Small-Sided Games
Rotation Four Goal Game
Encourage switching play towards the free goal
Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Possession
Encourage switching play towards the free goal. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.
Back to drill librarySmall-Sided Games
Attacking
Possession
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Rotation
Age
Under 5 to Adults
Duration
20 min
Players
6-18
Area / pitch size
34 x 28 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
- 1A pitch with two mini goals to attack on each end line in a 34 x 28 yards area.
- 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
- 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.
How to play
- 1Teams can score in either of the two goals they attack.
- 2Play restarts from the coach the moment a ball goes out.
- 3Rolling substitutions keep the game flowing.
- 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
- 5Every player must complete each role once before the round is scored.
Coaching points
- -Attack the goal that is least protected
- -Switch quickly when one side is crowded
- -Defend both goals as a unit
- -Follow your pass — the movement is part of the practice
Progressions
- +Reverse the rotation direction on the coach's call
- +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful
Regressions
- -Hold roles for a full round before rotating
- -Simplify the area or the service until success returns
Variations
- -Rotate only the two hardest roles to give them extra reps
- -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch
Common mistakes
- -All players following the ball
- -Ignoring the far goal
- -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one
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- Time
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Encourage switching play towards the free goal
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Encourage switching play towards the free goal
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Small-Sided GamesAttackingPossession
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Encourage switching play towards the free goal
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Encourage switching play towards the free goal
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Small-Sided GamesAttackingPossession
- Age band
- Under 5 to Adults
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- Time
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- Kit
- Balls, Cones, Bibs
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Encourage switching play towards the free goal
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Encourage switching play towards the free goal
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