Half Pitch Football Drills

1. Four-goal possession game

Passing and switching play in a tight area

Set up

Use a 30x25 yard area across a quarter pitch with a mini goal in each corner. Two teams play; each defends two goals and attacks two.

Coaching points

Look up before receiving, switch to the far goal when one side is crowded, and keep the pitch big with width.

Make it harder

Limit to three touches, or a goal only counts after five passes.

2. Channel 1v1s into a small-sided game

Dribbling and beating a defender

Set up

Split a half pitch into three 10-yard channels. Pairs play 1v1 in each channel to a line, then join a 4v4 on the remaining space.

Coaching points

Attack the defender's front foot, change speed after the move, and protect the ball side-on.

Make it harder

Add a recovering defender who starts two yards behind.

3. Box-to-goal finishing

Shooting quickly in a reduced space

Set up

Use the penalty area and the 20 yards in front of it. Players combine with a set player on the edge of the box and finish first time.

Coaching points

Set the ball out of your feet, hit the target, and follow in for rebounds.

Make it harder

Add a live defender after the pass.

4. Half-pitch 5v5 with end zones

Building play and running beyond

Set up

Play across the width of a half pitch with a 5-yard end zone at each end. Score by passing to a teammate who runs into the end zone.

Coaching points

Time the run so you arrive as the pass is played, and use support angles to keep the ball.

Make it harder

The runner must take the ball in their stride without stopping.

What drills work on a half pitch?

Possession games, small-sided games across the width, 1v1 channels and finishing around the box all fit a half pitch. Keep areas around 20-30 yards so every player stays involved.

How do I run a session on a quarter pitch?

Use one area and change the game rather than the space: start with a rondo or passing pattern, move to 1v1s or 2v2s, then finish with a small-sided game on the same cones. It saves set-up time too.

How many players fit on half a 3G pitch?

Up to around 16 players can work comfortably on half an 11-a-side pitch if you split into two games. On a quarter pitch, 8-10 players is the sweet spot for small-sided games.