Four Gate Finish

Objective

• -Find a scoring route quickly
• -Finish from different angles
• -Make quick choices near goal

Setup

1. 1Place four cone gates around the outside of the pitch, one on each side.
2. 2Set up a mini goal or scoring line at one end if needed, depending on numbers.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs.
4. 4Start one ball with the coach and spread players across the middle.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by making a pass or dribble through any gate and then finishing in the target goal or over the end line.
2. 2After a score, restart immediately from the coach to the other team.
3. 3Encourage players to choose the gate that gives the best chance of a quick finish.
4. 4If the ball goes out, the nearest player restarts with a quick pass in.
5. 5Keep the game short and intense with lots of attempts.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Shooting from poor angles
• -Standing in front of the gate
• -Not reacting to rebounds