Four Corner Game

Objective

• -Teach players to spread into a balanced shape
• -Reward movement into space on all sides of the ball
• -Improve awareness of angles and support

Setup

1. 1Set up a 30 x 30 yard square with cones.
2. 2Place a small corner zone in each corner.
3. 3Split players into two teams in bibs, with one ball.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by passing or carrying the ball into a corner zone under control.
2. 2Only one attacker may enter a corner zone at a time.
3. 3The rest of the team must keep a balanced shape to help the next move.
4. 4If possession changes, the new team attacks the opposite way straight away.
5. 5Let players solve the space and adjust their shape.

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

• -Too many players in one corner
• -No one supporting behind the ball
• -Forcing the play into traffic