Small-Sided Games
4v4 To Mini Goals: Restart Realism
Maximise touches in a game
Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Defending
Premium
4v4 To Mini Goals: Restart Realism is a 18-minute small-sided games drill for 8-16 players, suitable for Under 9 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs, mini goals. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.
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Attacking
Defending
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Set Pieces
Game Realistic
Organisation
Duration
18 min
Players
8-16
Pitch size
30 x 25 yards
Ability levels
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Pitch diagram
4v4 To Mini Goals: Restart Realism — 4v4 small-sided game · 30 x 25 yards
Step 1 of 5Play a normal game with quick restarts from the side.
- 1. Play a normal game with quick restarts from the side.
- 2. Games of four minutes with a short rest.
- 3. Rotate teams so everyone plays everyone.
- 4. All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
- 5. Rotation: Rotate teams so everyone plays everyone.
- Cones mark the area
- Mini goals at each end
- Ball
- Blue v dark — score in the opposite goal
- Dotted arrow = rotation between repetitions
- Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble
Objectives
- -Maximise touches in a game
- -Attack and defend in small numbers
- -Enjoy competitive football
Setup
- 1A 30 x 25 pitch with a mini goal at each end.
- 2Two teams of four in bibs.
- 3Balls around the outside for quick restarts.
Coaching instructions
- 1Play a normal game with quick restarts from the side.
- 2Games of four minutes with a short rest.
- 3Rotate teams so everyone plays everyone.
- 4All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
Coaching points
- -Spread out when in possession
- -Support the ball carrier on both sides
- -Get goal-side when the ball is lost
- -Shape up quickly on every restart
- -Talk to organise before the ball is live
Common mistakes
- -Everyone chasing the ball
- -No width in possession
- -Slow restarts