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.

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Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Possession
Small-Sided Game
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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

  1. 1A pitch with two mini goals to attack on each end line in a 34 x 28 yards area.
  2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
  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. 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
  5. 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

Related Football Drills & Sessions

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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