody covering the second goal