Small-Sided Games

4v4 To Mini Goals: Switch To Score

Maximise touches in a game

Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Defending

4v4 To Mini Goals: Switch To Score is a 18-minute small-sided games drill for 8-16 players, suitable for Under 10 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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Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Defending
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Switching Play
Team Shape
Decision Making

Duration

18 min

Players

8-16

Pitch size

30 x 25 yards

Ability levels

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: 4v4 To Mini Goals: Switch To Score12330 x 25 yards

4v4 To Mini Goals: Switch To Score — 4v4 small-sided game · 30 x 25 yards

Step 1 of 5Play a normal game with quick restarts from the side.

  1. 1. Play a normal game with quick restarts from the side.
  2. 2. Games of four minutes with a short rest.
  3. 3. Rotate teams so everyone plays everyone.
  4. 4. A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
  5. 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

  1. 1A 30 x 25 pitch with a mini goal at each end.
  2. 2Two teams of four in bibs.
  3. 3Balls around the outside for quick restarts.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Play a normal game with quick restarts from the side.
  2. 2Games of four minutes with a short rest.
  3. 3Rotate teams so everyone plays everyone.
  4. 4A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.

Coaching points

  • -Spread out when in possession
  • -Support the ball carrier on both sides
  • -Get goal-side when the ball is lost
  • -Recognise when the near side is blocked
  • -Change the point of attack with a fast, driven pass

Common mistakes

  • -Everyone chasing the ball
  • -No width in possession
  • -Slow restarts

Where this drill fits

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