Small-Sided Games

Two-Touch 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.

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Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Possession
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
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Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Two Touch

Age

Under 5 to Adults

Duration

18 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. 2Place a marker at every receiving position so players know where to set the ball before it arrives.
  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. 4Ball enters from the coach and the first receiver is on two touches from that moment.
  5. 5Count completed sequences under the touch limit — best of three 3-minute rounds.

Coaching points

  • -Attack the goal that is least protected
  • -Switch quickly when one side is crowded
  • -Defend both goals as a unit
  • -First touch out of the feet and into the direction of the next pass

Progressions

  • +Drop the central players to one touch
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Allow three touches while the picture is being learned
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Two touches in your own half, free touches in the final third
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -All players following the ball
  • -Ignoring the far goal
  • -Taking a settling touch that kills the tempo

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