Four Corner Links

Objective

• -Create passing angles
• -Switch play across space
• -Support the player on the ball

Setup

1. 1Make a rectangle with one player waiting near each corner.
2. 2Place one or two players in the middle as defenders depending on numbers.
3. 3Keep spare balls on the outside with the coach.

How to play

1. 1The ball starts at one corner and is passed to a different corner.
2. 2Players in the corners must stay wide and ready to receive.
3. 3The middle defender tries to intercept but cannot leave the central zone.
4. 4If the defender wins the ball, they replace the player who last gave it away.
5. 5Rotate corner players every few minutes so everyone works both sides.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Flat shape with no width
• -Forcing passes into pressure
• -Poor spacing between players