Underload Four Goal Game

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 32 x 26 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -All players following the ball
• -Ignoring the far goal
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early