Small-Sided Games

Finishing Four Goal Game

Encourage switching play towards the free goal

Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Possession
Premium

Encourage switching play towards the free goal. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

Back to drill library
Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Possession
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Finishing

Age

Under 5 to Adults

Duration

20 min

Players

6-18

Area / pitch size

38 x 32 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs, Mini Goals

Coaching focus

Encourage switching play towards the free goal

Objective

  • -Encourage switching play towards the free goal
  • -Create constant decision-making
  • -Maximise touches and involvement

Setup

  1. 1A pitch with two mini goals to attack on each end line in a 38 x 32 yards area.
  2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
  3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

How to play

  1. 1Teams can score in either of the two goals they attack.
  2. 2Play restarts from the coach the moment a ball goes out.
  3. 3Rolling substitutions keep the game flowing.
  4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
  5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Coaching points

  • -Attack the goal that is least protected
  • -Switch quickly when one side is crowded
  • -Defend both goals as a unit
  • -Head up before the strike — pick the side, then commit

Progressions

  • +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -All players following the ball
  • -Ignoring the far goal
  • -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball

Related Football Drills & Sessions

Build a full session around this drill

Related drills

Age band
Under 5 to Adults
Players
6-18
Time
18 min
Area
36 x 30 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Bibs
Focus
Small-Sided Game
Small-Sided Games
FREE

Tempo Four Goal Game

Encourage switching play towards the free goal

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Small-Sided GamesAttackingPossession